Can You Wear A Tie Without Looking Like A Scene Kid?

The return of certain '00s trends (UGG boots, or nah? Ring watches... maybe?) has sparked many a discussion in the Wheretoget offices, but perhaps no accessory from the era met with the kind of unanimous horror as the necktie – we're about the peak Avril Lavigne, like-4-like MySpace-era necktie. Is it possible, we asked, to wear one in 2017 without looking like a scene kid or an extra from the Gossip Girl set? 

Is there any way to effortlessly and nonchalantly wear a tie, without having it camp up your whole outfit? Not really. If you're up for a challenge, however, we've put together three styling tips for successfully rocking a necktie. 

Scroll through our styling tips and shop a selection of ties at the bottom of the page. 

Go Long

 
The more fabric, the more room to play with. Going for a longer tie (especially one on the skinny side) and experiment with the way you knot it, but be sure to drape the majority of the length of it around your neck and chest. 

Image: Redreidinghood.com

Go Dandy or Go Home

 
Okay, so this isn't a scene kid get-up, but it's a lot of look. Still, there's something very chic and relevant about rocking a dandy-centric, Fashion-Week-darling outfit that we can get on board with. If you need cues on just how many Liberty prints you can layer before getting a headache, look to dandy babe Esther Quek (below) for insight. 

Image: Letsrestycle.com

Memorable Material

 
Pick a tie made from a material that feels less Michael Scott and more Madonna (i.e. sequins, silk and satin) and favor a looser knot for a more relaxed look and layer into a smart-casual outfit. 

Image: Chroniclesofher.com