It's a cliche from the '80s -- the idea being that assertive, alpha-male types wore bold ties -- reds and yellows, very vivid, and in simple patterns. Of course, the net effect is that an awful lot of insecure twerps who wanted to look like assertive, alpha-male types bought loud ties.

 

So no, it's typically not.

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Dial up the Donald Trump collection anywhere, e.g. EBay. There's a deliberate "too-muchness" to every single necktie. Do you like Trump's look?

 

A power tie is a silly concept that means nothing to anyone except silly people.

 

"Power tie" can also be a passive aggressive dig from a non-tie wearer (including women) to someone who dares to dress more formally than some of those who surround him.

 

IMO, power tie & power suit are irrelevant terms.

If you dress tastefully & appropriately for a given situation, you can't go wrong.

 

Definitely an 80's term - think Gordon Gekko with an Armani suit and a bright red tie. I don't think it is completely pejorative. Perhaps a modern iteration would be a nice structured suit with well - a bright red tie! But seriously, I think we all have brighter ties in our wardrobe which clearly convey a stronger image than say a pastel tie.

 

But seriously, I think we all have brighter ties in our wardrobe which clearly convey a stronger image than say a pastel tie.

True.

In a similar manner, I would think a dark suit projects a stronger image than a light/lighter suit -- not that there is anything wrong with wearing light/lighter suits. I like to wear medium gray suits.

 

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the thought of a "power tie." I know certain colors do different things to people when it comes to the mind. Is that the idea? I would think that confidence and sounding like you know what your talking about would do the trick better than any tie. Am I missing something?

 

Actually, yes - I think you are missing something. Ties can certainly give a subliminal message - for instance if you wear a printed tie with some crazy crap on it - that sends a message. A bow tie definitely sends a message - think professorial preppy nerd (usually accompanied by horn rimmed glasses). Black tie - well that speaks for itself. I am not saying that the tie supersedes the rest - but it can set the tone. Or not wearing one at all with a suit - that perhaps is the worst for me - especially with a button down shirt. Means you are too lazy to put on a tie or in the event you just didn't want to wear a tie that day then you are too lazy to match a jacket to slacks.

 

I have a hard time wrapping my head around the thought of a "power tie." I know certain colors do different things to people when it comes to the mind. Is that the idea? I would think that confidence and sounding like you know what your talking about would do the trick better than any tie. Am I missing something?

Before you speak, people will judge you by how you look and how you dress.

 

Power tie = one that requires a battery.

 

Actually, yes - I think you are missing something. Ties can certainly give a subliminal message - for instance if you wear a printed tie with some crazy crap on it - that sends a message. A bow tie definitely sends a message - think professorial preppy nerd (usually accompanied by horn rimmed glasses). Black tie - well that speaks for itself. I am not saying that the tie supersedes the rest - but it can set the tone. Or not wearing one at all with a suit - that perhaps is the worst for me - especially with a button down shirt. Means you are too lazy to put on a tie or in the event you just didn't want to wear a tie that day then you are too lazy to match a jacket to slacks.

I guess I have never been in a situation where a tie mattered. Either that or I didn't know it mattered.

 

Before you speak, people will judge you by how you look and how you dress.

That is true, but i would think that would be more about the suit and shoes than the tie.

 

I know certain colors do different things to people when it comes to the mind.

Power tie.

 

That is true, but i would think that would be more about the suit and shoes than the tie.

Yes, your suit should be predominant, but your tie can make a statement, too.

 

Power tie = one that requires a battery.

I think the thread should be closed after this one..well played

 

Power tie = one that requires a battery.

LOL. Your post reminds me of a Christmas tie I wore for years that featured a Christmas tree on which the star/light at the top would light up. Alas, the non-replaceable battery eventually died, the tie becoming powerless() and now it is but one of several "gaudy, loud" ties I've purchased over the years!

 

Definitely an 80's term - think Gordon Gekko with an Armani suit and a bright red tie. I don't think it is completely pejorative. Perhaps a modern iteration would be a nice structured suit with well - a bright red tie! But seriously, I think we all have brighter ties in our wardrobe which clearly convey a stronger image than say a pastel tie.

Gordon Gekko wore bespoke Alan Flusser suits in Wall Street, not Armani.

 

More specific question: Are these "power ties?" Are they good or bad? Intended purpose: conservative business casual to conservative business dress. They are all ties I've recently bid on at eBay. 5 photo attachments following:

 

2 more

 

1 more. If these are "power ties," maybe that is ok and so be it??

 

No, they're attractive ties! :thumbs-up:

I'm not wild about the last one, due to it's color, but that's simply an issue of personal preference. I find all the others quite appealing, and would be pleased to wear any of them.

 

Yes, your suit should be predominant, but your tie can make a statement, too.

Hey, the last one is the favorite tie I own!
I understand that the tie can make a statement and I understand the importance with wearing an appropriate tie (which i though was a given) but to me that doesn't mean a power tie. That just means dressing for the occasion. Maybe I will never get it, but if I was to be put in a position where I needed to dress up, I am not going to wear a tie with duckies on them. I am going to dress sharp. Obviously it is my opinion, but to me there is no power tie. You just have to dress for the occasion.

 

Contrary to my earlier snarky post, back when I wore suits to the office regularly, I was often told that the ties I wore were "power ties." That wasn't my interest; I simply chose ties that I liked. Assuming one has acceptably good taste, I think that's the right approach to take in selecting ties -- wear what you like.

Of course now, my taste runs more to things like Psycho Bunny, so I'm not a good resource on these things.