Color Counts: There are colors that don’t go together. Use your color wheel and match your colors properly. The complementary colors go together because they accentuate one another.

 
Seasonal Modifications: The color palettes that are appropriate in winter aren’t the same as those in summer. Save your pastels and pale shades for those warmer days and the richer, jewel tones for autumn and winter months.

 
Don’t Mix Your Patterns: Ties with bold or flashy patterns can make a real impact on your look, but don’t couple them with a shirt that has stripes or a pattern. There are always exceptions, but unless you’re confident the patterns will match, play it safe and stick to only one pattern or type of stripe.

 
 
You can actually classify your ties into categories that can help you understand what looks are appropriate. The basic groups are:

Traditional: These are your classic ties in a solid color, or simple stripes or small-pattern designs. These are the ties that you wear for the majority of your dressier functions and business situations.

 
The Monochromatic Look: This has become a popular look among professionals and those who want a slick look. It involves shirts and ties coordinated in the same color and in some cases the same shade of the color. Usually the difference in the color is created by the texture of the fabrics used for the tie and shirt. These create a very dramatic and in some cases bold look that is flattering and easy to coordinate.

Novelty Ties: These include the classic fish tie, or the keyboard tie, or the hand-painted tie with the hula dancer on it; basically, any number of images and icons used as graphics on a necktie. These types of ties are great accessories for situation where it’s okay to be funny, or show your whimsy, but they are inappropriate when you need to present a professional or dignified appearance.

 
The Power Tie: These are ties that are typically in a very bold color – such as red – or a bold and expressive pattern/color combination. These ties are called power ties because they make a statement and are typically worn in situations where you want to “stand out” and draw attention to yourself. These power ties still need to be color coordinated.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have no need to worry about looking right in different situations. Just remind yourself to think of the setting you will be in, choose colors that complement or blend and keep the look simple.