On just about everything, we prefer a slim silhouette. We find that things with a slim cut tend to look more put together, and generally just a bit more dressy. Don’t get us wrong, we aren’t saying that everything looks great with a slim or “skinny” cut, but there are definitely a ton of great slim options currently on the market. For example, for their Fall 2011 line, the team at Smart Turnout has released a fantastic group of slim cut ties. Our favorite is the Nelson ($79).
If you aren’t familiar with Smart Turnout, you should be. Based in London, the brand has an undoubtedly British influence that adds a bit of a modern touch to some great classic looks. The Nelson tie is a perfect example of this. The simple navy, red, and grey striped tie has a timeless look, yet is only 2 3/4″ wide at its widest point (traditional ties are normally about 3 1/2″), for a look that is decidedly more modern than many of the ties that currently hang in our closet. Made of a quite heavy wool/cotton blend, the Nelson is a tie that we probably wouldn’t tie on in the heat of summer, but now that temperatures are beginning to fall, we have a feeling it is going to be a frequent wear for the next few months.