Out.com Fashion Advice: Tie One On!

Each week, the fashion editors at Out.com answer your fashion questions! Visit Out.com for new advice or seek answers to your own style quandaries by sending an email to fashionadvice@out.com!

Q:
I've noticed a lot of bowties showing up in stores like Club Monaco lately. Are they back in style or are these stores just reaching out to older customers?

A:After years of skinny ties and mod style, designers like Ralph Lauren, Etro, Paul Smith, Thom Browne and Band of Outsiders all featured bowties in their spring runway presentations. But the nerdy-chic classic isn't reserved for math geeks and history professors, it's making inroads among younger, trendy guys. If you want to give the nerdy-prep-school look a shot, pick up a solid bowtie and pair it with a button down shirt and a light-weight spring cardigan, v-neck sweater or vest. If you are feeling particularly brave, tie on some bolder patterns and colors. But do yourself a favor and avoid the pre-tied clip-on. If you're man enough to work a bowtie, you can figure out how to tie the thing properly or you'll go from nerdy-chic to plain geek.