Being able to select the right interview tie is of paramount importance for the big day! In this guide, we cover the 10 Best Shirt & Tie Combinations for an interview setting.
The big day is approaching. As preparedness turns to anticipation at what the interview might bring, you get ready to lay out your clothes for the following day. Following protocol – or so you’ve been told – to minimize decision fatigue so that you can focus on the task at hand the next morning – the interview. As you rummage through your wardrobe, you effortlessly pick out a suit and dress shirt you feel are both conservative and befitting of an interview setting- a solid or pinstripe navy or charcoal grey suit, and a solid white or light blue dress shirt. You know – those classic, fail safe staples of men’s fashion that can get you through virtually any setting.
Until of course, you are caught trying to decide what type of tie to wear. A solid color or pattern. Larger or smaller patterned? Can a paisley tie cut it? What will the color say about your personality and credibility? Fret not – in this guide, we’ll cover 10 shirt & tie combinations for interviews that will help eliminate that decision anxiety and allow you to focus on what truly matters on the day itself – nailing the interview.
Looking for an interview tie? Please feel free to view The Dark Knot's range of interview ties here.
1. Light Blue Shirt & Burgundy Tie
A quintessential interview combination, the light blue shirt & burgundy tie presents a certain sense of authority and credibility. A burgundy tie signals confidence and maturity without being overtly loud, while a light blue shirt adds a sense of approachability, providing that perfect balance of friendliness & trust, both critical elements to success in the workplace.
Pro Tip: This look works especially well for client facing roles.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Stafford Squares Burgundy Silk Tie.
2. Solid White Shirt & Navy & Red Regimental Striped Silk Tie
A solid white shirt & regimental striped silk tie in navy & red constitutes a powerful combination. The red conveys leadership and ambition, with navy hues tempering it with trust and reliability. Additionally, regimental stripes have historical connotations of order and discipline, ideal for traditional industries such as finance or law.
Pro Tip: This tie works particularly well for finance or law interviews.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Canterbury Regimental Striped Silk Tie, Navy / Red
3. Solid White Shirt & Grey Foulard Patterned Silk Tie
A quintessential interview combination, with a grey foulard tie showcasing just enough flair and pop against a classically neutral color – ideal for interviews were you want to appear refined but not too rigid.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Glastonbury Circles Grey Silk Tie
4. Solid White Shirt & Solid Navy Tie
This combination is such a classic and go to timeless set, we’re surprised we didn’t insert it at the top of this list. Navy ties exude dependability, trustworthiness and a calm disposition. Paired with a white shirt, and it conveys clarity and confidence, without trying overtly hard.
Featuring The Dark Knot's Winsted Blue Silk Tie
5. Solid White Shirt & Solid Grey Tie
A less nuanced version that the grey foulard tie, a solid white dress shirt & solid grey tie is sleek & minimalist, suggesting that you are organized, focused and professional.
Pro Tip: If you prefer to showcase a more reserved approach to a more traditional career like banking or law, this combination could come in extremely handy.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Deerfield Grey Silk Tie
6. Solid White Shirt & Burgundy Polka Dot Tie
While a burgundy tie is great for showcasing authority and trust, a polka dot sequence adds a sense of whimsical fun that paradoxically brings the whole ensemble together.
Pro Tip: This combination is especially effective for roles where cultural fit or client engagement are key.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Newport Dots Burgundy / Silver Silk Tie
7. Solid White Shirt & Navy Foulard Tie
A more nuanced approach to the classic solid navy silk tie, a foulard tie adds visual interest and depth to your attire, showcasing attention to detail and presentation. Additionally, the core tenets of a navy tie – conveying trust dependability, still hold true here.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Montgomery Abstract Navy / Brown Silk Tie
8. Light Blue Shirt & Navy Foulard Tie
A slight twist to the above combination, this set works perfectly, as it provides a calming, monochromatic aesthetic. This shirt & tie pairing works especially well for interviews where collaboration and emotional intelligence matter (e.g management roles).
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Lexington Foulard Navy / Brown / White Silk Tie.
9. Microcheckered Blue Shirt & Navy Foulard Tie
Pattern on pattern done right! A larger scaled navy foulard pattern tie will pop off perfectly against a microcheckered light blue shirt. The consistent blue palette associated with this combination maintains professionalism, while showing strong attention to detail.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Berkshire Abstract Navy / Turquoise Silk Tie
10. Finely Striped Blue Shirt & Blue Foulard Tie
The tonal layering of stripes with a patterned tie communicates style awareness and attention to detail.
Pro Tip: This combination is best suited for creative corporate roles, marketing jobs or interviews where personal brand matters.
Featuring The Dark Knot’s Georgetown Foulard Navy / Blue Silk Tie.
And that's a wrap for this one! We hope that you have enjoyed reading this as much as we did writing it!
