“Can This £16 Accessory Make Me Look Smarter In Seconds?”
The latest fashion craze is all about the simple necktie. Thanks to Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and The Frankie Shop, women everywhere are reaching for ties for the ultimate AW25 styling must-have. Our Style Editor, Ashling McCloy, decided to road test, and the impact was more than a chic update…
I’ll be honest, I was excited to try out this trend. It leans into my obsession with blazers and androgynous dressing. I love fashion that’s smart, yet feels relaxed. In this case, I’m going for the laidback, post-meeting, whiskey-swilling type of tailoring. You can picture it, right?
As this is my first foray, I opted for an affordable Bershka iteration for a mere £15.99. The dream is the Saint Laurent silk tie, but at £230, it will remain a dream for now. The biggest surprise was the flashbacks to my school days. I mean, that muscle memory is strong. I knew exactly how to tie a tie, without even thinking about it. So, first hurdle conquered.
Ashling wears: Tie by Bershka, Suit and bag by Zara, Sunglasses by & Other Stories and Boots by Essential Antwerp.
I couldn’t believe the confidence boost. By adding a tie, I instantly understood the meaning of power dressing.
Not only was I immediately seduced by this pulled-together look, one the likes of Julia Roberts and Selena Gomez have embraced, but I also felt strong. A take-on-the-world kind of feeling – no joke. As someone who has actually studied the power of dressing, this was a moment I truly believed in the psychology. What you wear really can — and does — impact your mood, your confidence, and your drive. So while I’ve been throwing on my blazers for years, I’m most definitely a convert to the simple necktie. As for whether it made me look smarter, I’d say it’s a no-brainer.
For even more inspo, keep scrolling to see how our fave content creators are styling their ties.
I would go as far to say that the humble tie has become an explosive trend. There are few content creators that have not embraced it. And for good reason. In 2025, a tie is an instant burst of smart. Yes, it looks great with tailoring, but it can look even cooler with relaxed styling and even jeans.
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