How to perfectly match your shirts, suits and ties

Method 1: Monochromatic
You've probably already heard the term 'monochrome' before; relating to a single colour throughout. Rather than picking and choosing colours, this approach makes use of a range of tones to differentiate between each article of clothing. This conservative combination is the easiest way to implement colour theory and creates a foolproof, harmonious look. As long as each item is its own distinct shade, you can't go wrong.

Method 2: Complementary
Complementary colour schemes are the most striking. They consist of colours that sit opposite one another on the colour wheel, like blue and orange or red and green. These colour combinations provide a high contrast and appear more prominent. Take caution when choosing this approach. Bold tones can be too jarring when used together. A good approach is to choose a single bold colour choice with more muted accent colours.

Matching pattern
If you're wearing a patterned shirt, opting for a tie that echoes the design is a great way to bring an outfit together. The trick is to emphasise the pattern of one item, not both. If, for instance, you're wearing a thinly striped shirt, a tie with thick, bold stripes will add a level of consistency without detracting from any particular piece of clothing. The best part is that it works both ways, so a tie with a small checked pattern complements a shirt featuring larger checks.

Contrasting pattern
Taking a different route, a contrasting tie pattern can help to make it pop as part of your ensemble. A polka dot tie accompanying a striped shirt is a great example of how different patterns work strongly together. If this is the avenue you're taking, however, it's best to choose a bigger pattern for your tie and a smaller one for the shirt. This way, you draw attention to the tie and capitalise on the contrasting styles.