| It's the time of year when Christmas shoppers look for | | | | The textures of tweeds, corduroys, and lush |
| something fun to give. Invariably they look to the | | | | windowpane plaids are carried over with ties woven |
| Christmas-themed tie. All kinds of such ties are | | | | of wool and silk. Herringbone ties can be paired with |
| available most anywhere. Choices include snowmen, a | | | | tweed sport jackets to convey a warm and |
| variety of Santa's, Edvard Munch's "Scream" donning a | | | | sophisticated look conjuring up a vision of oak-paneled |
| Santa cap, strings of twinkle lights, elves, snowflakes | | | | libraries lined with leather-bound first editions and |
| or horse drawn sleighs. But is any of this stuff really | | | | sweet-smelling tobacco smoke swirling from |
| appropriate to wear - anywhere? | | | | hand-carved pipes. |
| When it comes to holiday ties, if your intention is to | | | | If you're not into ties try a brightly colored sweater or |
| make people laugh donning such a creation might just | | | | some other more subtle accessory. Interesting |
| work - as long as you don't light up like a walking | | | | Christmas-season cuff links can be fun and offer a |
| greeting card. | | | | chance to give you a little personal touch that isn't too |
| The key is context. Avoid ties with long messages, or | | | | loud or outrageous. Remember, it's a fine line between |
| even succinct greetings. They often look too busy, and | | | | festive and foolish. While garish outfits might get you |
| like you're trying too hard. Instead, wear a brightly | | | | some laughs, preserve your reputation as a class act |
| colored festive necktie that adds more fun than a | | | | by avoiding fashion choices that double as Santa |
| regular business tie - as long as it does not include | | | | wrapping paper. On the other hand try to be a bit |
| every verse of "Deck the Halls" on it. | | | | more creative than wearing just any combination of |
| I saw a great dark chocolate-colored tie the other day. | | | | red and green. |
| It was jazzed up with an abstract geometric squiggle, | | | | When in doubt - don't wear it. At least, that's what the |
| yes squiggle, of gold and silver; festive, rich, subtle but | | | | fashion gurus say. The rest is up to you. |
| attention getting. | | | | |