Classic men’s ties aren’t just for dad anymore. Once a symbol of structure and tradition, the tie has loosened up, stepped out of the boardroom, and found its way into modern women’s wardrobes as a playful, nostalgic and surprisingly versatile accessory.
Full transparency: I’ve loved ties for a long time. For decades, I’ve been collecting vintage ties at flea markets and pop ups. I’ve always been drawn to them for their sense of history and perfect sliver of print to make an outfit pop.
But what makes them exciting today isn’t just where they’ve been—it’s how they’re being worn now. Women are embracing ties in ways that break all the old rules.
Around the waist, a tie becomes a statement belt, adding a splash of pattern to denim or cinching a flowy dress with unexpected charm. While in Louisville for my How to Style a Hat book tour and Derby store festivities, I wore two around my waist (I simply tied them in a knot staggered offset above my hip bones) at Churchill Downs and was stopped several times by admirers.
Wrapped around the brim of a hat, a tie transforms into a unique band that feels equal parts Western and bohemian. And of course, around the neck, ties are being styled with everything from crisp button-downs to vintage tees.
Our favorite approach? Wearing them traditionally, but with a twist. A slightly undone knot, a soft bow, or an offset fastening that feels intentionally imperfect keeps the look relaxed and personal. It’s less about polish and more about personality. The goal isn’t to look buttoned-up—it’s to feel expressive.
For my D CEO Magazine cover story and photoshoot, I took a classic solid black silk style and tied it in a bow as a funky bowtie. The solid black on my olive top needed a pop, so I added a bold gold vintage brooch and the accessory instantly stole my outfit’s show and breathed new life into my look.
At Flea Style, we love layering and adding vintage embellishments to accessorize a main fashion statement from hats to blazers. Ties are no exception.
Think antique brooches pinned at the tie's knot, strings of pearls stitched to the fabric or strands of suede fringe that add movement and texture. These small additions completely transform the piece, turning something classic into something unmistakably one-of-a-kind.
For our newest Vintage Tie Necklace collection, we leaned even further into the idea of transformation. By adding gold chain, we’ve turned traditional ties into bold, wearable statement necklaces. The combination of soft fabric and metal creates a striking contrast—elevated yet approachable, vintage yet modern. It’s the kind of piece that instantly pulls an outfit together without trying too hard.
Part of what makes this trend so compelling is its versatility. A tie can swing effortlessly between styles depending on how it’s worn. Pair it with distressed denim and leather boots, and it leans rocker. Style it with flowing layers and earthy textures, and it becomes undeniably bohemian. Wear it with tailored pieces, and it nods to classic Southern charm with a fresh perspective.
There’s also something deeply nostalgic about ties—the patterns, the craftsmanship, the sense that each piece has lived a life before yours. Wearing one feels like carrying a little piece of history but rewriting the narrative in your own way.
In a world where trends come and go quickly, the resurgence of the classic tie feels different. It’s not about chasing something new—it’s about rediscovering something old and making it your own. Whether worn loosely around the neck, tied at the waist, wrapped on a hat, or transformed into a statement necklace, the tie has become a canvas for self-expression.
And that’s exactly why we love it.
Xoxo
Our Vintage Tie Necklaces are now available at fleastyle.com. Don’t miss our curated collection of vintage brooches to dress up your favorite neck candy.
