Can a plain black tie be worn outside funeral/mafia context?

[Ethan Bentley]

In fact, the black silk grenadine tie is considered by some to be one of the most versatile ties that a gent could have in his wardrobe. I have them in grenadine, silk knit and cashmere; as well as a few textured silks.



Connery's Bond wore them often.

Exactly and the Bond of the books. so my answer, yes.

 

[avedwards]

But as I mentioned, Bond wears a light suit. If the suit is dark I think the combination looks too morbid as I showed in my picture on post 4.

 

[Tomasso]

If the suit is dark I think the combination looks too morbid

I give up.

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

Having said that, coordination can make or break almost anything. The right black tie with the right shirt, the right cut of jacket, will look just as sharp as any other colour or pattern.

If it ain't wrong, it's right....

What he said.

But if you don't feel comfortable in it, don't wear it.

 

[Dinerman]

If you don't like it, don't wear it.

 

[Fletch]

Plain black silk knit

...would probably be the one tie I would own if I were allowed only one tie. I have at least 3 lying around in various locations.

 

[djhatman]

Black ties are great! one of my best outfits is a black suit and tie with a blood red shirt. It looks great when out on the town.

 

[Maguire]

While it can be abit "boring", sometimes i like going for something simple and plain so i'll just wear a white shirt and a black tie, or a gray shirt and a black tie with a dark suit. It may not look vibrant, but its a rest from more colorful options and projects what i consider a more sober image than matching up and being too flashy.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

But as I mentioned, Bond wears a light suit. If the suit is dark I think the combination looks too morbid as I showed in my picture on post 4.

Yes, I can see your point, I tend to wear light suits anyway.
I would be interested to see if someone can find a picture of a black tie-dark suit that looks good; i.e. not mafia or dull.

I also agree that the knitted silk black ties are the way to go.

 

[davestlouis]

I'm in the funeral trade and don't even own a black tie...never have. I used to work at a FH where the blue ties with gold accents were worn M-W-F and the gold with blue were worn T-TH and weekends...didn't leave much room for personalization.