It isn’t unusual for Paul Mescal to be in conversation-starting outfits. Since his Normal People days, he’s been styling a rotation of short shorts as soon as the dials have risen to thigh-exposing temperatures. And let us not forget the teeny-weeny knits Mescal wore on his Gladiator II press-run, where the appropriateness of a tightly-fitted cardigan became fodder for water cooler conversations and social media feeds. So, it’s hardly surprising that the 29-year-old opted for a controversial neckpiece to wear at yesterday’s Wimbledon men’s final.
Dads labelled uncool by their teenage kids can finally rejoice, as Mescal has officially endorsed the novelty tie for summer affairs. His garish horse-print accessory (which seems to be a vintage Ferragamo number) was set amongst a respectable Carter Young navy suit and striped shirt, and Wayfarer-shaped glasses.
Sure, the tie adds an element of playfulness to the look, and its aged patina creates a point of difference to other the suits in the royal box. But I’m sure many are wondering, why would you wear an equestrian print when watching the tennis?
Mescal sitting with All of Us Strangers co-star, Andrew Scott
Now that method dressing is pretty much everywhere—including Wimbledon, as another actor attendee, Matthew McConaughey, had seemingly popped to the gift shop prior and was sat watching the match with tournament’s own tie around his collar—maybe the Irish actor is suggesting that a good outfit needn’t fit a theme. It can be considered in its randomness, and actually, way more fun than someone trying to do a bit with the outfit.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll have to consider the sartorial art of representing a film orTV character with IRL attire—or rather, think about how you can dress against that—you shouldn’t be put off wearing a novelty tie. Mescal’s endorsement ensures it’ll drive up your cool factor rather than deplete it, but that doesn’t mean you should do so carelessly. Follow our tips to ensure you ace the look.
Go for Vintage Options
Follow in Mescal’s footsteps by opting for retro designs. Firstly, there’ll be less chances of finding someone else with the same piece, and secondly, they feel a bit more special.
Keep the Rest of the Look Simple
Obviously, a novelty tie is a statement, and so you shouldn’t go overboard with other colors or prints. Your suit should be a traditional colors (neutrals, black, blue) and your shirt hue shouldn’t veer far from white.
When it comes to the fit, go with a louche silhouette, as it further leans into the retro element of the tie. A Giorgio Armani eighties design would be prime for this.
If you do want to add further quirk to your look, opt for a thin stripe on your shirt like the actor does. It shouldn’t have more a stripe in more than one color, and they shouldn’t be close together so that the white base can show.
Don’t Wear Them All the Time
You don’t want to be known as they guys that always wears a novelty tie, as then it’s not a surprising accessory. Style them for summer affairs, like weddings, rather than everyday outfits.
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