I'm so glad you asked. Since last year, I have noticed a proliferation of knit ties worn throughout the year with everything from business suits to jeans. I would not recommend either. Indeed, I have always known the knit tie to be a summer item, worn with casual trousers and blazers. I also take umbrage with their diminishing width. Many of them have evolved to become absurdly thin and of the Mod style we happily left behind decades ago. Should you wish to purchase a wonderful knit tie for use in the summer time, seek a standard 2½-inch width, and keep the knot at a reasonable size. Hackett offers a variety of solid, dotted or striped silk ones in classic colours (HK$1,100 to HK$1,400). The Armoury has an excellent selection, including Sorley's zigzag silk knit tie (HK$1,000). The Gap allows a more affordable foray into knit ties with versions in navy cotton (HK$199).
Rules? What rules? Dude, at a time when menswear is all about layering and distinctive accessories, I say bring on the knit ties! Have you seen how amazing they look with denim? I dare you to try one with a denim shirt and tell me it doesn't look pretty darn sharp! Better thin, I say! These things are notorious for looking like a sock around your neck if too chunky. And I love them all year long. For winter, Alexander Ochs has done the nubbly grey wool version (HK$1,500; Joyce). Paul Smith lifts us out of a boredom of solids with eccentric and colourful stripes in silk or wool (HK$1,100 to HK$1,300). Club Monaco's chevron or polka-dot ones (HK$790 to HK$890) are easy on both the eye and the budget.
I believe I have made my stance on designer trainers perfectly clear. Looking at Mr Dandy's attire today, replete with flashy shoes he so obviously does not intend to run in, I trust you are in good hands.
