Times are changing fast. We’ve already settled all the wild and beautiful lands of the American West, and yet every day brings a new frontier. We’re launching electric cars into space and the classics from our past are becoming the icons of our present as we canonize vintage movies, songs, and fashions into the pantheon of timelessness.
The bolo tie, one such classic icon, is reflective of our American spirit and ingenuity; it’s simple, robust, and does the trick. There’s nothing fancy about the tie itself, although they can certainly dress up an outfit. Practical, tough and elegant, the bolo tie is a symbol of western fashion and philosophy.
So how do you wear a bolo tie? When do you wear a bolo tie? And why do you wear a bolo tie? Well, if you’re going to wear one you’re probably the kind of person who doesn’t need anyone to tell you how to do it, and we’ll give you some great ways to get started anyway.
The bolo tie has been part of more fashion movements than we can count(and looked good in all of them). Bolos, since the original western ties, have been worn by rockabilly revivalists, British greasers, hip-hop artists, Hollywood stars, real-life cowboys, Wall Street businessmen, football players, fashion models, and even your own grandpa – and he looked great doing it.
The Traditional Bolo Tie
Worn with class and confidence, a traditionally worn bolo tie will accent your suit or outfit, bringing more than a hint of western. Traditionally, bolo ties are worn like any other necktie, with a collared shirt buttoned to the top and the tie firm to your neck. It is recommended to keep beards short enough to actually see bolo ties. These accessories are bolo tie. great for any party, wedding or business event. It adds a country flair to any formal outfit that won’t go unnoticed.
A deconstructed look for a traditional bolo tie.
This look features the traditional bolo tie style with just the right amount of class. Lucchese crocodile boots , a Greg Jensen buckle set , and the Pinto Ranch YY Collection shirt give a stately foundation to your outfit, while 34 Heritage jeans and the Pinto Ranch plaid western sport coat give you a modern, understated edge. Tie it all together with the Silver King Oval Onyx bolo tie and steal the show.
Photo Credit: Junebug Weddings
The Casual Bolo Tie
Westerners are casual. It’s just how we are. We’re cool under pressure, keep our
composure and like to take it easy. It’s almost like we don’t even sweat! A loose bolo tie , worn more like a necklace, is a casual accent for any outfit. Since bolo ties come in so many styles, with endless slide and cord combinations, you can wear them with anything.
Photo credit: gypsywarrior.com
This Stetson denim jacket is one of our favorite pieces for casual wear. Combine it with Vintage Collection’s peasant top, Miss Me skinny jeans, and a pair of Stallion Zorro boots, and you’ve got a killer casual look. Tuck a handkerchief in your pocket, throw on your new Silver King Crown Onyx bolo tie, and you’ll look cooler than James Dean or Debbie Harry. But only slightly cooler.
An understated, classic American look
for a casually worn bolo tie.
The Unconventional Bolo Tie
As we enter the world of fashion, we leave the world of conventional use. Bolo ties are neckties, and, with a little rearranging, they become a choker or necklace that can be worn in a variety of ways you might even consider
blasphemous. Worn casually with a fancy slide and a dressed up outfit (maybe even some Stallion Boots ) your bolo tie necklace transforms your style from conventional western to rock star. In this case, the casual use of a bolo tie, worn with understatement, make a look with a soft gravitas.
Photo credit: Forever 21
Be chic and different. That’s the whole point of western culture; we’re trailblazers. Inspired by fashion, we asked ourselves, What would Calamity Jane look like at New York City’s Fashion Week? Maybe she’d wear a boho-chic top from Metric , Isabel leggings, and the Stetson Open Road hat as a fashionable foundation, pulled together by Stallion Caiman boots and a Streets Ahead chain belt. Last, and certainly not least, one of our favorite bolos that can be worn as a choker or a necklace.
Break all the rules. Go crazy. Wear a
bolo tie while you do it.
The However-You-Want Bolo Tie
There’s no need to be buttoned-up to make a bolo tie work. In many cases dressing down a little brings your bolo tie more into the spotlight. It all depends on the message you want to send. Are you going to a wedding or to a nice party? Wear it traditionally. For more casual engagements, where you’ve got some social wiggle room, wear the bolo tie casually. Play around with it. After all, like we always say, western wears anywhere.
If you want to add a western flair to your style this year, try a bolo tie! And show us – we want to see how you wear it, and what you wear it with. You can share posts with Pinto Ranch by using the hashtag #westernwearsanywhere. And if you need a bolo tie, we’ve got you covered.
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