We've cunningly picked out five versatile silk cravats for your wardrobe that would suit any occasion.
There are many occasions that call for a formal outfit. Whether it’s a wedding, a christening, a party or simply a dinner date at a nice restaurant, sometimes the casual look won’t quite cut it. However, most of us don’t have a whole wardrobe of suits to go out in. Indeed, if you don’t wear a suit to work, chances are you may only have one or two, and a good suit is not a cheap outfit.
Luckily, with clever use of accessories, a simple and well-cut suit can do multiple jobs, and even look like entirely different outfits. If you have a small rotating selection of ties, cravats and pocket squares, the same suit can take on different characteristics - playful, sombre or regal as the occasion demands. If you have a few choice items that you feel comfortable in and that can take your look in different directions, you will be fully equipped for a range of events, and you don’t have to always appear looking identical.
There are, of course, some fortunate people who can afford to buy and wear whatever they please, changing their minds on a whim and re-equipping their wardrobe. For the rest of us however, it would be good if we could have some fashionable attire without breaking the bank. With just a handful of silk ascots from Cravat Club, you can have a rotating, stylish and playful wardrobe, perfect for almost any occasion you can think of. Dressed to the nines or dressed down and laid-back, these cravats make a great starting point for a palette of your own.
Wardrobe Staples
We all have some garments that we keep going back to, and using the following types as a guide, you’ll be well-equipped to deal with any last-minute invitations that come your way. No need to break the bank - just a few can go a very long way, and cover you for all kinds of events.
No. 1 - Polka Dots
Silvano Brown & Mint Polka Dot Silk Cravat
A polka dot is a classic for a reason. Versatile, able to match with virtually anything, and capable of effects that range from dandyish to totally understated. Look for details in your outfit - a pinstripe, a coloured piping or a colour from the lining can all be good ones to pick out with your cravat. As good for a tweed suit as it is for a leather jacket and open collar. Try our Silvano in coffee with a mint green pattern, or a stark and striking Felix in elegant black and white. There is almost nothing that can’t be styled with a well-chosen polka dot.
Felix Black & White Polka Dot Silk Cravat
No. 2 - Paisley
Tully Pink & Blue Paisley Silk Cravat
A paisley is a pattern that can do almost anything. Choose your colours wisely, and a paisley cravat can be your constant companion. Not just for the swinging sixties look; the right paisley can be delicate, masculine, striking and subtle by turns. Just make sure you don’t completely overpower the colour palette of your suit, or your skin tone. For the confident, try a Tully in orchid pink and arctic blue, or for a slightly more strident shade, the cardinal red and jasmine yellow Kelso can be styled successfully with a huge range of jackets.
Kelso Red, Grey & Vanilla Paisley Silk Cravat
No. 3 - Geometric
Enlai Grey, Blue & Purple Oriental Geometric Pattern Silk Cravat
If paisley just isn’t your thing, or if you need a second option, then a simple and restrained geometric pattern looks both stylish and tasteful, especially when colour-matched correctly. Again, this is a classic look that gives a fantastic finish with whatever you choose. The Enlai, with its spheres motif in charcoal, silver, blue and purple is hugely versatile and yet has enough colour to be a focal point. The Daniel is a more restrained and classic cravat, in thunder grey with a simple and elegant small geometric pattern.
Daniel Grey & Brown Geometric Pattern Silk Cravat
No. 4 - Woven Silk Cravats
Alexander Brown & Copper Orange Lattice Pattern Silk Cravat
A woven cravat is a bit more of a statement. When you need something more formal, or something with a bit more presence and seriousness, the weight and luxurious sheen of a woven cravat is an excellent choice. While they’re perfect for a gentleman of substance, they are also very stylish when worn by younger men, especially if you want to be taken a bit more seriously. We recommend the brown and copper orange of our Alexander cravat, as this will complement most suit colours, or a subtly stylish Nairn in cornflower blue, which looks stunning on more formal occasions.
Nairn Plain Blue Woven Silk Cravat
No. 5 - Wild Cards
Aoki Japanese Dragons Silk Cravat
While we’re talking about versatile staples in the main, this does not mean that you can’t have any fun! Having one or two statement pieces in your locker is pretty music essential, as there will always be a time when you just don’t want to blend into the crowd. Bright colours, strident prints, brave designs - we love this part of the wardrobe. Try our Aoki for a Japanese dragon print that looks great and has versatile colour, or an India cravat with its orange and henna tigers, which matches more muted hues with a daring print.
India Orange & Brown Tigers Silk Cravat
Ties
Yoshio Japanese Crests Silk Necktie
While we love cravats, and would encourage their use at any available opportunity, we accept a few good ties represent an essential staple in your wardrobe. Our ties bring something of a cravat’s swagger and style, with a similar range of exciting prints and hues, but can even be worn in the office! A forest green Yoshio tie gives you a Japanese crest in a burnt orange, which makes for a subtle and very regal pattern, while our Lionheart is a play on a classic paisley, with a dragon theme in oranges and blues. Make sure you have a couple of ties you’re happy with - they’re a must-have for almost any man.
Lionheart Blue & Orange Paisley Silk Necktie
Pocket Squares
Deco Island Day Silk Pocket Square
While often overlooked, a simple pocket square can make or break your outfit. A little bit of detail can enhance the most basic jacket, and a well-chosen pocket square can provide just that. Again, think about the colour palette of your outfit, and which colours you’d like to enhance or draw attention to. For a good basis, we’d recommend a polka dot, for example our Rocco, which has a beautiful deep navy with apricot dots. A paisley also works well as a basis, for example the Bryn in bronze green and mustard yellow.
Our larger multiway pocket squares are perhaps the ultimate in versatility. With the large and adaptable patterns, the square can be worn in a multitude of different ways, giving you plenty of scope for experimentation. The decadent and detailed prints can be worn in their full glory, or you can use just a small area of the square, giving you many different colourways for matching different outfits. For example, try our Deco Island range for some stylistic inspiration, or our ever-popular Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print designs and give yourself options.
Bryn Green Yellow & Brown Paisley Silk Pocket Square
These are only suggestions, but the logic holds - find a few staple pieces that are stylish and versatile, and you can elevate any outfit. A small change in accessory can mean a world of difference in the outfit. Choose carefully, and just one or two suits can look spectacular and varied, giving you an entirely different look. Shop smart, choose wisely, and dress like you mean it with just a handful of fine silk accessories.
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