FASHION

HERE’S HOW TO STYLE SUMMER’S MOST UNLIKELY ACCESSORY

By Emma Strawbridge, 12 May 2025

They might remind you of your school uniform or maybe the finance bros in the city, but this season is truly all about the tie. From the Severance-obsessed to the runway shows of Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Peter Do, corporate fashion has been taking over since the end of last year, and the key to the look? A tie. If you need proof, look no further than last night’s BAFTA awards. The best of British TV took over London’s Southbank, and scattered amongst the throng of romantic dresses were some tailored looks we can’t ignore – complete with ties. Here’s a breakdown of the microtrend and how you should be styling it into summer.

Picture: Getty

BAFTAs-ready: Jessie J wears a 70s-inspired suit.

Emma Willis In A Grey Suit At The BAFTAs

Picture: Getty

Emma Willis opts for an all-grey Gucci moment.

WHY THEY'RE TRENDING

We first noticed the tie comeback on the AW24 runways, followed by that SS25 Saint Laurent show where Bella Hadid made her own. When season two of Severance aired in January 2025, the trend went into overdrive: suits became commonplace on red carpets, and the recent Met Gala theme of Tailored for You, in accordance with the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, saw every guest styled in a suit of some description – and lots of ties. Scroll to see three ways we'll be styling them this summer.

#1: CHOOSE LIGHTWEIGHT TAILORING

Though the BAFTAs looks have served us the inspo, we’ll be looking at more lightweight fabrics to see our suiting looks into summer. Fibres like linen, Lyocell and cotton are known for their breathable, cool feel, which will go a long way when the weather gets warmer. For styling, go sans shirt and wear your tie solo underneath a fitted blazer – you can even wrap it around your neck like a scarf for a fresh take.

GET THE LOOK:

Mango tailored linen suit co-ord in red, from £55.99

ASOS DESIGN patterned tie in neutral, £16

Topshop Gilly beaded grab bag in beige, £40

#2: LOOK TO TRENDING SHADES

Where Jessie J chose a deep burgundy shade for her BAFTAs look, we’ll be steering towards power pinks, butter yellows and bright blues – the colours that dominated the SS25 shows. Your option here is to match your tie to the look with a colour-drench approach or make it a statement moment by going for a contrast. And if you prefer a darker shade even in the summer months, mocha brown is still on our moodboard.

GET THE LOOK:

Mango oversized suit co-ord in pale yellow, from £79.99

River Island tie and pocket square set in beige floral, £16

Topshop Katy premium leather minimal strappy sandals in off white, £65

#3: TRY SUMMER-READY SEPARATES

Pictures: ASOS

Instead of the classic suit, look at the elements on their own. Choose a waistcoat-and-tie combo, add in a shirt, opt for a super-wide-leg trouser, a skirt or Bermuda shorts to keep things breezy. As long as there are a couple of tailored pieces in the look, it’ll feel balanced and effortless.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN shoulder pad sleeveless shirt with tie, £36

ASOS DESIGN tailored wide leg bermuda shorts in white, £32

ASOS DESIGN hoop earring with twist link design in silver tone, £6

ASOS DESIGN Hawaii toe thong kitten heeled sandals in white, £22