This year, I’ve been having a major tie moment—but now, I’m ready to go all-in on the anti-tie.
As I write this at my office desk, I’m actually wearing a striped gold-and-brown tie. Lately, I’ve been inspired by celebrities stepping out in classic neckties with suits, and I’ve also loved the playful, wacky ties designers are creating—prompting me to add fun, irreverent ties to my own wardrobe.
That said, as we head into the holiday season, I won’t be wearing ties at all. I’m going vehemently anti-tie. Hear me out.
The holidays are about comfort, relaxation, and ease—so why would I constrict myself with a fussy tie? Ties are great for grinding through the corporate schedule during the regular work year, but as I clock out over the next few weeks, I’m taking a more effortless approach. No, that doesn’t mean full-on pajamas. Instead, I’m inspired to embrace looser, more laid-back neckwear—call it half tie, half scarf.
The inspiration hit recently while watching The Godfather II (so good—even better than the first). In Cuba, Al Pacino’s character wears these saucy little neckties that are part ascot, part bandana. He looks suave and dressy without a full-on tie, which you might expect from a… mob leader. It got me thinking: Yes, you can wear a half-assed tie and still look dapper.
The recent Spring 2026 runways further proved my theory. At Hermès, sleek menswear looks were punctuated with colorful skinny scarves tied around the neck. They add a pop of color in a way a humdrum black dress tie never could. At Celine, an even skinnier printed ascot was tied around a classic white dress shirt and tuxedo jacket. Imagine wearing that to your next holiday party—it feels more unexpected and cool than a standard suit and tie.
Of course, when it comes to anti-tie inspiration, Timothée Chalamet naturally made his way onto the moodboard, too. Earlier this year at the Golden Globes, fans went wild for his Tom Ford look by Haider Ackermann, complete with a silky blue skinny scarf. You can’t deny it feels slightly more chic and modern than a neck-strangling tie—a little more understated, a little more blasé.
And isn’t being blasé what the holidays are all about? The break is for losing track of time, having zero commitments, and just relaxing for once. So even if I have to dress up for a Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve bash, I won’t be fussing with a business tie. Instead, a well-placed cravat or skinny scarf will give my look that It-factor. I might not be Timothée Chalamet or Al Pacino, but I’m willing to try the anti-tie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the idea of skipping the ties this holiday season designed to cover a range of perspectives
General Beginner Questions
1 What does skipping the ties even mean
Its a phrase that represents moving away from generic often unwanted traditional gifts and toward more meaningful personalized or experiential giftgiving
2 Why are people talking about skipping traditional gifts this year
Many people feel that obligatory giftgiving leads to waste clutter and financial stress The focus is shifting toward gifts that create memories support personal values or truly meet someones needs
3 Isnt it rude to not give a physical gift
Not if its communicated with care The key is to set expectations with family and friends early A heartfelt experience or a thoughtful donation in someones name can be more meaningful than a random object
4 What are some easy alternatives to buying a tie
Great alternatives include a homemade meal or baked goods a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or experience a potted plant a subscription to an audiobook service or simply offering your time to help them with a task
Benefits Practical Tips
5 What are the main benefits of skipping traditional gifts
Reduces Stress Less pressure to find the perfect item
Saves Money You can set a budget that works for you including 0
More Meaningful Encourages thoughtfulness over obligation
Less Waste Reduces unwanted items that end up in landfills
Creates Memories Experiential gifts often become cherished stories
6 How do I start this conversation with my family without causing drama
Bring it up early and frame it positively Try something like I love celebrating with everyone but Id love for us to focus more on spending time together than on gifts this year What if we did a Secret Santa with a thoughtful twist or pooled our money for a nice family meal
7 What if someone still gets me a traditional gift Do I have to reciprocate
Graciously accept their gift with a sincere thank you You are not obligated to run out and buy something in return Your gift was your agreedupon alternative an experience a donation