Step 1: Get a Little Drunk
Whether it’s a black tie event or just a gorgeous day to strut your stylish stuff, myself and my DG cohorts (even stylist and contributing author Amanda Liptock) encourage a good buzz to start any bow-tying experience.
Drinks of choice: Whiskey on the rocks, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Aviation, Gin & Tonic, Gin/Vodka Martini…. if it’s any time before noon, Mimosa or Bloody Mary are of social aptitude.
Step 2: Follow this Picture
Believe it or not, a bow tie is tied similar to that of a shoelace (a looped square knot). Keep this in mind as you master the trade, for it will make it more visually recognizable. Now, time to get started.
This step-by-step diagram (thanks to Conor Whelan for Trinity Ball Magazine) along with some important tidbits, will do your wardrobe proud by showcasing your newly acquired knotting skills…
One can only ride a penny-farthing (high wheeler) with a properly trimmed bow tie, cane for conquering, and mustache.
1. Start with the bow tie draped around your neck, with the left end about an inch and a half longer than the right.
2. Next, cross the longer end over the shorter (pretty self explanatory)
3. Make a knot by wrapping the longer end up behind the shorter end. It is important to tie this knot tightly so the over all bow will sit snugly and neat against the throat.
4. Fold the shorted end at the widest part of the curve, creating the front wings of the bow.
5. Pinch the center of the wings together, which will hold the front of the bow in place.
6. Now comes the tricky part! Place the longer end of the tie over the front of the bow (make sure you are also holding everything in place keeping the bow as close to your neck as possible!).
7. Shove the middle of the longer end through the loop behind the bow from your right-hand side. When the longer end is pushed far enough through, it can be released with ease that it will not fall back out.
8. Lastly, hold the knot of the bow tight with one hand, and use the other to adjust the wings. Once the bow is finessed, there you have it, you have successfully tied a bow tie.
Step 3: Get a Little More Drunk
Pour yourself another delicious cocktail and it’s off to the races you go!
P.S.. A message from our sponsors: Please Drink Deviously
Credits
Instructions and photograph provided by research from collaborative author and DG Style consultant Amanda Liptock. Check her out!
(source: http://www.blacktieguide.com/Style_Basics/Basics_Tying_a_bowtie.htm)
