Made to Measure: the right tie for the occasion

The pinstripe: show them you mean business in this sophisticated navy piece. Pair it with a pale-blue shirt. Canali, Dh272

Wider ties give off an Eighties power broker look, while super skinny ones scream fashion victim. So what's a guy got to do? Find a dapper middle ground: the slim, tailored cut. Here are five top picks, in this season's favoured hue of blue

The floral

It takes confidence, but adds flourish to a man's wardrobe. Wear it with a black suit.

Drake's, Dh370

The subtle polka

Looking both classic and fashion forward, you can wear this to both formal and casual affairs. Great with grey.

Turnbull & Asser, Dh325

The pinstripe

Boardroom blues: show them you mean business in this sophisticated navy piece. Pair it with a pale-blue shirt.

Canali, Dh272

The solid

A refined, go-to option for that tough-to-match patterned shirt. Solids flatter, regardless of age or build.

Gucci, Dh400

The tartan

Here's a shot of rustic style for the weekend. Wear it with a sport coat and a pair of chinos.

J Crew, Dh205

* All available at MrPorter.com

Style to steal

At the New York premiere of The Dark Knight Rises last month, Joseph Gordon-Levitt rocked a perfectly-fitting pale grey suit - a feat by itself - and sealed the deal with a slim striped collegiate-cool tie. Want to pull it off too? It's all about proportions: a slim tie complements a slim cut jacket with narrow lapels; pair it with an oversized blazer and you're in trouble. Have the right amount of shirt cuffs, choose a popping colour (like Gordon-Levitt's red), and loosen up the knot a bit for a laid-back but still work-appropriate feel. Try this wool and silk-blend piece from Burberry (Dh305).