Ties: questions and Band 8 answers

Hardly ever these days, to be honest. My workplace has quite a relaxed dress code, so I only ever put one on for formal occasions like weddings or job interviews. I think the last time I wore one was for my cousin's graduation ceremony last summer.

Yes, I did. My secondary school had a strict uniform policy, so we had to wear a navy blue and gold striped tie every single day. Looking back, we spent half our time loosening them as soon as the teachers looked away because they felt quite restrictive.

I usually go for plain, subtle designs in darker shades like burgundy or deep navy. I'm really not a fan of loud patterns or novelty prints because they look a bit tacky. A simple silk tie made with nice fabric always looks much sharper.

Yes, I bought one for my father a couple of years ago for his birthday. He works in banking and wears a suit every day, so I picked out a classic grey woollen tie that would match most of his shirts. He seemed genuinely pleased with it.

I reckon so, yes. Fashion has definitely become much more casual over the last decade, and even traditional corporate environments are dropping the requirement for formal attire. I suppose ties might eventually just be reserved for black-tie events and state functions.