Everywhere you look these days, there’s a man in a skinny tie, whether it’s Robert Pattinson, Brad Pitt, David Boreanaz, or Justin Timberlake. But pulling off this look might seem a little tricky – how do you keep it cool and suave and avoid looking like you’re trying too hard?

Don’t worry – we’re here to help you out with the background, tips, and inspiration needed to pull off this oh-so-modern-and-hip look.

Let’s start with the basics:

What makes a skinny tie?

Since neckties evolved from the French cravats of the 17th century, the width of the accessory has varied, stretching from barely an inch thick to a ridiculously-wide five inches. Today, the typical tie is approximately 3.5 inches wide.

In the 1950s, celebrities such as The Rat Pack and The Beatles were the first to make skinnier ties popular, and in recent years, the style has returned. Most skinny ties now are between 2 and 2.5 inches thick, though some people take it even skinnier.

The result is an updated look that adds a lot more personality and youth to boring old business attire – plus, depending on the style and width of your skinny tie, you can pull off different looks that range from fashion-wise to completely edgy.

Want to learn more? Check out our other articles for advice and insight into making the skinny-tie look your own!

Image Credit: GQ.com