With a return to traditional – i.e., “less casual” – apparel for much of the working world, and the specific resurgence of the bow blouse for women as a key wardrobe piece, two very different fashion authorities are reviving the style potential of tie clips and tie pins.

From the September 2010 issue of Details magazine is a two-page ad from DKNY Men showing men wearing tie clips or tie bars placed high on their neckties.

On the distaff side of fashion, Suzy Menkes writes, in an article entitled “The New Season Starts Here”  in the September 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, that blouses serve to streamline tailored looks. She notes that such details as “High necks, Peter pan or clerical collars, pearl buttons and light embroidery  give a message of discreet femininity.” The “must-have” this season to accent a blouse: “An antique tie pin.”

Sadly, the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar does not illustrate this mandate with a photo that illustrates what Menkes means by “antique tie pin.” Although there are blouses to be found in the issue, I noticed not one accented with anything that might be construed as a tie pin. That is a pity, as “tie pin” could be used as a synonym for tie clip or could mean stick pin, which of course is something entirely different. Quite aside from their ability to add panache to an ensemble, both styles have a useful function in keeping a tie or bow controlled and close to the body. Either style of accessory could work beautifully.

What works less well is arranging a short necklace just over the top edge of an untied bow blouse, as seen modeled by actress Milla Jovovich in this week’s issue of the LA Times Magazine. Unless the top button of the Celine blouse anchors the necklace in place, that gorgeous Cartier necklace is going to disappear under the neckline of the blouse again and again, requiring continuing adjustments. Perhaps the lovely hat by Irene Bussemaker worn by Jovovich will deflect attention away from all the inevitable fussing.

JCK