The tie is the quintessential accessory in men’s fashion. It is as masculine as it is elegant and enduring.

However, it’s not only men that love to wear ties. For many years now, women have also been attracted to the undeniable pleasure of donning a tie to give their outfit added allure. For some women, wearing a tie became a symbol of female independence and asserting their personality.

So, let’s take a look at some of the fascinating aspects and history of women who wear ties.

A Little History About Women & Ties

Women wearing ties is not a recent phenomenon. In the 1890s, American merchants set a powerful fashion trend when they introduced long tailored skirts paired with tight waistcoat jackets and stiff collared shirts. Ties completed the ensemble and modern women of the era adored the effect. One can see how many women in the 1890s and early 1900s wore ties in vintage street footage of New York City and Paris at that time.

It was the legendary German actress Marlene Dietrich who brought back ties with a bang when she appeared in a tuxedo and tie in the 1930 film, Morocco. Marlene often wore ties with designer pant suits for an androgynous style that became synonymous with the 1930s. Women continued wearing ties well into the 1940s as a result of many women wearing uniforms during World War II.

A Character Called Annie Hall

By the 1970s, ties had not been a mainstay of women’s fashion for more than 30 years. All of that changed in 1978 with a certain film that would win the Best Picture Oscar that year. The film was Annie Hall, a witty New York comedy directed by Woody Allen and starring his then-girlfriend, Diane Keaton.

In the film, Keaton’s character wore chino pants, crisp white linen shirts, a tight waistcoat, and, above all else, a tie. Designed by Ralph Lauren, her ties were usually long and wide and hung loosely, almost carelessly. Annie Hall laughing nervously as she says ‘La dee da dee da la la!’ is one of the most memorable and often-played scenes in movie history.

Together with Keaton’s quirky Oscar-winning performance and the film being a huge hit, the ‘Annie Hall look’ took fashion by storm. Soon, women worldwide were wearing ties, often woollen and in plaid, paisley or similar patterns.

The Annie Hall style was undoubtedly one of the key looks in women’s fashion of the 1970s. Even into the 1980s, many women continued to wear ties, by now thinner, just like men did. You can often spot female singers wearing these thin ties in music videos of the 80s, such as those by the New Romantic band, Human League. Princess Diana, herself a fashion icon, was also famous for her love of thin ties in the mid-1980s.

Diane Keaton is a woman well into her 70s today and continues to be admired for her unique dress sense. Keaton has managed to do that by adapting her iconic Annie Hall look to this very day, tie and all. She may wear them more neatly these days, but her ties remain the fashion mark of a great actress.

Ties Are Back (Again) For Women

Once more, ties have made a big comeback in women’s fashion. This was heralded by no less a women’s magazine than Elle in late 2024. The magazine noted how Bella Hadid sported a tie in the 2024/25 Fall/Winter fashion show by the legendary French fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent. Movie and TV stars such as Zendaya and Jenna Ortega have also taken to wearing smart designer ties on the red carpet.

It’s not the first time that ties have been associated with famous women in recent years. Victoria Beckham is well-known for her love of wearing ties, including with designer tuxedoes, dating back to 2008

So, Why Do Women Wear Ties?

There are so many reasons why a woman may choose to wear a men’s tie on occasion. Just like men, a woman may wear a tie as a sign of sophistication while being more formal. Few accessories make a statement for a woman than wearing a really bold tie, sometimes with an eye-catching pattern or a pin brooch.

There is also a sense of fun or playfulness when a woman wears a tie. While wearing a tie is often a ‘serious affair’ for men, it is hardly ever so for women. Instead, by being ‘different’ a woman can be more playful and even daring when wearing a tie. As with men, she can wear it for both a formal event, such as a gala event, or more informally as part of her office or day attire. It’s really up to her!

Another reason is that to wear a tie as a woman is to be assertive, to be able to break out of gender roles and what it is to be a ‘traditional’ woman’. There’s something even slightly revolutionary about women wearing ties, as we know many women did in years past.

So, no, women don’t only buy ties for their husbands, boyfriends and sons! They more often buy them because, like men, they appreciate just what a wonderful and versatile accessory a tie can be.