Wading through unwanted sales leftovers in search of new spring buys can be tedious（沉闷的）. Enter the back-to-work tie, a style fix with minimum fuss（小题大做） that is both useful in the long-term and justifiable in the short.

Fretting about accessorising might be the least of Barack Obama's concerns as he moves into the White House next week, but his inauguration（就职典礼） outfit will be keenly observed. So far the president-elect appears to favour ties with little decor beyond a  diagonal stripe. Further investigations, however, reveal a sheen（光辉，光泽） coupled with a slight pattern. Jaeger's classy silver tie and Gieves & Hawkes's rich raspberry（覆盆子） number are prime examples of this look.

Meanwhile, Burton's steely tie is the ideal day-through-night choice. Popular shades include metallic blues, lavenders and  greys, which add a glossy finish to crisp white shirts. Rolled-up sleeves, Obama-style, are optional, though do look inexplicably good.