While men usually don't have to worry about accessories like women do, a tie is one item that every man has to wear at one time or another; however, as with any accessory, choosing a tie to complement the rest of your outfit can be a challenge. But, if you're looking for the right color of tie to go with a gray, long-sleeve dress shirt, you're in luck. Because gray is a neutral color, there are plenty of options, allowing you to play around with different looks.

For simple yet stylish, pair a gray shirt with a gray tie. However, because you want some contrast between your shirt and tie, it's important to choose the right shade of gray for your tie. If you're wearing a light dove-gray shirt, opt for a tie with a darker gray tone like charcoal. On the other hand, with a charcoal gray shirt, go with a dove-gray or silver tie to create some distinction between the two while still creating with a sleek, monochromatic look.

With a light or medium gray shirt, a blue tie can be an ideal complement. If you're wearing a pale gray shirt, try a rich cobalt or royal blue tie. You can also go with a navy tie for a more subdued look. For a medium gray shirt, choose a lighter blue tie so there's enough contrast between it and the shirt. A sky blue or robin's egg shade is an attractive option. For a twist on the monochromatic look, you can pair your gray shirt with a blue-gray tie.

Because gray is a neutral, you can also pair it with a warm shade like red. For a bold look, go with a bright primary red tie to add a pop of color to your outfit. However, if you prefer a more subtle look, pair your gray shirt with a tie in a deeper shade of red. Cranberry, maroon and brick are all attractive options. Red with hints of purple, like wine, can help offset a gray shirt, too.

If you have a more colorful style, try pairing your gray shirt with a purple tie. With a light gray shirt, go with a dark, rich purple shade. A bright royal purple or violet tie can give you a bold look, while an eggplant or dark orchid shade provides a more subtle appearance. If you're wearing a dark gray shirt, you'll want to choose a light purple tie. A lilac, lavender or periwinkle tie can create an attractive contrast with the charcoal color of your shirt.

For a sleek, stylish outfit, try pairing your gray shirt with a black tie. It's a particularly attractive look if you're wearing a black suit, but you can also wear the gray and black combination with a gray suit. If you pair a black tie with a dark charcoal gray shirt, you create an almost monochromatic look with just enough contrast between the tie and shirt. With a light dove-gray shirt, a black tie has a much bolder look, but it can work well for an evening event or special occasion.