For most of us - men, that is - our first experience of wearing a tie is an unpleasant one - largely because it is bound to the memory of having to go to school. I can remember something we used to call 'a peanut', which consisted of pulling at someone's tie so tightly that it was impossible to undo. With such terrors from the past, it's only natural that when an adult man thinks about slipping on a tie he gets a little hot around the collar.

Fear not, it's highly unlikely that you'll be subjected to such childish style-bullying as a fully grown human (unless you work at the stock exchange). Also, the right tie selection is such an important component of your overall appearance - it's your badge of honour, the focal point of your whole outfit. A great suit can be ruined by a sleazy piano-key number or - mother of all blunders - a tweetie-bird / porky-pig monstrosity. You won't hurt your daughter's feelings if you tell her it's awful - it's important she knows such things at an early age.

A smart choice would be this versatile and elegant navy wide tie with white dots, ideal with a number of shades, it's a reliable little garment that will see you through any formal occassion.

For something a little bolder, more daring, you can't go wrong with this purple diagonal weave tie. This one says a lot about you. It's a decision-maker's tie, a definitive tie for the business of living.

There's a certain stealth to this slim black retro print tie, a kind of modern cloak that can blend in more naturally with your subtle style. If the previous tie might be considered the Frank Sinatra of ties, then this is your Paul Newman - quietly intriguing, mysterious.

You'll have to agree, a tie shouldn't be the noose with which you hang your fashion-sense, it should be the lassoo with which you can rope-in any number of attractive looks.