The truly well dressed should look to great designer names such as Fumagalli, Jhane Barnes or Joesph Abboud for beautiful ties. These designers make elegant neckties that are great for day or evening and will always attract compliments if not dates. Stay away from paisley prints. In fact, unless you are the artist formerly known and once again answering to Prince, the word paisley should not bring back any fond memories. Also, ties should not advertise anything such as Tabasco Sauce or Rolling Rock beer.
Black ties are for waiters and funerals only.
If you need to look chic in black go for a black tie with a pattern on a pattern so it isn't flat. And we shouldn't even have to tell you this, but tie clips and tie studs make great gifts for grandpas over 75. Not for your boyfriend.