For an accessory so popular, there’s still quite a bit of confusion about neckties around the world. Some people hear the phrase “black tie,” and they think it literally means to wear a black tie. Well, depending on where you are, that’s about half right. Simply put, black tie is a term used for a dress code. In the world of social events, a “black tie” affair means that the man is to wear a tuxedo jacket, either black or midnight blue, with a black tie, which can be a necktie or a bowtie. Although you can always wear black dress ties to any affair, the actual term “black tie” simply means a type of dress.

Dress ties are hugely popular outside of the world of posh social events. Sure, a Hollywood red carpet event or a party thrown at the Prince’s palace brings out the formal wear, but a simple dinner with the wife or a trip to the opera is a great occasion to wear dress ties. A dress tie is a great way of saying, “Hey, I’m here, I’m clean, and I care what you think about me!” Well, maybe it doesn’t say exactly that – but if neckties could talk, it wouldn’t be that far off.

A lot of people wear dress ties to job interviews. Truthfully, and you’ll read this practically anywhere, dressing the part can get you the job as much as your prior experience in the field. It’s not only every girl – every body is crazy about sharp dressed man. And if you throw on a dress tie to your next job interview, you’re exponentially increasing your chances of landing the position. Even if it isn’t true, do you want to tempt fate and wear nothing!? No, I didn’t think so. So, leave those clip-on ties on the shelves and purchase a dress tie. You’ll be glad you did.

Back to the whole “black tie” thing: Dress ties aren’t necessarily black ties. You don’t have to purchase a solid black tie to be considered “dressing” up. In fact, any stylish, fashionable tie is a considered to be a dress tie. This includes practically anything that’s made out of silk or satin. It also includes almost anything that looks attractive. Novelty ties and cartoonish ties with big fish and koala bears might not be considered dress ties, but anything striped, solid pattern, or made of high-quality material is.

It’s not hard at all to find a great tie. The only hard part, truly, is selecting the right one for you out of the wide assortment of dress ties available. Wherever ties are sold, you’re going to find many, many options, ranging from clip-on bowties to NBA center sized ties for seven-footers. You should take your time and pick out exactly what you need.

Men often make this mistake, but it’s more often women or people shopping for men that make it. They’ll purchase a tie, but it will be too long or too short for the recipient. This results in a weird fit, and even the dressiest of dress ties looks out of place on the wearer. The best way around this is simple: If you’re tall, get a long tie, if you’re short, get a short one. Remember that they’re not one-size-fits-all and you’ll do just fine.

The next time you feel like standing out in a crowd, just throw on a dress tie.