Tie Rack, originally uploaded by speedye.

Fausta Wertz is having a necktie dilemma thanks to Jeff Jarvis. She asked me weigh in with my thoughts. While it seems many of her friends would just assume go without wearing a tie, I’m of the opposite opinion.

My job at Heritage requires me to wear a tie, but you won’t find me complaining. It’s not that I don’t like dressing casual (I certainly do), but I’m also a big believer in looking professional. In a serious town like Washington, and particularly Capitol Hill, going without a tie isn’t really an option for me.

What’s my favorite tie? Because I only have one red tie at the moment, I tend to save it for special occasions, like my C-SPAN appearance. As for brands, I’ve really enjoyed ties made by Geoffrey Beane, Donald Trump and Club Room. They’re extra thick, which makes for a good knot.