Q. Are solid-color ties out of date? In the past I would wear a solid black tie, but now I fear it looks so 1960s. Obviously some still wear solid red, but is anything else solid still in style? A.

Q I was attending a funeral, and had a black suit and white shirt but was unclear what tie to wear. I chose a nondescript gray and red pattern. I realized that I'm never comfortable with what to wear ...