Are thick ties or skinny ties in?

That depends on where you are going. Certain formal occasions call for a thicker, or more traditional necktie. The knot on your necktie also determines the thick/skinny look, as some knots are much wider and more symmetrical than others. You can alter the look of a tie just by tying it with a thin/thick knot.

How you tie a necktie to look skinny/thick depends on what kind of knot you would like to end up with. I've put together four different ways to tie a necktie, with comprehensive diagrams of each step, and hosted by celebrity examples.

Here is the link to 4 Ways to Tie a Necktie: http://diyfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion101/ss/How_to_Tie_a_Necktie.htm

Kinds of knots:

• Four-in-Hand Knot - A severely slanted knot, this one is the most easy to tie, often taught to children.
• Pratt Knot- This is a small, symmetrical knot that is very in fashion right now.
• Half-Windsor Knot - Acceptable for most any occasion, it is one of the most common knots.
• Full Windsor Knot - A very formal, wide knot.
• Learn how to tie each of these: http://diyfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion101/ss/How_to_Tie_a_Necktie.htm

A trendy Pratt knot would look great on a skinny tie for a cocktail party. Try a Full Windsor on a skinny tie for a formal look that isn't as overpowering as a Full Windsor on a thick tie. Generally, skinny ties are back in, but maybe not those super-skinny ones we've seen on Miami Vice.