The fashion revolution continues.

Men, no longer afraid of style, are reclaiming classics like inky Levi's, natty blazers and now, the necktie. But a funny thing happened on the way from the cubicle.

Today's cravats have been slimmed down and hipped up -- making it much cooler for guys to stick their necks out. After all, Oscar Wilde once wrote, "A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life."

Great American Novelty
Nobody said neckwear couldn't be fun -- just steer clear of blinking holiday lights or cartoon characters.

(1) A punky, safety-pin pattern from Psycho Bunny. ($110, Neiman Marcus) (2) Skulls and polka dots on silk. ($68, Rugby, 1065 Wisconsin Ave NW; 202-298-5928) (3) The "Marie Antoinette" tie. ($40, Cyberoptix.com) (4) Buffalo-check Rogan handkerchief tie. ($100, Barneys Co-Op)

Woolly Is Mammoth
When the mercury plummets, a wool tie can add both warmth and texture over shirts or under sweaters.

(1) Herringbone pattern from Z Zegna. ($115, Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store, 5300 Wisconsin Ave.; 202-363-2059) (2) Steven Alan flannel plaid. ($59, Bluebee.com) (3) Embroidered bears by Hickey. ($118, Hickeystyle.com)

Get the Skinny
One part Rat Pack, one part rock 'n' roll, thin is decidedly in, especially when you pair string-bean styles with slim blazers.

(1) Band of Outsiders repp tie. ($125, Circle Boutique, 1736 14th St. NW; 202-518-2212) (2) A bee beauty from Dior Homme. $115, Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store) (3) Barneys Co-Op polka dots. ($50, Barneys Co-Op) (4) A diamond logoed style. ($44, French Connection)

Pursuit of Dapper-ness
The everyman tie for every day: slim silks and stripes that'd modernize a suit or bring a dose of prep to jeans.

(1) Sleek satin from the 2 a.m. Collection. ($45, Nordstrom, Tysons Corner Center; 703-761-1121) (2) Club Monaco double-stripe tie. ($69, Club Monaco) (3) Repp-striped tie from Dior Homme. ($155, Saks Fifth Avenue Men's Store) (4) Steven Alan's pencil-stripe design. ($68, Stevenalan.com) (5) Cotton paisley tie in maroon and white. ($50, Barneys Co-Op)