Who wants to look like a millionaire?' simply buy a specific type of tie this winter.

The tonal, or monochromatic tie, popularized by Who Wants to Be a Millionaire television host, Regis Philbin, is expected to remain popular at least until the new year. The monochromatic tie is a plain, one-coloured tie that matches the colour of an accompanying dress shirt.

Plaid back next year

"Next year you'll be seeing a lot of plaid, but that's next year," says Rachel Hiebert, the assistant manager of the Tip Top Tailors store at the St. Vital Shopping Centre in Winnipeg. "So up until then, tonal will still be in this season. It will be gone by the end of this year."

Hiebert, Cory Loreth, a salesman for Uomo Casuale Clothing For Men, and Franca Lionetti, the owner of Lionetti Clothier & Custom Tailor, all say that the monochromatic tie has actually been around for the past two years or so. But with the popularity of Philbin's television show, and thus his wardrobe, the tie has suddenly become more popular.

Both Lionetti and Loreth say there are lots of other styles of ties available this winter. Lionetti says accent colours for ties include pumpkin, green tones, burgundies and wine colours, while Loreth says silvers and grays are in for dress occasions while burgundy and gold are good to go with traditional navy blue business suits.

"It all depends on the outfit," Loreth says. "With the burgundies, you can do a little bit more of the power-tie look, depending on what you want to go with. Maybe the gold might be a little bit better for a casual look. The matching ones (monochromatic ties) are pretty nice for a night out look."

As for tie-buying tips, Hiebert says men should definitely try to buy silk ties because they tie the best knots, while Loreth says fashion trends still call for wider ties. Lionetti says the best ties are handmade silk ties made in Italy because their linings and detailing allow them to stand up to everyday use.

Lionetti also says one of the most important things for men to do when going shopping for a tie is to wear the suit and shirt they want it to go with.

Finally Hiebert says the best knots for ties at present are sliphand or single Windsor knots. She also has some practical advice for men on the best way to learn how to tie a tie.

"Practice -- or get a woman to do it," she says.