The only "tie" rules are the black tie/white tie rules. Just like wearing a suit, you can wear whatever tie you want. While Chef has been accused of being a kilt snob, I've been charged with being a member of the Waffen-SS Kilt Regiment. That said, when I wear a tie with my kilt I usually wear my club tie (Royal Scots Club). But if the mood takes me, I'll wear a tartan tie, a silk foulard tie, my school tie (cardinal and gold stripes), a knit tie, and on Graham Hill's birthday, a blue bow tie with white polka dots.

The whole trick is to have the tie look good with the shirt. The easiest way to avoid messing up is to stick with either light blue or white oxford cloth shirts, preferably with button down collars. Why button downs? Aside from the fact that they are a classic style that will never go out of fashion, they work well and look good with or without a waistcoat.