The tie is the symbol of professionalism.  The tie is worn to the corporate setting, to the college setting, or anywhere one must be taken seriously.  The tie is most often worn by men.  This ties into the reason I chose this article of clothing.  I wear ties to formal occasions and I love doing so.  Since ties are so often associated with masculinity, it is not the norm for me, a female to do so.  I wear ties because of my connection with my grandfather.  Most of my ties once belonged to him.  When he passed, I took them with me and continued wearing them.  While Western culture sees the tie as a symbol of professionalism and masculinity, the ties I wear are pieces of family history handed down from a loved one.