I've got to tell you, I'm not really a tie man. I'll wear a tie if I have to: If I'm standing in the dock and it looks like I'm facing 20 years, then I'll definitely wear the tie!
If you're going to buy a suit, don't buy one off the peg if you can afford not to. Go to a tailor, as I always do; find the style you like, and have it fitted to your shape.