Thanks everyone for the advice!

I've just been told by someone who I think I should trust that for youngish men (I'm 35), the bowtie is "out" at the moment when one is going for "stylish" as well as "classic." A vest/tie combo is what is more current.
I am not sure, but THINK that one can buy the classic one button notch lapel and wear a long tie/vest combo. If so, that might be what I am going with. All that time learning to tie a bow tie for nothing!!