Fund raising dinner attire?

[Really a McQueen]

Somehow, I've allowed an event to creep up on me, without seeking the rabble's advice in a more timely manner.

I have just three weeks until our local humane society is having its annual fundraising dinner. While they call the event the 'Fur Ball', most men will be wearing business suits (if they even dress that formally). I am considering wearing my MacQueen kilt, claret hose, and a white collared shirt, with neck tie. Given that most men will be (at best) in a summer weight business suit, would I be in place with my green tweed jacket, burgundy waistcoat (only ones I currently own) and white dress sporran (it is the evening after all ). Or should I go for the black Argyll and waistcoat (assuming such can be obtained in time), and be at a slightly higher level of dress than the other gents? Obviously, despite the event being called a 'ball', this will not be an evening requiring a Prince Charlie.

Lastly, to those from north of Stirling, how would you dress for an event of this sort, were you to attend one in highland attire?

[Mickey]

Here is my highly uneducated opinion:

Wear what you have. Doesn't sound like a terribly formal event, but one that does warrant a smart looking rig. I can't imagine how the green jacket and burgundy waistcoat would be bad, and you can always take one or both of them off if need be. I'm guessing that you will probably be the only one in a kilt, so there won't be much to compare to.

Wise words once told to me by a wise man. Walk in like you own the place, and don't give a damn if anybody else does the same.

Attitude and bearing will trump clothing every time.

[davidg]

The tweed Argyll will be just fine. I'm not sure about the waistcoat given your mention of summer weight business suits being worn. It sounds too hot for a waistcoat for me

I'm also not sure what you mean by a white dress sporran. Presumably modern style white fur? I wouldn't go more formal than a plain leather sporran myself but you should be just fine if that's all you have

[Really a McQueen]

Well, David, somehow I dropped the word 'fur' from the description of my dress sporran. Perhaps a photo of my three sporrans would help.


They are: a goat hair sporran (from the Gold Bros.), a plain, brown leather sporran from L&M, and a black, nylon, Nightstalker sporran from Stillwater Kilts.

Where I live, if a gent even owns something close to a proper suit, it is made from lighter weight material (most often polyester blended with a small percentage of wool). The material is such that it would make a 15 ounce wool, seem like a blanket in comparison. I do own a suit made with a 12 ounce wool blend, but the trousers fit a bit snug these days.

And the weather could range from 10 degrees to 23 degrees (C), depending on if the skies are clear or not.

[Dale-of-Cedars]

For the Humane Society, I'd give any full-mask sporrans a miss :-)

[davidg]

Either of the two sporrans on the left would work but, personally, I'd go for the plain leather one in the middle. A green tweed Argyll is daywear, the plain leather sporran is a day sporran. To me, it's the best fit but there are no absolute rules so make your decision and wear it with confidence

[MacRobert's Reply]

Good advice from davidg.

The term "ball" suggests something more formal but given your description of what others will be wearing, I would opt for the day jacket and leather sporran. No waistcoat if it’s warm. White shirt and tie as planned.

[sydnie7]

Given the organizing body, I'd go for plain leather vs. a fur sporran. Just sayin'

I checked a local humane society thrift store once for belts, purses etc. and was informed they didn't even take any leather goods. . .

[Really a McQueen]

I heard today from some of the male, board members, that they will be wearing dark slacks, and a black t-shirt. One with a faux-tuxedo front printed on it. So, I will let the weather conditions dictate whether I wear a jacket, a waistcoat, or both.

By the way, the board's president will be one of the t-shirt wearers. And his reaction to my statement that I would likely be kilted, was "that; I've got to see".

[The Kilted Hamster]

I worked a hospital's cancer center fundraiser yesterday afternoon. Most of the men's dress ranged from business casual, sport coat, no tie, to a few in tuxedos. There was one man kilted, tweed jacket, tartan necktie, furry sporran, hose. It looked fine so I would say what you have, if you feel comfortable in it, will be fine for your event.