Incomplete outfit for semi-formal dance - Help!

[TomFromBama]

Ok, Rabble, some advice is needed.

I'm attending a semi-format mardi-gras Ball Sunday (Tomorrow) night - really just a "dance" rather than a full out White Tie Ball, and I want to go kilted. My hope was to approximate Jamie's Semi-formal (tuxedo equivalent) #8 look. But my last minute purchases did not all arrive in time (Specifically, the chrome belt buckle I purchased), so I'm left with an incomplete outfit - at least not all of what I had hoped to assemble to wear.

The Ball starts at 5:30. Most men (other than the riding members who will be in their float costumes) will be in "business suit" level attire, with some in sport coats and a few in black tie tuxedos. I've worn black tie to this Ball in the past.

I have in my possession:
USA Kilts "Warrior" tartan kilt (Purple for Mardi Gras!)
a nice black wool Argyle jacket with silver colored buttons.
Tuxedo shirts as well as dress shirts in a variety of colors.
Various bow ties and long ties.
Black shoes, Dark green hose, solid white flashes (and red flashes).
a white rabbit fur sporran with black tassels and chrome cantle. (also my Plain black leather day wear sporran)
A black kilt belt. A bronze colored buckle.

Don't have - a waistcoat. or a chrome or silver colored belt buckle.

So what my best option? -
- no belt?
- Belt with the bronze colored buckle?
- some other combination?
- hang up the kilt and wear pants?

[California Highlander]

Go with a white shirt, bow tie, no belt ,and the Argyll. I'd say green hose with red flashes (gold/yellow would be perfect!), either sporran, but I lean toward the black day wear.

[Tarheel]

I may be too late to contribute as it is 4:14 pm Mississippi and 'Bama time. Use the Mardi Gras beads as a belt. Get a mask and smile a lot.

[TomFromBama]

Go with a white shirt, bow tie, no belt ,and the Argyll. I'd say green hose with red flashes (gold/yellow would be perfect!), either sporran, but I lean toward the black day wear.

Thank you. My initial concept for my Mardi Gras kilt outfit included the purple kilt with gold socks, but time and budget caught me. The sporran was a random find on eBay that I got for a steal (and the best part is that its labeled, "Made in Scotland" so there's at least a fighting chance its not Pakistani!

[MacLowlife]

Do you or someone dear to you have a scarf that can serve as a cummerbund? The brighter, the better? This is Mardi Gras and you are (or were) hoping to wear purple and gold. Find a (mostly) gold scarf and pin it/ tie it where your belt would be.

If not, l'd just go with no belt at all, sine the bronze buckle is bothering your silver buttons.

Shine your shoes. A lot.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fleur-de-lis...item35caebc64e


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-WITH-PU...item234a10fb44

Obviously, you can't buy these in time, but ransack somebody's scarf drawer or go to the cheap accessories store. Have fun, it's Carnival.

[TomFromBama]

I may be too late to contribute as it is 4:14 pm Mississippi and 'Bama time. Use the Mardi Gras beads as a belt. Get a mask and smile a lot.

Thank you too. I'm going to try a few combinations at home (time permitting) - I have until 5:00 pm tonight, but also a busy day scheduled.

and Yes, beads are pretty well accepted around here during Carnival season!

[TomFromBama]

Do you or someone dear to you have a scarf that can serve as a cummerbund? The brighter, the better? This is Mardi Gras and you are (or were) hoping to wear purple and gold. Find a (mostly) gold scarf and pin it/ tie it where your belt would be.

If not, l'd just go with no belt at all, sine the bronze buckle is bothering your silver buttons.

Shine your shoes. A lot.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fleur-de-lis...item35caebc64e


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GOLD-WITH-PU...item234a10fb44

Obviously, you can't buy these in time, but ransack somebody's scarf drawer or go to the cheap accessories store. Have fun, it's Carnival.

Hmmm... That sounds interesting. I'll see it the Mrs. has any such item. I have a bright yellow bandana, but its also conspicously marked "Corona Beer" so that's out of the question!

And I'll also buff the shoes again!

Thank you for the suggestions.

[TomFromBama]

Thanks again to all who replied. The dance wasa huge success and the kilt went over well - as usual! MacLowLife, thank you! I just said the word scarf and my wife produced a long narrow purple and gold item with good tassels at the ends! I fashioned it into a makeshift cummerbund / belt and it worked like it was custom made for that very purpose!

[MacLowlife]

must. have. pictures.

[TomFromBama]

must. have. pictures.

I'm embarassed to admit that in the rush to get out the door on time.... we forgot to take pictures. :-(

But, we did get a picture taken by the photographer at the dance, so I should have those back within the week.

I've also been wearing my kilt to every parade we attended this year, and I've got some pictures of those - I'll post those as soon as we recover! I was also interviewed by a local TV station today! I'll post that in a new thread.

Another station took my picture (and misquoted me! LOL!) In any event, I'm the 5th picture in this slide show:
http://www.fox10tv.com/slideshow?widgetid=145123