Question of apropriateness?

[Erik]

Ok guys, quick question time!

I have my kilt and I bought the whole package with the vest and Prince Charley jacket.

Can I just wear a white shirt-and-tie type shirt with it? No tie, just kilt and tucked in dress shirt?

I need to get a copy of that book everyone's talking about but got outbid on eBay so I figured you guys were the next stop for my silly questions.

Assume I know nothing about kilts!!!

Thanks! :P

Semper Fi,

Erik

[Galant]

'The book' (I'm assuming, 'So You're Going To Wear the Kilt') can be found easily and cheaply by visiting the link to the Scottish Tartan Museum - curator, Matt Newsome. Matt is find around these forums, and the link can be found on the right of the 'Forum Index' page, about midway on the page, and it's the bottom link I believe. What's more, Matt's a great guy and good to deal with.

Concerning your shirt question, I'm no expert, and not sure myself, but if you're talking semi-formal I think you might get away with it, full formal wear might be another question. What usage are you talking?

[Erik]

Yes! That is the book. It's been a long LONG day and now I'm fading fast on the graveyard shift here at the embassy so it slipped my mind.

I'll have to get the book through that guy, thank you very much!

I suppose semi-formal is what I was refering to. I guess anything BUT uber-formal, because I already have that getup.

If I wanted to wear just the kilt and a Tshirt what would I wear for socks and shoes? Thanks man! Erik

[macwilkin]

Can I just wear a white shirt-and-tie type shirt with it? No tie, just kilt and tucked in dress shirt?

The Prince Charlie jacket is considered formal attire, so a formal dress (tuxedo) shirt & black bow tie should be worn with the Charlie, and for formal evening occasions (Burns Suppers, weddings, etc.)

Cheers,

Todd

[Raphael]

from what I have heard around these forums, most people will agree that a Prince Charlie is for the formal events. If you are going semi formal route, most people would suggest you to go with a Day/tweed/argyll jacket.

As for T-shirt and kilt combo, I usually wear my Blunestone boots or hiking boots with hiking socks.

[Hamish]

I have to agree, Erik, with the advice my kilted brethren have offered with regard to the Prince Charlie. To wear it incorrectly or inappropriately is like showing disrespect for your traditional kilt. Wear it properly or not at all.

With regard to the book "So You're Going to Wear The Kilt": this is now somewhat dated, it was written, not for Scots in Scotland, but for wannabee kilt wearers in North America. It can be read as a very rough guide as to what is what (or what was what!), or it can be read for amusement

A far more pertinent guide is Matt Newsome's "Patented Advice for First Time Kilt Wearers" - http://albanach.org/advicebook.htm - which I, as a traditional kilt wearer of well over fifty years experience in the United Kingdom, highly recommend.

[Erik]

I didn't plan on wearing the Prince Charley jacket ensemble anywhere but the Burns Supper and other black tie events, what I was looking for was non-formal wearing suggestions.

I'll have to check out both books, my library will never be big enough! Thanks

[Erik]

I have to agree, Erik, with the advice my kilted brethren have offered with regard to the Prince Charlie. To wear it incorrectly or inappropriately is like showing disrespect for your traditional kilt. Wear it properly or not at all.

With regard to the book "So You're Going to Wear The Kilt": this is now somewhat dated, it was written, not for Scots in Scotland, but for wannabee kilt wearers in North America. It can be read as a very rough guide as to what is what (or what was what!), or it can be read for amusement

A far more pertinent guide is Matt Newsome's "Patented Advice for First Time Kilt Wearers" - http://albanach.org/advicebook.htm - which I, as a traditional kilt wearer of well over fifty years experience in the United Kingdom, highly recommend.

Done and done! I love paypal. Thanks!

[Mike n NC]

Hey Erik,
As far as shirts with a kilt go, you will find a very wide range here. Everything from button-down shirts with a standard tie to tee-shirts and boots. Personally, I think that if you are wearing shoes the hose should be pulled up, with garter and flash and in boots either rolled or pushed down.

Take a look through some of the personal galleries, especially Ham's, for some ideas.

Mike

[erudite]

Do Marines have a Mess Dress? I have seen pictures of UASF black tie dinners where the attendees are wearing kilts and mess dress uniform up top, and it looks sharp. I think USN allows it too, with the permission of the CO, of course. I don't know I didn't complete the program. Nothing against the Prince Charlie, but if you can wear it to a uniform function, you will certainly be remembered as the best dressed.

As far as casual, the general consensus here is wear it neat and wear it with pride. I prefer a mock turtleneck or plain T-shirt, combat boots or rockports. Get some acryllic/wool blend hose for the summer.

Also, check out the member galleries, (I type so slow the guy above beat me to the punch line) and always refer to Hamish's opinion. He is our most venerable Master of Kilt Fashion.

Godspeed in your mission.

Les