Black Tie affair. White vest

[fortcollinsjerry]

I am attending the Marine Cops Ball soon and am using my Black Argyle as the tux jacket with my miniature metal rack over the left breast pocket. The jacket fits well, has all the sliver buttons and shoulder boards. With a Tux shirt and black bow tie it should pass muster at any table. Has any one also worn that white formal vest often worn at weddings and very formal dinner parties?

Jerry

[piperdbh]

I think white vests are usually worn for white ties, not black. How about posting some pictures of yourself with it on and we'll give you a yay or nay.

[pascs]

You do see a white waistcoat worn with black tie and tux jacket so I think it should work although its normally worn with white tie. I have been thinking about something similar myself for a change from my black waistcoat with my PC jacket.

[fortcollinsjerry]

White vest - white tie, solution solved

[ctbuchanan]

A white vest adds a bit more formality to a black tie event, but not as much as a white tie. A white vest/white tie event if VERY formal and almost always reserved for things like a head of state visit etc. in the kind of environment you will find yourself.

The white vest/black tie is a bit dated however and was more common in the 50's and before, but is still perfectly acceptable.

I would strongly advise against a white tie as it has very specific indications.

What a honor to attend and you will look great in the kilt!

[davidg]

Just a thought and nothing more. Do with it what you will

Strictly speaking white tie is Saxon wear. To wear a white vest with a highland jacket is a mixing of styles and, whilst it is done at formal events, it does not need to be and is not strictly correct. Black vest and black bow tie are perfectly acceptable for very formal highland wear. A doublet, perhaps with a jabot, or a doublet and tartan vest, are far more traditional for white tie events than a white vest

So, the thought is that if both black (in colder climes) and white (in warmer climes) are OK for formal wear, can we mix the vests? Whilst not usual and against convention there are no rules against it. So, if you are comfortable about it, why not? But perhaps not a Marcella white vest as that I think would look a little odd

[chrisupyonder]

Here's a white vest posted by MacRoberts Reply yesteday.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...4/index24.html


Looks good to me, but then it is a wedding and he is the minister.

Chris.

[Chas]

I go to numerous black tie and white tie events every year.

The normal accessory for a black tie outfit is a cummerbund (pleats upwards). The problem is that if a man's waist is more ample than he would wish, a cummerbund tends to make him look fat. Sorry, it's just the way it is - the stripes run sideways exaggerating the waist.

The best way to combat this is to wear a waistcoat which should be black. This allows the wearer to wear a pocket watch, which lifts the dress one notch. If I saw someone wearing a white waistcoat, I would think it odd - not more formal - odd.

There is an exception - the coloured waistcoat. Not some florid garish thing! These waistcoats are reserved for Fellows of the Royal Colleges. Nationally recognised men at the very top of their profession. Also not worn to every black or white tie event, but only to events that are associated with the College, who's waistcoat they are wearing. Most are pastel shades in either linen or silk. Might have coloured buttons (for example very pale pink with three small red buttons).

So - black tie = black waistcoat
white tie = white waistcoat

If you mix them, you will look odd, not more formal, just odd.

Regards

Chas

[davidg]

but then it is a wedding and he is the minister

Which means he can do what he likes because he's in charge of the show

But, if you look right behind him there's another chap in a white vest who looks to be wearing a regular suit. What's good for Saxon wear is good for Highland wear too, surely. Personally I would be unlikely to wear a style of vest like this but, why not?

[Cygnus]

I go to numerous black tie and white tie events every year.

The normal accessory for a black tie outfit is a cummerbund (pleats upwards). The problem is that if a man's waist is more ample than he would wish, a cummerbund tends to make him look fat. Sorry, it's just the way it is - the stripes run sideways exaggerating the waist.

With a tuxedo, yes; though I am firmly of the opinion that cummerbunds and kilts don't mix. I assume the OP is wearing a kilt since he said he'd be wearing a black Argyll jacket.

There is also the option of a belt with a formal silver buckle.

The best way to combat this is to wear a waistcoat which should be black. This allows the wearer to wear a pocket watch, which lifts the dress one notch. If I saw someone wearing a white waistcoat, I would think it odd - not more formal - odd.

I've always been told that one shouldn't wear a pocket watch to an evening event as it shows the host that you either have someplace else to be or that you're only willing to spend a limited amount of time with him/her and the other guests.

There is an exception - the coloured waistcoat. Not some florid garish thing! These waistcoats are reserved for Fellows of the Royal Colleges. Nationally recognised men at the very top of their profession. Also not worn to every black or white tie event, but only to events that are associated with the College, who's waistcoat they are wearing. Most are pastel shades in either linen or silk. Might have coloured buttons (for example very pale pink with three small red buttons).

I wasn't aware of this convention and appreciate that you brought it up! I'll have to look into it as I was under the impression that coloured waistcoats (within reason) were always acceptable with highland evening dress despite one's university affiliation or achievements.

Also, don't leave out the tartan waistcoat (preferably with three buttons and cut on the bias).

So - black tie = black waistcoat
white tie = white waistcoat

If you mix them, you will look odd, not more formal, just odd.

I agree that a white waistcoat would look a bit odd with a black bow tie.