Formal Shirts

[davedove]

I'd like some opinions about formal shirts and kilts. Most formal shirts are pleated on the front. Does this look okay with a formal kilt outfit or should I look for a plain front formal shirt?

Also, would you wear the shirt studs when you're kilted?

I personally don't think it would make too much difference one way or the other, but wondered what you guys thought. I'm just trying to get everything together before my formal night on the cruise next month.

[GatorUK]

Think of the PC jacket and waistcoat like a tuxedo. Pleated formal shirt with studs and cufflinks. But that is just a guide. If you like the look of a plain shirt better then go for that look.

[Cawdorian]

IMHO the Pleated shirt with black studs and cuff links look great with both a Prince Charlie and an Argyll jacket.

[Bob C]

Agreed. I always wear a pleated tux shirt with studs and links with my PC jacket and vest.

[Zardoz]

I gotta buck the trend on this, I read at the tartan authority site, that like patterned neckties, pleats on the shirt were too busy. http://www.tartansauthority.com/Web/...eartheKilt.asp
I wear a plain front wing collar shirt I found at a resale shop for $5. I used to just use the plain buttons it came with, but I recently found some pearl and silver studs that aren't too 'busy'.

[Jewddha]

I was going to ask, in relation tot his, what's the appropriate style of collar to go with a bowtie? (with a Prince Charlie)

[Moosehead]

My personal opinion : plain white shirt, french cuffs, studs and cufflinks. No pleats/frills, plain collar. No wing collars, no button downs.

[macwilkin]

My personal opinion : plain white shirt, french cuffs, studs and cufflinks. No pleats/frills, plain collar. No wing collars, no button downs.

Agreed, Moosehead. Wing collars are technically for white tie, not black, although you can blame the rental places for the blurring of that line these days.

My formal shirt is from TM Lewin in London, and is almost identical to your description.

Cheers,

Todd

[Tiran]

I was at a wedding last weekend and there were two of us in kilts. I wore my Pricess Margret, muted (which I think is a variant of the Stuart) and he was wearing a red one I dont recall the name of.
I wore my new Argyle with a white french cuffed shirt, red & gold subtle pattern tie, silver tie clip and cream hose w/black dress shoes.
He was wearing ruffled white shirt w/ wing collar, black tie, studs and matching cuff links, cream hose and ghillies.
We got tons of compliments from everyone. Unfortunatly including the bitter drunk divorcee at our table, who kept hitting on us, even though we were both there with our parteners.
To stay on topic lol, I preferred my outfit, but his was very sharp. I like the studs, but not the ruffles or the bow tie.

[Moosehead]

Agreed, Moosehead. Wing collars are technically for white tie, not black, although you can blame the rental places for the blurring of that line these days.

Although the moths (I think) ate my mess kit #5s, I still have the shirt. Not sure why as I've never worn it since my "posting out/retirement/resignation" bash out of RAF Cranwell, Central Flying School. Three pleats, french cuffs, regular collar. Nice piece of kit.

But, at least in most Commonwealth countries, even the mess uniform is not really that fancy, say in comparison to the USMC, US Army or the French. Considering how fancy the rest of a standard Argyle or PC outfit is, the shirt should be plain. Too many ruffles makes one look like a French diplomat...n'est pas?