A question to the Xmarks Xperts......

[Blu (Ontario)]

1. I have a semi-formal dinner to attend this evening. This dinner is not so formal as to require a PC outfit. So in addition to my heavyweight kilt, I will be wearing my black argyll jacket without a waistcoat, wing collar tuxedo shirt with studs, black bowtie, dress sporran, hand knit hose and ghillie brogues. Does protocol permit me to forgo wearing my wide kilt belt and buckle?

2. Is an argyll jacket worn with a waistcoat considered as formal as a PC or would it at least make an acceptable substitute? The occasion would be the wedding of my daughter this coming summer.

Thanx in advance.

[Graham]

Hi Blu, you know I'm no expert on formal wear, but your post made me think of the photo of Sir Sean
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/a....php?pic_id=89

When meeting Her Majesty, he wore a waistcoat but no belt, he looked fantastic!

[Blu (Ontario)]

Thanx Graham... I believe Sir Sean is quite correct in that a belt is never worn with a Prince Charlie. I'm no Sean Connery but the kilt and accessories will help a bit. I just want to be as 'true scot' as possible for the occasion as there will be a few Scots in attendance. Apparently there are lots of ladies at this function as well so it should be fun.

[macwilkin]

Blu,

The "traditional" custom are either one (the waistcoat) or the other (the kilt belt) -- something to fill the gap, so to speak, between your shirt and sporran.

I personally like waistcoats, and since you don't see a lot of fellows wearing them anymore with saxon clothes, a waistcoat makes a very striking statement.

I'd try the outfit on without either, and see what you think: if you're comfortable without either one, then go for it!

Cheers,

Todd

[Freelander Sporrano]

When wearing my PC I don't use a belt I like it better that way. There are however evening belts which can be worn Blu.

Have a great time BTW

[Blu (Ontario)]

Thanks for the help, guys! I'm going to try it without and see how it looks. Just wondered if there was a known protocol covering that. I'll post later on the event.

[Blu (Ontario)]

The dinner party was a lot of fun. I ended up wearing the belt. Got lots of attention. Highland attire is a great ice breaker and at one point I had a group of women around me wanting to know all about it. There was no dance and no kilt checks. Although it snowed tonight, there was little wind so I didn't have to worry about accidental exposure. However I did experience mild irritation so I'm going to wear a longer undershirt next time!

[Graham]

So glad it went well Blu, I'll bet you looked just fine. Were any photos taken?

[Blu (Ontario)]

So glad it went well Blu, I'll bet you looked just fine. Were any photos taken?

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to take photos because we were pressed for time! Though I do have a digital camera now so that should make the process simpler.