Need advice for first time semi formal kilt wearing

[gbmaz]

Later this month I will be attending a formal/semi formal function (this is NM, people wear jeans to the opera) that is a fundraiser for the YMCA I work for. I have no worries about the kilt being accepted given that our CEO's husband always wears a kilt for dress affairs. He is former military and has a jacket that goes along with all that.

I will be wearing my USA Kilts 5 Yard Wool in American Heritage along with my new black Argyle Jacket and Vest from USA Kilts. I have some suitable shoes and will probably wear my charcoal hose with dark maroon tied garters. Looks rather nice with this kilt. The event is called the Red & Black Ball, so I am planing on a basic red tie and a white shirt. The catch is the only white dress shirt I own at the moment is oxford cloth with a button down collar.

Am I correct in assuming this is a bit casual for this occasion?

Would a standard men's dress shirt be a better choice?

Would a red bow tie be acceptable?

I appeal to vast knowledge of the assembled XMarks rabble, or as why wife refers to you all "my kilt homies".

[gbmaz]

And what type of sporran would be most suitable?

I have fairly basic day sporrans, but could probably swing something nicer that suits the Argyle Jacket and vest.

[McMurdo]

I'd say look at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

I would pay attention to number 6 onward.

[cck]

I live in Texas, so I understand the lack of interest in formality in dress. What you describe should be adequate and put you well in the group of "better dressed" in attendance. The button down might be the only questionable thing, but only the most picky would notice that. A bow tie could be a step toward "semi-formal" (whatever that may mean.)

Go and enjoy. The kilt will get you a lot of compliments - especially from the women.

[cck]

And to answer your question about a sporran - you need to wear one. Do the best you can approaching a dress sporran. Don't sweat it too much. You'll be a hit.

[gbmaz]

McMurdo-

Thanks for the reminder about that thread, I have read it several times in the past and there are some great ideas.

Looking at #8 Semi Formal I am thinking of perhaps going with a tuxedo shirt, waist coat, and red bow tie. I would probably get one
of the USA Kilts Semi Dress Sporrans t complete the outfit - http://www.usakilts.com/kilt-accesso...-sporrans.html

This seems like it would step up the formality of the outfit, but also be a bit playful. In non Highland formal dress the waistcoat and bow tie combo has become popular in the last 5 years (I used to manage a men's clothing department that rented tuxedos).

Does anyone have suggestions for another suitable sporran is the <$150 range?

[gbmaz]

Go and enjoy. The kilt will get you a lot of compliments - especially from the women.

My wife is the one who got me started on the whole kilt thing and has encouraged it with birthday gifts including my new Argyle jacket and waistcoat. She has recently started to get into dressing up herself and we make quite the striking pair. I will be sure to post some photos here after the event.

[GG]

I don’t know your country/state very well, but the fact that people are going to the opera in jeans tells me, that you might be at a risk to overdress. Based upon “1 kilt 10 looks” I would say that #7-#8 would make it.

I think the kilt – I have one in the American Heritage tartan, too – is fine. And so are kilt hose, shoes and your Argyle. I would go for a standard dress shirt, myself, but I guess the button-down collar should not be that much out of place.

I do have more reservations to your "red" To my opinion bright red shouldn’t go well with the maroon color of your kilt. Accordingly your red should be maroon – to my taste. I would prefer a tie over a bow.

What would you be wearing, if you didn't have a kilt?

[Mikilt]

Does anyone have suggestions for another suitable sporran is the <$150 range?

With shipping it may come to the high end of your price range, but I own this and I am very happy with it.

[gbmaz]

I don’t know your country/state very well, but the fact that people are going to the opera in jeans tells me, that you might be at a risk to overdress. Based upon “1 kilt 10 looks” I would say that #7-#8 would make it.

I think the kilt – I have one in the American Heritage tartan, too – is fine. And so are kilt hose, shoes and your Argyle. I would go for a standard dress shirt, myself, but I guess the button-down collar should not be that much out of place.

I do have more reservations to your "red" To my opinion bright red shouldn’t go well with the maroon color of your kilt. Accordingly your red should be maroon – to my taste. I would prefer a tie over a bow.

What would you be wearing, if you didn't have a kilt?

If I did not have a kilt I would probably be wearing a rental tuxedo with a red bow tie and red cummerbund or waist coat.

I will have to put everything together and see what the red looks like with the kilts. Perhaps a black bow tie or one in a maroon that matches the color in the tartan would be a better choice.

The finance director (aka the Wife) just informed me that she would likely be spending > $200 on some jewelry for the affair and gave the thumbs up for a dress sporran. I will likely go with http://www.usakilts.com/black-bovine...ran-14286.html