Burns Night in San Diego

[Chaps]

Last night my wife and I attended our first Burns Night Dinner. While I had a great time, I expected for it to be a bit more formal though the invitation did not specify the appropriate dress. While there were a couple of other folks dressed in black tie, the vast majority of men who were kilted were in something less than black tie. I saw long ties with Prince Charlie jackets, others wearing Argyle or other jackets with long ties. I saw no diced hose or buckle brogues. I saw mainly white hose and men with ghillie brogues with most wrapping the laces up their calves like Roman sandals. One man who was kilted arrived in some type of jacket (neither PC nor Argyle) a T-Shirt and sneakers. Less than half the men were kilted. I feel a little foolish that I went out of my way to get a 3-button waistcoat to wear with my Argyle jacket instead of wearing my 5-button waistcoat. I think spending so much time on this forum has made me perhaps a bit too conscious of what right looks like. That being said, I thank all the rabble who have shared their insights and have educated me on Traditional Highland Attire. Sorry for the quality of the picture, but here is my wife and I at the dinner.

[uncle remus]

Hope you had a wonderful time at dinner. You and your bride look great.

[Stitchwiz]

If you are going to bend the 'rules', it is better to do it from a point of knowledge than from ignorance.

You look terrific, just right for a party.

[mookien]

Though it is almost impossible to make out your kilt in the picture, you both look splendid! And happy I might add. That's the most important thing. Good for both of you!

I wouldn't give a second thought to what other folks wore. The Burns dinners I have attended were populated by folks in multifarious style of dress, many of them in attire that could barely be identified as "Scottish" at all. No one seemed to mind.

Everybody, despite their apparel, appeared to be having a good time - enjoying the "Ode to a Haggis", laughing at the Scottish burlesque, eating "neeps and tatties", listening to Burn's recitals, moved to tears by the pipers, and joining hands to sing "Auld Lang Syne". What else could one ask for?

If you want to dress like a "traditional Scotsman", whatever that may be, then more power to you. Go for it! Keep learning and contributing to XMTS and you will discover the style of dress that most suits your needs, desires, and personal tastes, and makes you feel most comfortable.

Slainte!

[MacEanruig]

You both look well turned out for the event. I second what @mookien wrote.