My outfit for the ball.

**Arlen** · 27th January 11, 09:54 AM

So, as usual my lovely wife and I will be going to the Portland RSCDS workshop and Ball in March.

Now that I've lost a fair amount of weight I have A LOT more choie as far as my outfit.
For the record, this is what I looked like in November 2009.
I could barely fit into my Argyle jacket and had to use a waistcoat I hated for the event. Also, I gave that Kilt to a friend since there is no way of even altering it to fit me anymore. (Which is a good thing though I miss that Kilt.)

That Argyle is too big for me now. (I mean, I can wear it but it's baggy and saggy and generally looks like I'm a little boy wearing my Dad's clothes.)

I can, however, now wear a Braemar that I haven't been able to put on for like... 2 years.
I also got a waistcoat I really liked from the Thrift store and altered it to a Kilt fit. (I decided to make it a tailored front instead of just a straight front so there are two different cuts in the following pictures.)

So this is my Macdonald of Clanranald ancient Kilt, my blue sweetheart hose, a white shirt with a dark green silk tie (may switch to dark/light blue striped,)
and formal sporran (may switch to semi formal if it doesn't stop tilting at a weird angle.)
Also, I'm not sure whether to go with my formal buckle shoes or to polish up my black brogues.

I'm kind of thrilled to be able to put together this outfit. Even six months or so ago I would not have been able to wear any of these things. (Mayyybe the Kilt.)

And, yes, a TEXTURED WAISTCOAT THAT DOESN'T MATCH THE JACKET!!! OMG!

There's plenty of historical precedent for it and I just think it breaks up and personalizes the outfit and darn it but I love it! Just you wait until I can get my red silk waistcoat embroidered with dragons!

**Macman** · 27th January 11, 10:06 AM

Arlen, it's great to see you looking so well! I hope the two of you enjoy the ball.

**The Barry** · 27th January 11, 10:09 AM

Looking sharp, well done!

**Mael Coluim** · 27th January 11, 10:20 AM

Great pix, Arlen! You look great after your successful weight loss. Well done!

**Ripcode** · 27th January 11, 10:21 AM

Being a newb, these pictures really help me.

That outfit looks very well put together!

**Lyle1** · 27th January 11, 11:13 AM

Congratulations on your weight loss; you inspire me to keep trying!

I like the color and texture of the waistcoat. I personally prefer one that does not match my jacket. For the record, I think the lines of the tailored version compliment the lines of the jacket and add a little visual interest.