outfit advice

[Zardoz]

In a couple weeks I'm going to an awards dinner for one of my wife's clubs. The dress is what passes for "formal" these days, dark suit and tie for men, evening wear for the ladies. Of course I'm not gonna wear a suit again! I think I have what I need to put together a 'semi-formal'.
Here's what I'm figuring on wearing;

Black argyll jacket
White wing collar shirt
black bow tie
Ireland's National kilt
Black Kilt belt & big silver buckle
Black leather dress sporran
Black dress shoes

My question is about hose, the tartan is primarily black and dark green with gold and white stripes... My impulse is to wear either Black hose w/ green flashes, Or Dark Green hose w/ black or gold flashes, My wife suggested Off White hose as being more formal, but I just don't like the look. I'm leaning towards the black hose to balance the jacket. :confused: Help me out!

[Rex_Tremende]

I vote for off-white hose.

[Randy]

I vote for off-white hose.

I second the off-white hose.

[Bob C]

Off-white hose. Definitely. With the green flashes.

[Panache]

Fourth vote for the off white hose!

Always listen to the woman (your life will be easier)!

Cheers

[auld argonian]

I've not had to go formal in the kilt yet but I have my reservations about white or off-white hose. I believe that I read somewhere on Xmarks the opinion that the white/o.w. only became a convention because they were easier for kilt rental companies to provide...a sort of one size (color) fits all solution to providing rental outfits. Visually, those great, glaring white socks just throw the whole thing off balance for me...personal opinion but I don't wear white socks with a black tuxedo either...apologies to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I'd try the darker hose if you already have them...the flashes should help to tie it together. If it was me, I'd be looking at the black with green flashes...the white thing seems like too much of an artificial convention to me and when I think formal, I think dark colors. This may sound like heresy to some but it should be what you feel looks good and feels comfortable to you.

Best

AA

[Hamish]

Much as I dislike off-white hose, I do wear it when dressed formally - so yes, it has to be off-white hose - NOT pure white (that is for pipers!). Coloured hose, including black, is considered to be for day wear, but in any case, I think it looks pretty grim with a formal jacket.

Otherwise, what you have listed sounds just right. Hope you both have a great evening and, as you know, we just HAVE to see photos (or a photo).

[O'Neille]

I vote for the off white also. Especially with the jacket and bow tie. The black flashes might work well unless your green matches the Ireland's nicely. O'Neille

[Blu (Ontario)]

... My wife suggested Off White hose as being more formal, but I just don't like the look. I'm leaning towards the black hose to balance the jacket. :confused: Help me out!

I believe your wife is correct.

[Livingston]

Just can't disagree with Hamish. Must be off white.




Of course, I thought that before reading his reply.