Formal Print Tie

[xman]

I need a self tie bow tie for formal occasions. I hope nobody has noticed my pretied one so far. *shame* This should not be surprising among kilt wearers but I like to stand out a bit. Now I realise that formal gatherings are really not the place for expressing one's individuality too much, but there must be a little wriggle room especially considering that the evening events I would attend would largely be in the 'black tie optional' category.

I was thinking about something like this:


What says the rabble. Is this too gauche?

Any advice in general about bow ties especially as regards the wearing with kilts would be well received.

X

[madmacs]

Oooooh I like that... Maybe not for formal (sometimes simple is best)...

[HenryT]

For formal, plain black is best.

[JSFMACLJR]

I would skip that paisley bow tie and go for plain black: grosgrain or satin or just a black silk twill.

[Panache]

I like bow ties and my first reaction is "OH I like it!". But thinking about it when you wear a Prince Charlie coatee (or Argyll worn with a tux shirt and waistcoat or fancy belt and waistplate) you are really going for a simple, sleek, and elegant look. The jacket, shirt, and tie provide the frame for the tartan of the kilt to stand out. The tie should look good but not draw attention to itself, which is what this patterned one does. I would even go further and say that when it comes to hose, flashes, and sporran that none of them be too "over the top" with a PC because that defeats the streamlined modern look of the outfit. Now with a doublet more flamboyant accessories are going to work because the garment itself has more flair and a Victorian sense of grandeur.

So for black tie I'd keep it simple and stick with plain black (though Sandy offers a fine list of options if you want a little variety)

Cheers

Jamie

[jhockin]

IMHO the design is subtle enough that it wouldn't be overwhelming - it's not like it is bright red! Walk your own path

[RAF]

My initial thought was - formal? sure that would work. The color is muted enough. However, Jamie's specific points are well made.
Ultimately, confidence (within a sartorial framework) in what you wear goes a long way towards "pulling off" a look. Naturally, whatever you decide, we will expect photos!

[bigdad1]

XMAN I have one just about like that one and like it a lot. Check www.beautieslitd.com for some great choices.

[Chas]

While agree with all the above sentiments, I have to say that in practice things often deviate from the ideal.

I know from my own observations that there is a vast amount of difference between the Lord Lieutenant's Reception (Governor's Reception) and a company's annual event. Both are promoted as black tie.

In the first instance the Lord Lieutenant of the County invites the Great and the Good, the movers and shakers, those being honoured for good works and those being rewarded for faithful service. A true formal event.

The second event is also black tie, but is to reward the suppliers and thank the customers, to give the staff a little perk, to forge a few links and all round get a little business done. At my last company the guest speaker was Gyles Brandreth MP and one of the guests was the regional director for UPS who wore a matching bow tie and cummerbund - in brown silk with gold stitching. There was also a couple of serving officers in civilian mess dress - regimental coloured bow tie and cummerbund. Did they look out of place - No.

Was the event any less formal? I don't think it was - just a different kind of formal.

A black on black patterned bow tie looks just as good as a grosgrain black stripe on black stripe and a watersilk black on black.

Choose your events - if you are not meeting the Governor, wear it.

Regards

Chas