A question for the ladies

[Owl of Oban]

Okay, so the woman on your arm at a formal dinner isn't exactly an 'accessory' but couldn't decide where else to post this question.

My kit is all put together for our first formal St. Andrew's dinner but my wife is wondering what is appropriate to wear besides the tartan sash. Of course, I'll be in prince charlie, bow tie, kilt, hose and ghillies.

Please forgive my ignorance, relating this from memory but...

Floor length evening gown? Cocktail length? Evening black or White or off white? Whatever color best sets off the tartan sash? Any other comments?

Thanks in advance.

[Hamish]

Okay, so the woman on your arm at a formal dinner isn't exactly an 'accessory' but couldn't decide where else to post this question.

My kit is all put together for our first formal St. Andrew's dinner but my wife is wondering what is appropriate to wear besides the tartan sash. Of course, I'll be in prince charlie, bow tie, kilt, hose and ghillies.

Please forgive my ignorance, relating this from memory but...

Floor length evening gown? Cocktail length? Evening black or White or off white? Whatever color best sets off the tartan sash? Any other comments?

Thanks in advance.

John, in a word (or two): advise the lady to keep her dress simple. Floor length is perfect with you in a Prince Charlie but, if she keeps it simple, cocktail length will look as good. When I say "simple" I mean not too fussy or flouncy, most definitely in a plain colour (anything patterned or multi-coloured will SCREAM at the tartan sash!). She can hardly go wrong with black, especially a lightweight velvet!! White, as any woman will tell you, can be very difficult and it works best only with certain complexions and hair colours. I'd say off-white is a non-starter as it can look slightly grubby in certain lighting conditions.

No, my advice is: black - with shoulders covered! Sashes do not work with bare shoulders!

[Owl of Oban]

My wife and I thank you, Hamish. Your experience and wisdom are much appreciated.

I'll post pics of us after the soiree in November.

[James]

Same as when accompanying regimentals-plain-suggest white.

James

[Alan H]

I have to laugh at this. My Lady would wear what she bloody well pleased. She'd be damned if she was going to dress to look good with what I'm going to wear. LOLOL

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I have to laugh at this. My Lady would wear what she bloody well pleased. She'd be damned if she was going to dress to look good with what I'm going to wear. LOLOL

Alan, I think that our ladies have the same viewpoint! My wife might consider what I am wearing from the point of view that we are both dressed at the same level of formal or casual (mainly to insure that I am not too casual!), but she will wear what she wants.