Semi-formal outfit...opinions wanted within

[Avonlea22]

I currently own 1 USAK Philabeg in Gunn Tartan.

I'd like to have a semi-formal outfit that I can be proud to wear, but also not look silly. I'd wear this to dinner, social gatherings with friends, and maybe Christmas (next year) luncheon's or dinners.

I'm seeking input on how to create an inexpensive outfit using the USAK I already have.

What would be a good jacket? Argyle? Other?

For shoes, I currently have a pair of dress Doc Martins. I also have a belt, but it's nothing fancy. I'd like a better Kilt belt, but keep in mind the size of my belt loops on the Philabeg. I currently have a Buzz Kidder Sporan. I'm assuming I should upgrade to a semi-dress sporran, and switch over to a sporran belt (I'm using the chain that came with the sporran). Would a plain white shirt and dark colored tie work, or should I go with a more formal tux shirt and bowtie (of which I have both)? I have sevral flashes and Kilt hose in cream, tan and bottle green (I think it's bottle...the darker green).

I have a luncheon to attend at work (I work for a Sheraton in the banquet department) on Monday, and I'm trying to decide if I even want to wear the kilt, because I think what I have now is too casual (although I believe it is a casual function). I was going to wear the kilt with my Doc's, Cream hose and red flashes, and a long sleeved red button down shirt. I don't own any sweaters, and I'm hoping it won't be too cold that day, if I decide to go this route.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Links to sites with inexpensive items (such as argyle, if that's what's suggested) would be helpful too.

BTW, I'm glad I came back here. It's been a while since I visited, and I've been out of the loop. It's good to read all of your posts again.

Welcome to all of the new members!

[GlassMan]

Personally I think the silvered links of a sporran chain looks dressier than a sporran belt.

I'd go for the Argyle jacket for the semi-formal event.

As for the sporran, a lot depends on what the semi-dress looks like. There are some semi-formal sporrans out there that are actually too dressy for most American semi-dress events.

[Niblox]

I wear doc martens all the time, even to formal events - see my pic below!

[possingk]

I bought a kilt from Rocky on September 23rd, I believe, one month later I had the following outfit on at a ball that we went to:



The coat is a tuxedo waist jacket $60 from tuxedo place clearing them out, I bought a vest there as well which is hard to see. My next steps are going to be to replace the buttons on the coat, I have oatmeal wool kilt hose that I wear with this now as well as black flashes.

[Avonlea22]

Wow..quick responses.

I forgot to add that I have a tux jacket too. It's actually issued by the hotel for our more formal dinners. I suppose I could wear that with a white shirt and bow tie. But would that be too formal for a luncheon?

Edited to add that I will take a pic or two of what I was planning on wearing, and post it later today after I get home.

[GlassMan]

I think the tux jacket would definitely be a little on the formal side.

Another option would be a nice tweed daywear jacket or blazer. That always looks good with a kilt.

[Iolaus]

No disrespect intended to Rocky, but I think that the badge takes away from the outfit in a formal or semi-formal use. I realize it's in the traditional place for a pin, but it's still brand advertising, and, in my opinion, has no place in a "dress" situation.

That said, I'd go with Glassman's suggestion for a jacket; a tux is probably too formal.

[clancelt]

I bought a kilt from Rocky on September 23rd, I believe, one month later I had the following outfit on at a ball that we went to:

The coat is a tuxedo waist jacket $60 from tuxedo place clearing them out, I bought a vest there as well which is hard to see. My next steps are going to be to replace the buttons on the coat, I have oatmeal wool kilt hose that I wear with this now as well as black flashes.

Hey, your shoe is untied. No, really it is ;)

[bubba]

I'd be inclined to add a vest, black or navy blue, to break up that vast field of red.

[Bob C]

I'd be inclined to add a vest, black or navy blue, to break up that vast field of red.

Or a tie, at least.