What to (or not to) wear with your Kilt

[Gàidhlig]

Need some advise on what to wear with my new kilt.

Going to a wedding reception in a couple of weeks for my cousin who was just married out of state (As long as her fiancee' recived his visa).
There has been some debate in our house of just how to dress for this Kilted affair.
My Dad will be wearing our clan dress tartan with a Prince Charlie.
I however, only have Kilt,belt,hose, sporran, and flashes. So my questions are:
Is it ok to wear a sport jacket with Kilt?
My hose are cream, is it ok to wear a white shirt?
For my tie, I do have a matching tartan neck tie, but I have heard this is a no-no and I should wear a solid color tie that matches my choice of color in our tartan. Is this correct?
Thanks for the help!

[McMurdo]

I would say what you wear depends on the role you are playing, are you part of the wedding party or a guest? If you are a guest an Argyll jacket, or some variant ie. a Crail or Braemer would be perfect, if you are part of the wedding party than a PC would be more appropriate. Please do not wear a sport coat, as they are too long to be worn with a kilt. Is it possible to rent what you do not have?

[Gàidhlig]

I would say what you wear depends on the role you are playing, are you part of the wedding party or a guest? If you are a guest an Argyll jacket, or some variant ie. a Crail or Braemer would be perfect, if you are part of the wedding party than a PC would be more appropriate. Please do not wear a sport coat, as they are too long to be worn with a kilt. Is it possible to rent what you do not have?

I'm a guest, but a relative of the bride.
I do not have an Argyle or one of the varients. I would buy one, but with the holidays upon us, all of us are low on spare spending money.
I'm not sure if rental is a possibility, but I could check around.

[Rampant Lion]

My first suggestion would be to try to rent one of the jackets McMurdo has mentioned. If that's not possible, a white shirt with a tie that compliments the kilt, will do just fine with the cream hose.

Maybe some of the other forum members could recommend a rental shop in your area of NC.

[pipesndrumsnun]

I've seen photos of ties that match the kilt's tartan that look great!

[auld argonian]

Some of these rental outfits do rental by mail order. They ship it out, you use it, you ship it back. Maybe look into that...

Best

AA

[Clockwork John]

What about wearing a waistcoat? this would put some "visual distance" between the tartan tie and the kilt...

[Gàidhlig]

What about wearing a waistcoat? this would put some "visual distance" between the tartan tie and the kilt...

Aye, it probably would but for my lack of a waistcoat.

[Ian.MacAllan]

Often the bride's mother is the recognized arbiter of appropriate attire and behavior at a wedding, if she's qualified and willing. I understand that this is a reception, not the wedding, but I think it would be gracious to consult her unless you have persuasive evidence of her lacking judgement. Your parents, because of their familiarity with Scots' attire, your circumstances, and the personalities of the bride's mother and some of the other guests, probably can offer good advice.

I think the key to fitting in at most social affairs is doing what is expected. The real challenge is in figuring out in advance what will be expected, and for that knowing the players is often more helpful than knowing the rules.

Best wishes for a very good time at the reception.

.

[Chef]

Since your Dad is wearing a PC I would consider renting one. Matt Newsome is located in NC and he rents PC's as well as full kilt outfits. You can check his site HERE. If he can't rent you an Argyll he can probably point you to someone who can

Please don't wear a sportcoat with the kilt. They just look wrong. The waistcoat is a possibility but only if you expect other guests will be coming without a jacket. If the men are expected to wear a jacket and tie (semi-formal) or more formal then a waistcoat is not appropriate. If you don't think you will be needing a formal jacket other than for this event for the foreseeable future renting is likely your best short term option.

Of course if the invitation is (semi-formal) the PC is a bit dressy (an Argyll is perfect) but you will look good. Another option for semi-formal would be to hit the second hand shops for an inexpensive tweed jacket and then have a tailor convert it for you. Personally I would go with the PC to be on the safe side. Do a conversion when you have the money for a second choice in case it doesn't come out as hoped.

Yes your cream hose are fine with a white shirt if you go with a PC or a conversion. There are members on the forum who prefer coloured hose, but I would rather see you put the money into a jacket than worry about the hose since yours would be appropriate.

As far as the tie if you go with a PC you get a black bow tie. If you can find an Argyll or if you do a conversion you can wear the matching tie you already own. Not my favourite choice (I prefer solids as well) but it is acceptable so spend the money elsewhere.