Dressy outfit idea

[Makeitstop]

In a couple of weeks I will be going to a dance and I need to look my best. This isn't a "formal" event, just dressy (it's all college students, many of whom have a tradition of wearing crazy outfits from decades past) but I have to try extra hard because:

1) I will be the only guy in a kilt
2) I will be trying to impress a beautiful woman
3) I have built up a reputation as someone who outdoes everyone else, and tops his previous performances at every event (which is why I'm already working on my Halloween costume too)

The hard part is, I hate dressing up, so I'm trying to find something I can be comfortable with while still being stylish.

What I've got in mind is fairly simple: An SWK standard in nightstalker tartan with matching tie and flashes, black vest, maroon dress shirt and maroon hose. Shoes will be limited to whatever dirt cheap items come in ogre.

No sporran, as I'm not a fan, and even if I was, I'll be dancing, so it would come off anyway. Same goes for any kind of jacket, which would be overkill anyway.
I do kind of like the idea of adding a black fedora with a red band, but was advised against it by a friend.


I bring this up because I have never seen it done before, and given my limited sense of fashion, I thought it would be good to get some feedback while I still have time to change things (I still need to get the vest, and the hat if I want one). If anyone has a picture of a similar outfit, I would greatly appreciate a chance to see it.

I am also concerned about the little details. Do I go with a plain black vest, or something pinstriped to better match the kilt? Should the tie match the vest or the shirt? Is there something obvious I am missing?

[Phil]

I do kind of like the idea of adding a black fedora with a red band, but was advised against it by a friend.

I read your post and thought of this. Why not something along these lines? -

[wyldathart]

Why not a full pinstripe kilt, I believe I've seen them. Might go very well with a fedora ?

[Snowbear]

I usually go to such events with a V-necked sweather and a tie underneath. Just remember a shiny belt buckle.

I have to say that Phil's outfit would be perfect for a dance! Makes me want to get a hat like that myself.

[Friday]

A v-necked sweater would look good but would it be to hot for dancing? What is the beautiful woman wearing are you going to clash with her?

Personally I like the sounds of the outfit, and as a hat person, like the sound of the fedora.

[bchunter]

I think I'd go with a plain black vest. I've done a similar look many times, only using a blackwatch kilt, black hose and shoes, and a black shirt. With this I can dress up the shirt or go more casual with a black polo. I also use black leather belt and sporran. Kind of a kilted darth vader look.

[billmcc]

I am also concerned about the little details. Do I go with a plain black vest, or something pinstriped to better match the kilt? Should the tie match the vest or the shirt? Is there something obvious I am missing?

I recommend a plain black vest. A pinstriped vest usually looks too busy with a tartan kilt. Consider a tie that matches the gray in the Nighstalker tartan. Otherwise, go with a black tie.

[vmac3205]

A v-neck sweater vest is always a great look.
Please re-think the sporan
1) Where are you thinking of puting your car keys, money to buy the lady a drink, hanki
2) Scottish dancers wear sporans while dancing. It's just not a problem
3) Men in kilts really, really need a sporan so things stay where they are sipposed to when they sit. Trust me on this. Please.

[csbdr]

That is a very good, and not to be overlooked point!! I also like the outfit idea. one of my personal favorites is my IoS with a plum shirt, charcaol tweed vest, charcoal tie with a fine plum stripe, black leather goods.....not to everyone's tastes (some folks here insist on white shirt only...I disagree) but looks up-to-date and sharp.

[Wompet]

Before we go too far with our suggestions, remember that Makeitstop is starving college student, so there is a budget to consider. He's on a budget here.

I would go with the outfit you already mentioned - Nightstalker, matching tie and flashes, black vest, maroon dress shirt, maroon hose, and shoes - and I also vote against the black fedora. But I would wear a sporran; just slide it to the slide while dancing.