Help! Silk purse from a sow's ear!

[Detroitpete]

Ok lads I need your help (again).

Mrs. Pete informed me that this "season" (October until the holidays) we'll be attending 3 balls. Yes I had to ask what a ball actually is. These are the big fancy charity-ball type of events. If anyone has ever seem my pictures of me in a kilt, well...when I'm "dressed up" my shirt actually has sleeves. The dressiest I get is adding a dress shirt, maybe a military sweater.

So----I've been told that that for these balls formal dress is expected. If I'm going to a ball, you can bet your bippy I'll be kilted. Tux's are acceptable dress as is something called 'formal mens's wear'--no idea what this means.

Here's a few specific questions:

Braemar or PC? Can they be interchangeable?
Dress spooran?
Brogues?

What in the world is a kilted guy at a ball supposed to look like? Pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Could it be that Xmarks is helping me somehow 'evolve'?

[McMurdo]

Well I'd say the best steps would be to look the following threads for inspiration

Formal thread

1 Kilt 10 looks. Here I'd say concentrate on the last few outfits

As to the question of whether the P.C. and Braemar jacket are interchangeable I'd say that depends on if they are both made with Barathea wool and have silver buttons.

[Riverkilt]

I used to work in Detroit, and have stayed at the Algier's Motel Annex before the riots. I'm figuring you have some leeway in Detroit, probably not a lot of kilt police around.

So you can shoot for the look you want, but if your funds don't allow perfection just yet I'm guessing most will be so focused on your kilt that the rest of your kit will be accepted as is.

Bone up on the formal look with kilts then dress for yourself/your wife with what you can. You're gonna be a highlight of the balls just for being kilted.

Go party!

Ron

[longhuntr74]

Well, I'm a Kilt Newbie...but I know enough to field this one. As a career military officer, I guess you could say I'm pretty proficient at both the grungy and formal looks!!!

A formal Kilt outfit should include:
- A formal 8 yard kilt of wool (I guess you might get away with acrylic wool...but it's important to note that you should not really use a "casual" (ie. 4-5 yard) kilt for formal wear)
- A Prince Charles jacket and vest (You could also possibly get away with an Argyll jacket as well...but it's generally considered a semi-formal coat compared to the PC).
- Perhaps the vest is negotiable...you could also wear a cumberbund or a very fancy kilt belt and buckle...but you can't go wrong with the vest jacket combo...and probably cheaper than a quality fancy belt and buckle.
- A proper pair of matching, complementing color, or white kilt hose and dress shoes. These shoes could be the Ghillie Brogues but also could be a pair of dress black shoes. By the way...notice I say "black"...all leather for formal attire should be black...brown is considered casual...black tie calls for black leather.
- A white formal shirt...can be pleated or unpleated front and have a pique collar or fold down collar...but not a button down collar...again...button down collars fall into the same category as brown leather belts or shoes...business casual or casual wear...not formal wear.
- Black tie (a black silk/satin bowtie is appropriate. You could explore a solid black silk four in hand tie, a white jabot, or even a matching tartan bowtie...but I'd opt for the bow tie...can't go wrong)
- Semi-dress or dress sporran of fur or fine leather...most sites classify them as dress, semi dress, or day wear. Dress Sporrans are typically worn with a chain belt, whereas many people prefer a leather sporran belt for daily wear.

If I'm off base, you "veteran kilters" please let me know, but I think that my advice is sound.

[Paul]

I'd say PC, dress sporran and yes ghillie brogues or other smart black shoes.

Best examples are probably from Panache's pics:


or without the plaid.

[Detroitpete]

WOW! See--you guys are good AND quick! Here's what I'm thinking now:

1) Wouldn't it be GREAT to look as good as Panache, McMurdo and Hammish!?
2) I'm not a plaid guy--so no need for that.
3) Some of my kilts will work. I know my handmade Newsome tank won't be here by then, but maybe I need to consider adding another kilt bought specifically for more formal events.
4) I'm not a fan of tartan flashes--will my coordinated garder ties be ok?
5) Leaning toward either Eton, PC or Montrose--but a wool Braemar might work too?
6) Is my only choice for neck wear (outside of Montrose with jabot) a bow tie?
7 Your opinion--coordinating hose--or stick to white/cream?

and lastly...

If my fellow Highland Athlete Alan H. can pull this off--there just might be hope for me!

[ronstew]

I'd avoid the white hose, just to avoid Jock Scot's ire.

Many in our continent are unfamiliar with the art of polishing shoes. If you already have a nice pair of wingtips, and polishing is not part of your routine, get started now. That way, by the time you are off to the first ball, your shoes will have a good base, and you will able to bring up a glossy shine. Formal attire requires highly polished shoes.

[Detroitpete]

I'd avoid the white hose, just to avoid Jock Scot's ire.

Many in our continent are unfamiliar with the art of polishing shoes. If you already have a nice pair of wingtips, and polishing is not part of your routine, get started now. That way, by the time you are off to the first ball, your shoes will have a good base, and you will able to bring up a glossy shine. Formal attire requires highly polished shoes.

Eight years in the military here I can make 'em look like glass! Still polish my shoes and boots on a regular basis.

I think I'm getting the idea together guys--thanks for your previous and continued suggestions.

My goals in this are to look appropriate for the event; show a good example of someone kilted and NOT look foolish or too 'incorrect' so that I can pass muster for those who might know formal kilted attire--and even those who don't--just want to make a good impression for my wife and a good representative of kilted men.

[davedove]

For some other examples, here's a couple of my formal shots:

[Jock Scot]

Alright joking aside and without being impertinent, how much do you want to spend and what have you got already?

You will have looked at the formal wear pictures, no doubt? So you have a rough idea what is required. A tip! If you are going into uncharted waters, so to speak, with formal wear then don't cut too many corners! If you go to the ball KNOWING that you are kitted out correctly, then you can forget it and get on with "A": the strange surroundings,people and some of the other do's and don'ts and "B" the most important thing ;enjoying yourself!

OK, what are the basics? Shoes need to be well(highly) polished and black, leather soles if you can. There is no need to have those awful ghillie things.

Hose; any colour you like as long as it is not white!Honestly,I know that many people like white hose, but it is better to avoid them.

Flashes; you don't like tartan flashes, great, so don't wear them!

The kilt; Go with a traditional tartan kilt if you can. The other guests will understand tartan!

Sporran; a "dress" or evening wear sporran is the thing, in all honesty, but an animal fur sporran will do too. You can get away with a good day sporran if you have to, but best not.

Shirt; a white formal(tux) shirt.

Jacket;Lets not get complicated! You will get by with a black barathea, silver buttoned Argyll, balmoral type jacket with a THREE buttoned waist coat(vest) if you choose to wear one. Better still and going down the less complicated route a Prince Charlie jacket(black) and THREE buttoned waist coat is the one that is well, more correct. Remember that a kilt belt is not worn with a waist coat that is why you need the height of your kilt to be cut in the taditional style ---no white shirt showing between the bottom of the waist coat and the top of the kilt, please. A belt or cummerbund is worn if you are not wearing a vest. There are more styles of formal jacket,but I am keeping it simple. You are quite correct not to wear a plaid, they just get in the damn way and look "Brigadoonish"!

Tie; there really is only one to go with the jackets mentioned above, a black, self tied, bow tie.Not, if you can help it, a ready made one.

This is a basic outfit. Nothing is cast in stone, other than if you stray too far from the norm you will be doing your host, your lady and yourself no favours. It is a courtessy thing. Good luck and have fun.