Over doing it

[Nathan]

In addition to the Burns Pub Night I will be performing at this year, I'm also scheduled to attend the Burns Dinner being hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto. Upon perusing the photos from last year and speaking to one of their board members who runs a local Highland outfitter and hire shop, I've been given the impression that my Balmoral doublet may be over the top for the occasion.

This made me think that it would be worthwhile to discuss the subject of overdoing it. I've seen it mentioned on xmarks that doublets are acceptable for black tie or white tie occasions but, especially given the way the ladies are attired, I'd say this event seems to be on the less formal end of black tie. Is it fair to say that there are black tie occasions for which a doublet would be overdressed or are these folks just playing it too safe? I have a good quality Prince Charlie and waistcoat but I just find them to be quite generic looking. I've been wearing the PC since highschool and it still fits nicely, so that's something to celebrate, but I'm trying to balance my desire to stand out a little among a herd of Prince Charlies without standing out as an overdressed lemon. The wisdom of the rabble would be much appreciated as it relates to this specific occasion as well as the subject of overdoing it in general.

For context, here is a link to a photo gallery from last year's event:
http://www.standrews-society.ca/proj...urns-dinner-2/

and the year before:
http://www.standrews-society.ca/proj...-burns-dinner/

[creagdhubh]

Nathan,

Based upon the contextual factors that are in play here, as well as your supportive photos, I believe that your Balmoral doublet will be perfectly fine for the Burns Dinner hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto. It is in my opinon that many folks are simply content with wearing a Prince Charlie Coatee or an Argyll style jacket in black Barathea wool for black tie affairs such as Burns Nicht, since it has kind of become the overall "standard" through the years, and there is nothing wrong with that...each to their own. However, you do own a rather beautiful, Balmoral doublet, so why not blossom forth wearing it with Macdonald of Clanranald pride and sartorial confidence?! I really don't think you'd be overdoing it at all, mate. As for the Burns Pub Night, you may wish to forego the Balmoral doublet in lieu of something less formal, since you will actually be performing and the doublet could possibly be quite restrictive whilst doing so.

Best wishes,

[ASinclair]

Nathan,

Wow. Almost as if black tie, white shirt, black PC was the uniform! I did see a couple of jabots and a cleric in blue. One young lady was even wearing pants. I think, if you had a solid color waistcoat (red, maybe) to wear with your black PC, then you could stand-out, but not like a sore thumb.

[cable scot]

I say wear your doublet and your best sporran. You will stand out from the crowd, but that can be a good thing. I would not worry about looking like a lemon.

[JohntheBiker]

From what I can gather, the Toronto St. Andrew's Society Burns Dinner is not quite as formal as the Charity Ball. Take a look at the women's outfits for clues. The Balmoral wouldn't be inappropriate, but I suggest that you will likely be on the dressy end of the spectrum.

I am only going on comments I have heard from friends who go to this function. I usually attended the Burns function at the Granite Club, which, as it happens, is not being held this year.

[plaid preacher]

Yes, the black PC does seem to be the "uniform"; I don't think I even saw a tartan vest! I did see a jabot and caught a glimpse of what appears to be a mess uniform in the corner of one of the photos. I would say wear your doublet, I agree with the above post that you only see the PC because that's all people see...and so it does become a uniform. As for the bonnet, a gentleman always uncovers indoors and so it really would not be an issue one way or another.

[Nathan]

As for the bonnet, a gentleman always uncovers indoors and so it really would not be an issue one way or another.

I think perhaps you may have misunderstood a reference to my Balmoral Doublet as a reference to a Balmoral Bonnet. It's understandable. I don't think anyone mentioned anything about bonnets in this thread so far.

For clarification, I'm wearing the Balmoral Doublet in green barathea on the far left:

[MacRobert's Reply]

Regarding hose, I'll be wearing diced hose and buckled brogues but I just combed through the photos and could only find one pair of hose on one of the guys carrying the Haggis in 2012. What am I missing?

I just browsed the photo galleries Nathan and failed to discriminate between the various events. Perhaps the hose was more varied at the last Burns Supper!

IMHO variety is the spice of life so while not overdoing it I would dare to be a wee bit different. There is a fine balance to be struck between conformity and originality; blending in and standing out; being sensitive to the expectations of others and not always going with the heard.

I may have missed it, but what does the invitation say about the dress code? If it is black tie, your doublet should be fine. If it needs to be dressed down then, as others have suggested, you could wear it partly unbuttoned or open. The chap with the jabot will look much more formal anyway.

This is how I wore mine recently.

But don't agonize too much and enjoy the event!

[Father Bill]

I have a Sheriffmuir and a charcoal grey Argyll. I think I'd wear the latter. I also know that at a lot of events hereabouts I'd be overwhelmed by kilt rental inappropriateness, but lately I've noted that even if it is often the predominant style, it isn't the only style seen about the room. A step forward!

[Nathan]

I may have missed it, but what does the invitation say about the dress code? If it is black tie, your doublet should be fine. If it needs to be dressed down then, as others have suggested, you could wear it partly unbuttoned or open. The chap with the jabot will look much more formal anyway.

Very smart looking attire there MacRobert's R. The invitation says absolutely nothing about attire. They just provide a photo from the previous year on the registration form.