Okay! Here we go again... Advice??

[MacGowan]

Thinking of attending a local Burns Night Supper. Dress is to be "Semi-Formal".What is acceptable as "Semi-Formal" Kilt wear?

Thanks in advance for helping out an old Oregon Ridge Runner who thinks new Jeans and Flannel Shirt are considered dressing-up.

Ron

[Father Bill]

One of the questions is based on where you are: what do people usually wear to this event in your neck of the woods.

My own definition would be the Black Barathea Argyll, but you'll likely see a lot of Prince Charlies which to me are a bit more than "semi" but more ubiquitous because it's what out-of-Scotland folks often wear.

To be proper, the Argyll. To fit in... ask.

[MacGowan]

Hello Father Bill,

Formal in this neck of the woods is pretty much the same as any other. It's just that I have never been a Formal, nor Semi-Formal kind of guy. By "Argyll" you are meaning a jacket, correct?

Thanks...

Ron

[Father Bill]

Hello Father Bill,

Formal in this neck of the woods is pretty much the same as any other. It's just that I have never been a Formal, nor Semi-Formal kind of guy. By "Argyll" you are meaning a jacket, correct?

Thanks...

Ron

Well respecfully, when you say "pretty much the same as any other" that gives you an incredibly wide range of "same." As you travel, I think you'll start to realize the shocking variation in such terms. Several have commented on that already - everything from sweaters to tuxedos.

So... ask!

[mayberry]

I agree completely that if in doubt, you should ask the organizers.
BUT...there are very clear answers to the questions, "What does 'Formal' or 'Semi-Formal' mean?".

"Formal" means dinner jacket/black tie/tuxedo. "Semi-Formal" means jacket-and-tie/business dress/suit-or-blazer.

So if you are organizing an event, you need to know these conventions.

Of course, you are free to prescribe, or allow, any sort of dress or formality at your event. But this is what these terms mean, and I would argue that it is useful to us all that we keep these meanings.
Cheers,
John

[Downunder Kilt]

Please be very careful with your absolutes on your definitions Mayberry. The tuxedo, was originally invented as a less than formal outfit and could still be described by some as semi formal. Also there are members from many different countries here where defintions may well vary.
eg. Formal to me means white tie. Black tie is black tie, I do not have a semi formal, I go to business suit next

[Father Bill]

I agree completely that if in doubt, you should ask the organizers.
BUT...there are very clear answers to the questions, "What does 'Formal' or 'Semi-Formal' mean?".

"Formal" means dinner jacket/black tie/tuxedo. "Semi-Formal" means jacket-and-tie/business dress/suit-or-blazer.

There we are, proving the point. Tuxedos (more properly called "dinner jackets") have never been "formal" in any lexicon I've ever seen. ...and that's the point. Since the words have ceased to mean the same thing to everyone, but rather different things to everyone... ASK!

[JohntheBiker]

I agree completely that if in doubt, you should ask the organizers.
BUT...there are very clear answers to the questions, "What does 'Formal' or 'Semi-Formal' mean?".

"Formal" means dinner jacket/black tie/tuxedo. "Semi-Formal" means jacket-and-tie/business dress/suit-or-blazer.

So if you are organizing an event, you need to know these conventions.

Of course, you are free to prescribe, or allow, any sort of dress or formality at your event. But this is what these terms mean, and I would argue that it is useful to us all that we keep these meanings.
Cheers,
John

In the Toronto area, this is probably a good description of expectations, with the caveat that it is not absolute and may well be different in different locations.

[Downunder Kilt]

There's those words again, semi formal. I would go with a dark grey tweed (or other dark colour) jacket, 5 button waistcoat, standard tie and shirt. Also Steve at Freedom kilts has a great line of kilt cut suit jackets that would be great for such an occasion. Cheers

[MacGowan]

That was my fear.. I don't have a jacket. The search begins.


Thanks very much...