Weathered Formal?

[Professor Mac X]

Greetings, all:
I'm considering a kilt purchase and kilt versatility as part of it. When I think of weathered tartan, I associate it with casual, or at least non-formal, wear. But for my clan tartan (Maclean of Duart), I like the look of the softer, weathered or muted reds more than the bright standard red (or the Orange tone of Ancient). I suppose it all comes down to personal taste, but would any of the Rabble care to share pics of weathered tartan paired with formal attire, or to comment on the pairing?

[OC Richard]

Since our current style of Highland Evening Dress evolved to its present form around 1920, a number of decades before Reproduction/Weathered tartans were invented, I would say that "the tradition" has nothing to say one way or the other about that pairing.

Some of the most striking Highland Evening Dress ensembles I've seen have used Reproduction/Weathered tartan. One of the very finest, and boy do I wish I had taken a pic of it at the time, was on display on a mannequin at the booth of an Edinburgh-based shop at one of our local Highland Games. It had a bias-cut tartan Sheriffmuir jacket and waistcoat in the same tartan as the kilt, in a Reproduction/Weathered tartan. It was stunning.

I just Googled and couldn't find anything like it. Here's the effect, more or less, if you imaging that tartan in Reproduction/Weathered colours.

[Jock Scot]

I see no reason why one should not wear weathered tartan formally, the only considerations that I would entertain would be the aesthetic one and that probably depends on the particular tartan and one's own judgement. I think there is a danger here of inventing rules/conventions where none exist.

[Professor Mac X]

To clarify: my query was not for eliciting rules, but examples, preferably pictorial (akin to the popular "one kilt, many looks" thread). I agree that aesthetics are more important than someone's rules. To me, weathered is associated with smart casual because very often I've seen it worn that way, and the blend with soft-colored tweeds and pullovers was pleasing to the eye. I just haven't seen sufficient evidence of weathered being put together with the formal black, and I'm curious to know how it looks, on real folks (preferably the weathered Maclean, or other similarly-colored tartan).

[JohntheBiker]

Formal wear, in black and white, provides a neutral backdrop to any colour palate. It's the reason why it is so effective in showcasing kilts and tartans. Consequently, a muted or weathered tartan will fit as well as any other tartan. Will it look "different" - possibly. However, I think the rarity of weathered tartans would account for that more than the appropriateness. If it appeals to you, then you should do it.

[Tobus]

I see no reason why one should not wear weathered tartan formally, the only considerations that I would entertain would be the aesthetic one and that probably depends on the particular tartan and one's own judgement. I think there is a danger here of inventing rules/conventions where none exist.

It may not be a rule or convention, but I have heard people say that even the "ancient" colour schemes are inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to it, but it's apparently one of the many myths out there (likely started by a colonial, LOL). Some people truly do believe that the "modern" colours are the only palettes suitable for formal. Some even go further and claim that the "dress" tartans with all the white in them are the only ones suitable for formal wear.

Personally, I find my own clan tartan in the modern colourway to be so dark that it's uninteresting and lame. So I won't be investing in a kilt from that palette. I'm perfectly fine with the "ancient" colours which would be my preference for formal, but I wouldn't be ashed to wear the "weathered/reproduction" colours either.

[Macman]

It may not be a rule or convention, but I have heard people say that even the "ancient" colour schemes are inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to it, but it's apparently one of the many myths out there (likely started by a colonial, LOL). Some people truly do believe that the "modern" colours are the only palettes suitable for formal

I have heard this too, and I think it was Dunakin's book that said that hunting tartans were inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to either any more.

[Tarheel]

I like a weathered or ancient tones of my own family tartan. It feels to me as if the kilt has seen and lived history through the ages. I think it may smack of a reverse snobbery to some people and maybe looked down upon as the "poor cousins" choice by others. I personally down care enough about the derogatory comments about my clothes because I feel they are perfect for me and my inner self shines through whether I'm kilted, in a tux, bathing shorts, etc. I like the idea of imitation as the ultimate flattery.

[Tomo]

I have heard people say that even the "ancient" colour schemes are inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to it

I have heard this too, and I think it was Dunakin's book that said that hunting tartans were inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to either any more.

Couldn't agree more with Tobus and Macman - my go-to-kilt is in ancient hunting colours and I have worn it to many formal occasions over the years. I don't see any problem with applying the same to a weathered tartan - in fact the weathered version of my own clan tartan is one of my favorites - my brother has a kilt in this version - I'll see if he has any pic I can post

[OC Richard]

I have heard people say that even the "ancient" colour schemes are inappropriate for formal wear.

I find this odd, because at least one of my vintage Highland Dress catalogues mentions "vegetable colourings" (what we call "ancient" nowadays) only in connexion with Evening Dress.

Reproduction/Weathered colourings ain't in it.

About these latter with Evening Dress, I found this photo of Gary Robson online; I think these colours work great. (I would have gone with tartan hose, buckled shoes, and an Evening sporran, myself.)