'Black tie' questions

**Jacobite Laddie** · 2nd February 13, 03:06 AM

Now, as eloquently as you've put it, we have a fundamental difference of philosophy. It's not a matter of 'kilt snobbery' per se, but of getting it right. Because the majority of people get the niceties wrong, need we descend to that level? If you and I both know that something is wrong, forgive me, isn't it a little bit silly to 'go with the herd'? Surely the reason you and I are here at all is that we both care enough about highland dress not to make mistakes in wearing it? Perhaps all those glances of incomprehension will lead to people asking why and learning why they are wrong!

Nor is it really much more expensive to dress properly. I admit bespoke and so on is a luxury that things like having a professional background allow for some and not for others), but there are shops such as Hector Russell that sell Highland dress, you can get a stiff marcella shirt for just under seventy pounds, a collar for ten and a pair of properly coloured hose for twenty.

Forgive me for a spiel, but I really should defend my position politely.

Thank you to everyone who answered with all the suggestions and wonderful pictures.

**Chas** · 2nd February 13, 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by Jacobite Laddie

snip ... but there are shops such as Hector Russell that sell Highland dress, you can get a stiff marcella shirt for just under seventy pounds, a collar for ten and a pair of properly coloured hose for twenty. ... snip

It can be done for a lot less -

http://www.clermontdirect.com/dress-...s-c-24_71.html

Regards

Chas

**Lime** · 2nd February 13, 04:31 AM

It's not a matter of 'kilt snobbery' per se, but of getting it right.

Indeed; I am always much happier when I know that I am right (and everyone else is wrong) than dressing incorrectly just to follow the fashion of the day.

**Lime** · 2nd February 13, 04:47 AM

I only wear a wing collar for white tie events. A fold down collar for black tie.

A good general rule although a stand up collar can be worn for Black Tie; but a fold down cannot be worn for White... and there are other subtle differences to a really good quality White Tie shirt; such as a high detachable collar and single cuffs fastened with cufflinks.

**Chas** · 2nd February 13, 05:15 AM

I wore detached collars for the first three years of my service career in the RAF (six days a week). I have also worn detached collars for black tie and for white tie events.

I can honestly say that I can see NO advantage in wearing a detached collar and would never buy one again.

They evolved at a time when homes, the streets, the workplaces, the whole world was far more dusty. Today we have vacuum cleaners, smoke free zones, vehicles with windows that close and showers.

The Victorians oft quoted "Cleanliness is next to Godliness", because their world was filthy!

I have never felt the need to change my collar two or three times a day. Attached collars for me every time.

Regards

Chas

**flairball** · 2nd February 13, 07:37 AM

I like black hose, and don't particularly dislike cream/off white hose either for that matter. I think it depends on when and how they are worn. I would probably wear black hose at a black tie event, but cream are just for knocking about. But I doubt I'll ever wear a kilt to a black tie event, as I already own a tux. To that end, I guess in context of this thread I've really not contributed much.

I need a coffee.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd February 13, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

I wouldn't recommend Kinloch Anderson though as they stopped doing bespoke tailoring when they left George Street and moved down to Leith.

I have had many bespoke items made for me by Kinloch Anderson, since they have been in Leith and the most recent garment was just last last year.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd February 13, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Cushnie was one of my dearest friends -- and I can assure you that the hose David is wearing in this picture are tan, not off white! (And yes, he really did hand out cards that had ACBW printed on them!)

Wonderful!

**JSFMACLJR** · 2nd February 13, 08:12 AM

Hello Jacobite Leader,
I've been to a fair number of black tie and white tie events in the Highlands. Without a doubt, coloured hose are worn frequently, and by young and old alike. Now, I generally prefer to wear diced hose in the evening, but for house parties and such I do like red, or claret, or green...even yellow hose. I DO NOT like white, or off-white/cream, or black hose! Yes, one sees them--even in the best houses and the best balls-- but they just don't look nice to me. I'm sure your grandfather would agree.

You cannot go wrong with a marcella dress shirt with a soft collar for black tie, or a pleated shirt.

**Glen** · 2nd February 13, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by flairball

...But I doubt I'll ever wear a kilt to a black tie event, as I already own a tux. To that end, I guess in context of this thread I've really not contributed much.

I need a coffee.

My tux still waits. It is highland as a first choice, else mess kit.

Time for the second cup of tea...