Over doing it

[Jock Scot]

Nathan.

I have seen the late MacLeod of Macleod's jacket in action many times and have always admired it's cut. Two thoughts arise from those memories.

Firstly, the Western Highlands are well known for their individual interpretations of Highland Dress(formal) attire. You mention in another post the Duke of Argyll's splendid "salmon Jacket" and there are many other examples to be seen in the Western Highlands, tartan jackets and tartan waist coats cut on the bias, jackets and waistcoats of velvet, other than black, are also fine examples of this areas thinking on formal Highland attire. Even so, they are probably more the exception than the rule. I also think that deep pockets help no end too!

Secondly, many who wear these sorts of jackets are often, not always, high profile people who are used to the limelight and therefore enjoy getting noticed. Some, like the the late MacLeod of MacLeod were involved in the "entertainments world"( not sure that is what he would have called it! ) so cutting a dash comes as second nature to them. I find it interesting that many members here, who have a connection to the "entertainment world" are often the ones who are pushing at the bounderies with their kilt attire. Perhaps it goes with the job?

Since I recycled most of my kilt attire amongst my family I find my one sporran and strap, one set of flashes, two kilt jackets(both argylls), one bow tie, one SD make my kilt attire decisions even easier!

[creagdhubh]

Nathan.

I have seen the late MacLeod of Macleod's jacket in action many times and have always admired it's cut. Two thoughts arise from those memories.

Firstly, the Western Highlands are well known for their individual interpretations of Highland Dress(formal) attire. You mention in another post the Duke of Argyll's spendid "salmon Jacket" and there are many other examples to be seen in the Western Highlands, tartan jackets and tartan waist coats cut on the bias, jackets and waistcoats of velvet, other than black, are also fine examples of this areas thinking on formal Highland attire. Even so, they are probably more the exception than the rule. I also think that deep pockets help no end too!

Precisely, Jock. Excellent point here and I completely agree with you.

[Nathan]

Jock: You've got me on two counts! I'm of Western Highland/Hebridean stock AND I'm in the music industry. The idea of dressing like I hired my kit or am simply in a pipe band uniform gives me no personal satisfaction.

That said, time and place must be considered.

[guardsman]

Jock 100% , may I reflect on title of thread , that is , overdoing it . I think you mentioned buckle shoes? Will that not make BBSBA dress enough , sometimes less is more , subtle but confident ! I have to ask , would you lose your confidence by being over dressed , or underdressed, understated ?

[Nathan]

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

[CMcG]

Great idea! When do you want to meet up to take my pictures?

How about when my dissertation is done The snow should be melted by then and we can get some good outdoor light without also getting frostbite I guess that means you're on your own with a self-timer for sorting out a panel of Burn's supper outfits...

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

If you are trying to dress down (still formal), then diced/tartan hose AND buckle brogues are probably too much. Maybe just one or t'other?

[Nathan]

How about when my dissertation is done The snow should be melted by then and we can get some good outdoor light without also getting frostbite I guess that means you're on your own with a self-timer for sorting out a panel of Burn's supper outfits...

I don't think my cell camera is that sophisticated but I suppose a Phd is a valid excuse...

If you are trying to dress down (still formal), then diced/tartan hose AND buckle brogues are probably too much. Maybe just one or t'other?

An interesting thought.

[TheOfficialBren]

Jock, great insight as always, my friend.
Re: kilted entertainers--yes---to a degree (unless you are Kanye West).
Colin, many congratulations. I hope to be there one day, too.
Nathan, darned good stuff. Great posts as always.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

Nope. They are perfectly proper for black tie, whatever jacket is worn.

[Grizzly]

Nathan I am beginning to think that you are so overthinking this that you will not enjoy the event because you will be worried that you are wearing the wrong outfit or you could or should have worn something, brighter, duller, more shinny, less shiney. Most of us, and most Scots for that matter, see one of Jocks previous posts, do not have such an extensive wardrobe to choose from.

Wear what you want too not what you think that others should be wanting you to wear.