Formulating a Back-up Formal Outfit

[McMurdo]

PotP
Take a look at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

Take notice of the last couple of photos that Jamie and I did. Notice that neither of us wore a cross belt. The Black Tie examples put up there while different would both be appropriate for the prom and should give you a good place to start
.

[PiperOfThePlains]

UPDATE: Heard back from Ian, he says it's totally possible to have it by the 28th of April! Huzzah -- I won't have to embarrass myself!

[Glen]

UPDATE: Heard back from Ian, he says it's totally possible to have it by the 28th of April! Huzzah -- I won't have to embarrass myself!

If you were piping there, then you could do what ever you wanted, as pipers always seam to do what ever they want... lol ;)

[creagdhubh]

Here's my situation:

I have a prom coming up and I am fixing to order a Regulation Doublet + vest/waistcoat. In the unfortunate event that it is not delivered on time, would it be "acceptable" to wear my tweed Argyle jacket, my crossbelt and my belt over the top of my jacket to "formalize" it? This MacLeay portrait has been my reference.
Attachment 17439 Note the gentleman on the left.

Of course, I will be sporting a nice shirt, tie, diced hose (and flashes), evening dress sporran, sgian dubh, and buckle brogues.

For those who are curious, I am ordering my Reg. Doublet from Ian Parenteau (of glengarryhats.com). Thoughts?

That gentleman on the left is Lachlan Macpherson of Strathmashie, also known as "Lachlan Mor," due to him being Champion of Scotland (for his athletic prowess at various Highland games and gatherings) for many years during the 19th century.

I would forego the crossbelt entirely; however, I do wear a Regulation Doublet in black velvet and bespoke silver buttons, so I'm definitely a fan of that particular style of doublet. Also, Lachlan is not wearing a Regulation Doublet, rather, a single breasted doublet with plain gauntlet cuffs and pocket flaps (no braiding or buttons).

Cheers,

[PiperOfThePlains]

Glen, Glen, Glen... Ha ha ha!

I am definitely not going to wear a crossbelt with the Reg. Doublet. I don't really see how I could appropriately fit one on! The crossbelt was merely one of my naive, wee ideas regarding my potential "fancification" of my Argyle jacket, if all were to fail.

[Jock Scot]

Glen, Glen, Glen... Ha ha ha!

I am definitely not going to wear a crossbelt with the Reg. Doublet. I don't really see how I could appropriately fit one on! The crossbelt was merely one of my naive, wee ideas regarding my potential "fancification" of my Argyle jacket, if all were to fail.

You know, more often than not with Highland attire, the" less is more style" is usually the most effective.

[MacLowlife]

PotP, I think you may have a good idea- that you could dress up your tweed jacket in a pinch- but you took the wrong turn after with the crossbelt. For instance, if you were to get ahold of a plaid, it would dress up any jacket. On the other hand, it would be bulky and hot and would get in the way of the best kind of prom activities- those involving contact with your date. Other things that might be worked to your formalizing advantage would be a really stiff starched formal shirt, a ruffled formal shirt ( BE QUIET, RABBLE, this is a high school student- they can wear things nobody over 30 would dare) or a jabot. And, even if a full plaid is impractical, you might consider just this once, a fly plaid. *

Do you have any idea what most of your fellow promenaders will be wearing? Again, if most guys are in solid black, a greyish green tweed jacket won't do, but if they are going to be sporting yellow and salmon and powder blue, your tweed will be perfectly fine.

I am eager to see how your Regulation doublet from GH/IP comes out. Please be sure to post pictures, even if you don't get it in time for the prom. Another thing you might consider as a stop-gap would be some other type of short saxon jacket, again, dressed up with a very dressy shirt and tie. If you are handy, you could certainly add square silver buttons between now and the big night. Look for a black velvet blazer on eBay, for instance, that could either be worn too long or quickie shortened for the event. Navy blue would be fine, too. People like to touch velvet. Or rent a "Spencer" jacket from the formal wear shops if you can't find a PC.

Oh, and consider not carrying a real sgian... It's prom. People might get nervous...


* we are not in THCD here- this is accessorizing your kilt. Some things can be made to work in a teenaged pinch that can't be worked elsewhere and some things that are just too much trouble for old guys can be a lot of fun at prom- like hats and canes, for example.

[MacLowlife]

Consider THIS inexpensive jacket as a back up plan.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=984669

You will have to remove the insignia and you may wish to add some bling in the form of square buttons- it has a fly front and is a little bit plain, but very sharp, nonetheless.

But yes, Jock is entirely correct, sometimes less is more. And sometimes, at prom... Too Much Aint Enough.