How to Complete this Outfit?

**CMcG** · 29th March 11, 01:52 PM

I'm working on putting together a rather special outfit that delves deeper in tartan territory than I have thus far dared to tread...

I picked up this kilt and matching vest off eBay a while ago but have yet to wear them together in public. They also came with a matching four-in-hand tie, all in the MacQuarrie Modern tartan. Then davidlpope kindly sent me the green and red diced hose to make, as he put it, a "vibrant" look with the MacQuarrie kilt.

On another thread where I asked people to help me with formality, there was some discussion about this kilt and waistcoat combo but it was left incomplete. And that was before davidlpope's generous donation!

Given that the vest is cut rather high and I don't have a doublet of any sort, in what ways could I best finish this outfit? Here's what I've got:

Tie: four-in-hand (tartan, solid colour, or striped), black bow, or white stock?

Shirt: tattersal or solid colour; white, smooth front (hidden buttons), wing collar; or white, pleated front, fold-down collar?

Shoes: brogues or cap-toe oxfords (both black)?

Sporran: studded leather hunting-style; three tassel, metal cantle with fur, or metal cantle with horsehair?

Here is a picture of the parts I've already selected. As the rabble chimes in, I'll see about posting pics of how their suggestions would look.

**Downunder Kilt** · 29th March 11, 02:14 PM

For a back tie event, I'd go for a marcella fronted shirt with fold down collar, black bow tie, studs and cufflinks to match. Black oxfords polished to within an inch of their lives. I'm half and half about the diced hose as I am seeing the red from tip to toe and it maybe too much, then on a 3rd and 4th look, you could pull it off

**azwildcat96** · 29th March 11, 02:19 PM

Sorry...I can't be of much help. To my eyes, that is way too much tartan on one person at one time.

**Spartan Tartan** · 29th March 11, 02:26 PM

I can't make any suggestions, but I am VERY interested to see what you end up deciding on.

**Lyle1** · 29th March 11, 02:32 PM

I would not wear the tartan tie; with that much tartan, everything (kilt, vest, and tie) would all blend together, and nothing would stand out on its own. I don't know about a solid bow tie with the vest being cut that high, but try it and see what you think.

In the other thread that you linked to, I liked the second view ('Irish Twist'). I could not really see what you were wearing at your neck, but it had a softer look than you could get with a tie, and that might be what you need with that vest.

**CMcG** · 29th March 11, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by azwildcat96

Sorry...I can't be of much help. To my eyes, that is way too much tartan on one person at one time.

This is definitely pushing boundaries for me... and I have not even aspired to the heights embraced by Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor! Does anyone know what he is wearing at his neck and with what type of shirt?

Originally Posted by Lyle1

I would not wear the tartan tie; with that much tartan, everything (kilt, vest, and tie) would all blend together, and nothing would stand out on its own. I don't know about a solid bow tie with the vest being cut that high, but try it and see what you think.

In the other thread that you linked to, I liked the second view ('Irish Twist'). I could not really see what you were wearing at your neck, but it had a softer look than you could get with a tie, and that might be what you need with that vest.

The high cut of the vest has also given me pause in regards to a bow tie. I've seen it done with a tuxedo but with kilts, it seems like a black bow tie is usually worn with a lower cut waistcoat. But Downunder Kilt has suggested a black bow tie too...

The "softer" looking neckwear you are referring to from the other thread, Lyle1, is a white stock tie.

**azwildcat96** · 29th March 11, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Does anyone know what he is wearing at his neck and with what type of shirt?

When I enlarge the photo, it appears that he is wearing a wing-collar shirt and white bow tie. The colored bits, hanging below the bow tie may be a medal???

**robbiethepiper** · 29th March 11, 02:57 PM

Add a tartan baseball cap!?!?

**Bugbear** · 29th March 11, 02:59 PM

Cap-toe oxfords.

**artificer** · 29th March 11, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

For a back tie event, I'd go for a marcella fronted shirt with fold down collar, black bow tie, studs and cufflinks to match. Black oxfords polished to within an inch of their lives.

This ***.