Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome View Post
MacRobert,

Calling a tartan a "dress" tartan does not imply that it is meant for formal wear. It generally refers to a tartan which has much more white in the design (though there are exceptions). Indeed, one could wear the Hunting Robertson to a formal event just as readily as the red Robertson tartan.

The STM has this handy little sheet available for download and photocopy which deals with these confusing tartan terms.
http://scottishtartans.org/downloads...eet_colors.pdf
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And much of the decision of which particular colour scheme of tartan to wear, say for a formal event, can largely depend upon clan traditions - just as it is in the case of the Clan Macpherson. The majority of men and women amongst the Clan Macpherson, prefer to wear the Macpherson 'dress' tartan for black-tie events, yet it is perfectly acceptable to wear any of the other Macpherson tartans, and many do.

Cheers,