Hello all. I will post to introduce myself more properly within a few days but I have read many posts on this forum over the last few years and have learned a lot that I didn't find in books, as well as found references to books I needed to own (and then purchased), etc, etc. So thank you all for making a great place to find such needed information. I am particularly appreciative of the friendly debates by those with a lot of knowledge about kilts over the points that seem to be inconsistent from one source to another.

The burning question I have that prompted me to finally join the forum relates to an issue like that so here it goes:

I already have a PC and a Glen Orchy kilt jacket and vest set for black tie and daywear/business suit type occasions. I am looking to expand to coverage for white tie events. So I'm out ordering diced and argyle hose to match my tartans but most importantly I need a more formal jacket and waistcoat.

I really like the look of the Sheriffmuir (particularly in black or dark charcoal velvet) for white tie affairs. However, there seems to be conflicting information about appropriate neckwear for this jacket, particularly at white tie events, so I thought I would put this question out to the X Marks community. I did search the forum and found a number of helpful threads about this jacket vs others but this question I want to ask more specifically as it was not addressed as much in the threads I read. If I missed a thread, please point me in the correct direction and mea culpa.

Many sources seem to indicate that this jacket is only to be worn with a lace jabot and cuffs, period. Others (more recently) seem to indicate that it can be worn with bow ties as well, and more casual versions (of a rather formal jacket) have been worn with cravats, etc. To my eye, they all look great, but I am not a highland attire expert, just an experienced aficionado. I have been wearing my clan tartan with pride since 1996 when I did a semester abroad at St. Andrews when I was in college.

For me, I am not the biggest fan of the lace jabot and cuffs. I am secure in my masculinity and the issue is not feeling feminine, but rather too frilly and "froo-froo" for my personal taste (which may sound funny since I am considering the jacket in velvet but it's my honest gut reaction here), plus the lace at the cuffs and neck look like something I would probably stain horribly, catch/snag on something and rip, or set on fire accidentally while reaching across a candle on a table. I would prefer to avoid all that. Some pull it off well, but I suspect I am not among them.

So if I get a sheriffmuir and don't want to wear a lace jabot with it but rather a white bow tie, how improper is this? Is it ok? Would it be ok if I did so in Scotland? I'm not a big fan of wearing the kilt in a way that it would not be done in Scotland, but at the same time I am not just an old-school purist either... but I am all about avoiding faux-pas in my highland attire (see reasons that frilly lace are not good for me above) and am wondering what the experts here think. I do try and stick to the classic rules of thumb as much as possible because things that an American born guy like myself might think are minor changes may look completely askew to a man born and raised on Skye. And I like my Talisker a lot, so when I drink with that guy from Skye I want him to be impressed with my outfit rather than bothered by it.

I greatly appreciate any input.

Slainte (please pardon the absence of the proper fada here)

Nice to meet you all.