Tartan vest/waistcoat opinions in gernral and it's level of formality

[Macseobang]

Hi,

A few months ago I was in the process purchasing a new kilt (Macdonald, Lord of the Isles) and when the kiltmaker was ordering the material from Lochcarron, she let me know that they offered a tartan vest for a reasonable price (less than $125). I went ahead and purchased it and everything arrived today, but the truth is that I'm not exactly sure on what occasion I should wear it. I know I've seen the full matching kilt/vest/jacket ensemble before, but most seem to think of that as bit too much. I've seen that many believe that even a kilt with matching tartan tie is too "matchy".

So are there any opinions on an outfit scheme in which a tartan vest/waistcoat seems appropriate? For example: Perhaps with matching kilt and grey day wear jacket? Only on it's own or with a solid print kilt? (I do own a solid black kilt)

Seconldly, would having a matching tartan vest automatically raise the formality level? Maybe only wear at night functions?

I searched through the levels of formality forum pages and I don't believe I ever saw a tartan vest. I realize that should have maybe been a red flag that people do no often wear them, but it was sort of an impulse buy.

Thanks,

Disclaimer: I realize that I can wear whatever combinations of kilt and clothing that I want, but the opinions of those that have more experience with kilt traditions mean something to me so don't hold back!


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I would likely not wear all three of these tartan garments together. I'm open to combination suggestions. Also, I would have preferred the vest be bias cut, but they did not offer that option. Lochcarron did however add pockets at no extra charge, something the kiltmaker informed me they had not done before.