Waistcoat with a belt

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The other day, in the Kilt Advice Forum in a thread entitled "White Tie Detail Question, a picture of the Earl of Mansfield was posted, and he was wearing a belt over a formal waistcoat.

I did not particularly think the belt did anything for the Earl's appearance, but some of the gents pictured in this thread look good with a belt over a vest. I guess when it works it works, and when it doesn't it simply doesn't.

For me, the belt should not appear to be simply slapped on over top the vest as if the wearer felt compelled to wear a belt. The belt should look as if it was part of the outfit and be in harmony with the vest. Too many separate lines can confuse the eye and be distracting to the overall look.

Yes, in the photo of Lord Mansfield he is wearing a dirk belt over his waistcoat. He is also wearing a dirk, and is in the uniform of an officer of the Atholl Highlanders. I somehow rather doubt that Mansfield would show up at a formal event wearing a dirk and dirk belt if he wasn't in uniform...