What to wear with a Kilt at a semi-formal occasion

[Spartan Tartan]

First of all...WELCOME from Oklahoma!

As to the outfit, I think given what I understand from your post that a nice button down collared shirt is a perfect idea. As others have mentioned, match your friends from the waist up.

Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy yourself!

[theborderer]

Hello and Welcome from Berlin, Germany

[Phil]

I am planning on buying a fairly simple and not too expensive kilt tomorrow...

Hello Rab and welcome to the "Rab"ble. I gather you are planning to buy a "falling-down" kilt. The one thing I would say is don't get one that is too long. Middle of your knee is plenty long enough. For a lad your age I would suggest the boots and scrunched down socks look with whatever you think is smart enough on top. An open neck shirt in a plain colour should fit the bill. A tweed jacket is a bit fuddy-duddy for the kind of thing you have in mind.

[McMurdo]

I went back and re read your post, and while going and taking a look at how others do it is a good idea, some of what I suggested is a bit over the top.

What I'd say is wear what you have, and yes a white shirt is perfectly acceptable with the kilt. If you are comfortable wearing a tie then do so, if not leave it off, if you wear one have it line up more or less with the top of the kilt. As for hose you say this is a Semi Formal so to me anyway this means hose up, with shoes not boots, if you have flashes I'd suggest wearing them as the hose can, over the course of the night slip and it does not look as put together.

[artificer]

I can fully appreciate the more traditional looks mentioned above but in reading between the lines of your post it seems you are going to be uncomfortable if over dressed. And if you go as "Prince Charles" you are definitely going to feel over done. You mention a tie.. well actually you mention that you probably won't wear one, so a jacket and vest are out.

The kilt is incredibly versatile so my personal choice would be to try and match the rest of my attire to what you think the others are wearing. If they are going to wear slacks with a dress shirt tie less, then why not do the same with the kilt? Get yourself a classic button down dress shirt in a good color - I would stay away from white - blue is a classic look. If they are going short sleeve then find a similar shirt in ss.

I am not as well informed as many on this forum are, but I've worn a kilt since I was a wee lad. And when I talk to parents of youngsters and more importantly teens such as yourself, I believe that wearing the kilt needs to be a comfortable experience, a confidence builder. You will be dressed differently, that is for sure, but you don't want to go over the top and make yourself stand out too far. I hope you understand what I mean. Many of us have taken years to develop a kilted style we are comfortable with, and most of us wear it to any and all types of occasions. Your first forays should let you get used to it as well. You will have many years of kilt wearing ahead of you to move up into more traditional styles.

Others here will give you good advice as well, you will need to decide for yourself what will work best. And of course once you do, post some photos!

What he said, in spades!

Wear whatever type of shirt the other guys will be wearing. A dressy cotton or silk shirt will work well, as will a smart knit shirt, if they are popular where you live. You can add a sweater, but only if it will be cool enough where you live.

The important thing is to be comfortable and have a good time.

Sage advice from these two!

Remember, the kilt isn't a costume. Treat it like you would a pair of trousers (ie wear whatever shirt/sweater you'd normally wear to an affair of this nature) and everything will work out fine.

ith:

[pascs]

For a Ceilidh I like the look of a plain black shirt and black hose, still gives a semi-formal look but nice and relaxed too. Difficult to match a jacket with a kilt unless it is specifically designed for a kilt, so a chunky jumper looks good if required. I assume you'll be dancing, make sure your shoes are suitable for the job

[Laird_M]

For me semi-formal, there are several options I think, as many above have said.

A good button-down shirt that accents or contrats with the colours of the kilt can look good on its own.

Add a vest/waistcoat and it looks a bit more formal. It doesn't have to be Argyll/BPC, a plain black would go well, or again something which picks up the colours in the kilt.

A plain tie added to either outfit will also raise it up from the more casual.

Of course you'll want a semi-dress sporran but you can get them pretty cheap too.

[Peter Crowe]

Welcome Rab,

I would concur with much that has been stated by others already. A pale blue or solid colour dress shirt that matches/contrasts with your kilt (what Americans call a button down shirt) with a collar (I prefer spread collars but this is entirely a matter of personal taste) worn open without a tie. Kilt, day sporran (you don't need a semi-dress sporran, and I wouldn't waste your money on one if I were you) kilt hose and flashes with comfortable black or brown leather shoes.

[TurboKittie]

Wear it in a way that you're comfortable.

Here's photo of my sixteen year-old son, wearing his kilt to school before a theater performance.



His kilt was a little long when this photo was taken and is a solid black color. He wore it with long sleeve black shirt and bright red tie, blue and silver studded belt, wallet chain and sporran with chain, cream colored hose with black watch flashes and Doc Martin boots. He was very comfortable, though he doesn't normally wear a button down shirt and tie.

[ctbuchanan]

Wear it in a way that you're comfortable.

Here's photo of my sixteen year-old son, wearing his kilt to school before a theater performance.



His kilt was a little long when this photo was taken and is a solid black color. He wore it with long sleeve black shirt and bright red tie, blue and silver studded belt, wallet chain and sporran with chain, cream colored hose with black watch flashes and Doc Martin boots. He was very comfortable, though he doesn't normally wear a button down shirt and tie.

And I'm guessing most of his peers thought he looked pretty good! Well done.