CMcG, I must congratulate you on your find. I was the other bidder on that jacket and sadly, with a 38" chest it seemed like a perfect fit for me.

I think it would look perfect worn buttoned with a belt; or unbuttoned over a low-cut waistcoat, mess dress style. A belt could be worn over the waistcoat with the latter option too. Either way, I think a jabot would look as smashing as a bow tie.

You might be able to get away with wearing a four-in-hand tie and higher-cut waistcoat with this doublet. It would probably place it in between an argyll/braemar etc and black-tie in terms of formality. The Kinloch Anderson website has photos of Sherriffmuirs being worn that way.

You got this doublet for a real steal at £14.49!! I probably wouldn't have paid more than £20 for it though, given my paltry student budget. I'd be happy to grab it off you too if it doesn't work out. Though I'd personally prefer a Balmoral made in a rich green velvet.