Burns Night is coming. Formal on the cheap.

**Alan H** · 29th November 12, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mickey

Thank you good sir! I'm all about a bargain and it will probably be better than my modified tails jacket, even though it is wool. I like to dress up once in a while, black tie event or not, so this looks fun.

Also hitting a major sale from a higher end bridal shop rental store here this weekend for some more conversion possibilities and other accessories.

Panache wore a converted tails jacket for quite a while as his formal rig and I thought it looked great. The conversion didn't seem to be difficult to me and the end result is pretty darned similar to a PC. You probably look great in it.

**Scout** · 29th November 12, 06:58 PM

eBay can also be your friend when looking for inexpensive formal wear.

I don't own and don't want a PC. I bought a very nice, wool, 1 button, shawl tuxedo jacket on eBay for $27. A talented local seamstress converted it to a kilt jacket for me for $15 (and many of you I'm sure have the skills to make that a DIY project). I added a 3 button tux vest from a local formal wear shop for just a few dollars more (probably could have found that on eBay too). Traditional Highland attire? Absolutely not! And not something I'd wear where traditional Highland attire was expected. However at most I'll attend one or two "black tie" events a year where I'll be the only one kilted anyway and my on-the-cheap conversion looks just fine.

My $.02 worth.

**Glen** · 30th November 12, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Scout

eBay can also be your friend when looking for inexpensive formal wear.

I don't own and don't want a PC. I bought a very nice, wool, 1 button, shawl tuxedo jacket on eBay for $27. A talented local seamstress converted it to a kilt jacket for me for $15 (and many of you I'm sure have the skills to make that a DIY project)...

Another option I have thought about is using a velvet jacket, again ebay source, and having that cut into use with a kilt. Usable for both formal and day events...

**ronin6290** · 15th February 13, 07:11 AM

Shear mad-rabble brilliance at work here!

**Stan** · 11th April 13, 06:14 PM

For me this is one of the most useful and informative threads that I've found. I really like P.C.'s, and I also like the economic benefits of a less expensive option. I think that all these "conversion" options look absolutely great, and I (personally) like the more modern look.

While they may not be "traditional", they (in my opinion) certainly qualify for any "black tie" event, and look kilt appropriate to me.

I don't go to enough black tie event (lately) to warrant a $200-300 expense for a PC., and I've found all these suggested options, and web resources just great.

I've saved all the suggested web sites, and will be buying my Spencer jacket, or tailed Tux jacket soon.

Thanks

Stan L.

**BrMac** · 19th May 13, 11:18 PM

I think you've helped me piece together the perfect get-up for my commencement ceremonies next year. Thanks!

**Panache** · 30th November 12, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Panache wore a converted tails jacket for quite a while as his formal rig and I thought it looked great. The conversion didn't seem to be difficult to me and the end result is pretty darned similar to a PC. You probably look great in it.

Truth be told I preferred my converted tail coat to the Prince Charlie I finally forced myself to buy last year. It had round buttons and solid rather than braided epaulettes. It stood out as just a little bit different in the sea of regular Prince Charlie coatees. Sadly it was a vintage coat and after several years of Scottish Country dance formal balls it started to disintegrate.

Cheers

Jamie