Got to make sure I'm dressed to the nines

**Drac** · 18th December 12, 10:59 AM

Hi all,

Well the Derby got sided-lined due to the fact the tickets sold out in a couple weeks

So we are going to save up and have the funding available the day they come up next year.

So in the mean time to check off a couple more bucket list items we are heading to NOLA and will ride in a Mardi Gras parade and go to a couple coronation balls.

The ball is the issue. Talking to them on the phone they made it VERY clear this is black tie,meaning a tux. I said that I've worn my kilt to many a black tie event but want to run it by you folks just to get your opinion. This is going to be high class where the women are required to were long flowing gowns. Picture faux Royal/State party.

I have my tanks in Lamont or a new Dress Gordon 5 yard from USA kilts on it's way. I have this jacket and vest - http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...t-combo-1.html . A nice set of gillies. I will be getting in some non-white hose. I have red garters. A dress belt, plate buckle and a nutria (great for NOLA

) sporran. A black silk bow tie, not a pre-tied one. A dress sgian. Still need a sheath for it. Debating on a fly plaid.

What do you guys think? Make the grade or do I need to rent a tux?

Jim

**Zardoz** · 18th December 12, 11:30 AM

All sounds great to me. But I'd skip the fly plaid, and you won't need a belt with the waistcoat.

**CMcG** · 18th December 12, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Drac

...
I have my tanks in Lamont or a new Dress Gordon 5 yard from USA kilts on it's way. I have this jacket and vest - http://www.usakilts.com/index.php/ki...t-combo-1.html . A nice set of gillies. I will be getting in some non-white hose. I have red garters. A dress belt, plate buckle and a nutria (great for NOLA

) sporran. A black silk bow tie, not a pre-tied one. A dress sgian. Still need a sheath for it. Debating on a fly plaid.
...

Sounds like you have most of the kit (or are getting it) and just need to put it all together. I'll tell you what I might do, though that isn't by any means definitive.

- tank, rather than 5 yard
- dress Argyll with low cut (usually 3 button) waistcoat, not the high cut 5 button in the link you gave
- ghillies with regular length laces and decorative buckles
- diced or tartan hose
- dress belt worn over your waistcoat to support a dirk, because I know you are a talented knife maker

If no dirk, skip the belt
- sgian, sporran, and self-tie bow tie all sound good
- skip the flyplaid
- consider getting a white linen pocket square

The final consideration is your shirt, which you didn't mention. This should be a white, formal shirt with studs and cufflinks. I think a fold-down collar is best, but I've seen lots of people with wing collars, and either should have piqué/marcella or pleated front.

**Jock Scot** · 18th December 12, 12:26 PM

Skip the dirk----- quite inappropriate for a black tie event. Skip the fly plaid--- its overkill, skip the ghillie brogues and wear well polished black shoes, Skip the tartan or diced hose----if you wish a plain single colour(yes indeed, not white) will do nicely. Sometimes, well actually more often than not, the less is more approach with a black tie event is the most effective.

Just saying.

**Drac** · 18th December 12, 12:42 PM

Dirk I have is from Mike McRea, sweet but it might be a bit big for carrying in a social event. The choice of shoes will be buy a new set or the ghillies. Unfortunately my next step down is a loafer. I do have a three button waist coat that came with my PC but I hadn't considered it since the PC is fairly cheap (from Sport Kilt) and I thought a well made and fitted Argyle would look nicer than a cheap PC. Will have to check on how the PC's waistcoat looks. I remember it fitting better than the jacket. If the material is close I might be able to swap it out.

I was only considering the fly plaid. Mostly because most of these people probably would expect it and since Amy will probably be freezing. Ask any women and they will let you know that these events are always freezing. To keep the gents cool in all the jackets, waistcoats, shirt and undershirts a lady in an elegant dress will freeze and I thought if it got bad she would be able to wear it for warmth.

Jim

**CMcG** · 18th December 12, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Skip the dirk----- quite inappropriate for a black tie event. Skip the fly plaid--- its overkill, skip the ghillie brogues and wear well polished black shoes, Skip the tartan or diced hose----if you wish a plain single colour(yes indeed, not white) will do nicely. Sometimes, well actually more often than not, the less is more approach with a black tie event is the most effective.

Just saying.

Like so?

Less is often more, but it sounds like the event that Drac is describing calls for a bit extra...

**Jock Scot** · 18th December 12, 01:52 PM

In heavens name, why?

**CMcG** · 18th December 12, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

In heavens name, why?

Originally Posted by Drac

Picture faux Royal/State party.

Perhaps I'm reading too much into the word "faux" and thinking that it implies giving one's attire a bit of extra flare? I don't think, however, that I suggested anything beyond the pale for black tie.

**piperdbh** · 18th December 12, 02:05 PM

If you had a really nice pair of hose that held personal meaning for you, that would be nice, wouldn't it?

**Jock Scot** · 18th December 12, 02:09 PM

Beyond the pale Colin? No. Try looking at it this way, a tux is a tux is a tux is a tux. Yes, some are double breasted, some are a different cut, some might wear a different style and colour tie,etc., but its basically the same thing being worn to a black tie event. Nothing more nothing less. So why dress up the kilt attire beyond what is necessary for the event? Now, if white tie and tails were the order of dress then we are in an entirely different ball game-----but as I understand it, we are not.