I need some"jacket" advice for Burns night

**piperdbh** · 23rd January 13, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by knotty

Not to highjack the thread...

Is a black argyll jacket & vest with black long tie acceptable for "black tie"?

No. "Black tie" means black bow tie, usually with a tuxedo, not long tie.

**Downunder Kilt** · 23rd January 13, 05:01 PM

Black bow tie with a suitable shirt, by that I mean a shirt you would wear with a tux, and a argyll jacket, with or without waistcoat, would be acceptable at most burns nights as black tie, unless it is very strict on the definition of black tie. Check with the organisers is the best way to go.

**MacMillans son** · 23rd January 13, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Stan

Probably so, I've looked at the photos from last years Burns night, and it looks (pretty much)like "trying" is seems to be as good as "doing". This is my first year to attend, and to be a member of the Scottish club of Tulsa.

I will respectfully disagree with your premise Stan, on the grounds that it takes us down the slippery slope that dilutes or diminishes our traditions. The invitation says "Black Tie" that is a very specific level of dress. It does not mean "black colored neck tie" or "the best dark colored jeans and a tie of some sort" What happens is just what you started with, I saw a picture of a person who was not dressed appropriately, according to the invitation, so they now define what is the acceptable level of dress. Then someone sees you dressed in a way not consistent with the invitation, and thinks as you did "ah good enough" and so on and so on. And unless the host has the gumption to turn people away at the door, pretty soon half the room is dressed in jeans and nice shirts (because they are cheaper and people may feel more comfortable in them) with a few people dressed according to the invitation. I think that if you don't have the items needed to go to the event according to the invitation, buy/rent them, if you don't have the money to buy or rent them, borrow them, if you can't borrow them, stay home. An option that is not available is to disrespect the hosts, or the event, and come dressed "good enough"

Now, does anyone have a ladder I can use to get off this soap box?

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd January 13, 06:20 PM

Stan, are you attending a Burns supper in Tulsa, or the one down here in OKC?

**duffy794** · 23rd January 13, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

Stan, are you attending a Burns supper in Tulsa, or the one down here in OKC?

I may be violating the rules but kiltrentalusa has some ex rental prince charlie and vests for sale for like 99.00. I wonder if they could overnight you one.

**frank_a** · 23rd January 13, 07:25 PM

That kiltrentalusa looks like a great idea!

I'm pretty lucky I guess. The Burns Supper we're going to says "Highland attire or black tie optional." By that, I believe I can wear my kilt and tweed jacket with a long tie. I don't think my brand new bespoke tweed vest will fit so soon after the holidays. I'm bound to order a new one soon in a size larger, but of course will not have it for the Burns Supper.

Frank

**Stan** · 23rd January 13, 08:19 PM

Tulsa

**Stan** · 23rd January 13, 08:23 PM

I appreciate your feed back, and opinion.

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd January 13, 08:25 PM

Fair enough. Did I miss something where the dress code was specified? The OKC Burns Supper does NOT specify a.dress code whatsoever. They are clear on the matter that they would rather people attend than not. So, as you might imagine, we have a fair spread of attire. And guess what? We have a good time too. ;-)

**Stan** · 23rd January 13, 08:26 PM

I really apppericeat the opinion of all. It seems to take some time to accumulate all the appropriate attire. I sure wish there was a kilt rental place around here. Not so, but I tried.