I need some"jacket" advice for Burns night

**frank_a** · 24th January 13, 07:46 AM

Gee, I don't know. Highland attire turned out to be just that! Like a dummy, I was not reading anything into it, and after Tobus suggested I check, I did, and sure enough, highland attire means whatever. But yes, if a supper notice was to say "black tie" I know what that means and could save my money by not attending...

Frank

**Geoff Withnell** · 24th January 13, 08:16 AM

I am going to ask here, and also on the thread for the event. I am attending the Fredericksburg, Va Burns dinner, which looking at past photos is normally formal. Unfortunately, I have broken my wrist a few weeks ago, and I have a cast on my right arm. The cast will NOT go through the sleeve of any of my jackets, Scottish or Saxon. Advice, ladies and gentlemen?

**Father Bill** · 24th January 13, 08:18 AM

Wear your sling, and the jacket over your shoulders with the left arm through the sleeve. If you want to keep it really neat, tuck the unused sleeve inside the jacket. It's a well-recognized form of dress when injured.

**creagdhubh** · 24th January 13, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Wear your sling, and the jacket over your shoulders with the left arm through the sleeve. If you want to keep it really neat, tuck the unused sleeve inside the jacket. It's a well-recognized form of dress when injured.

I completely agree, Father Bill. And if wearing the jacket in that manner becomes more of a nuisance as the evening progresses, removing it and wearing the waistcoat alone should be perfectly acceptable. Many men do this anyways as the evening becomes later and later and the dancing picks up the pace!

Cheers,

**Jock Scot** · 24th January 13, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by Geoff Withnell

I am going to ask here, and also on the thread for the event. I am attending the Fredericksburg, Va Burns dinner, which looking at past photos is normally formal. Unfortunately, I have broken my wrist a few weeks ago, and I have a cast on my right arm. The cast will NOT go through the sleeve of any of my jackets, Scottish or Saxon. Advice, ladies and gentlemen?

Father Bill has the situation covered. You may also find a length of suitable string, or even a wee chain, betwixt button hole and button on your jacket may stablise the jacket a tadd.

**Panache** · 24th January 13, 09:01 AM

Here is a photo thread Glen and I did years ago to show options for formality in highland dress

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

Perhaps it could be of some assistance.

Cheers

Jamie

**frank_a** · 24th January 13, 09:11 AM

When I first got into this kilt stuff a few months ago, I took a look at that thread and was amazed at the amount of "stuff" some folks have to go with their kilt(s). I once started a thread about the cost of kilt attire, and while I understand why this stuff costs so much, the bottom line is I am lucky just to have one good kilt and a kilt jacket. Even the kilt jacket was a budget deal, coming from a good will store and being tailored for me to wear with my kilt. Retirement for me is 3 years down the road, and at that point, I better have what I need for "highland attire"!

Frank

**Stan** · 24th January 13, 10:10 AM

Hi Frank, it's been interesting reading all the opinion of the contributes. I enjoy (and share) your lack of formality (so to speak) while respecting the opinions that may be (shall I say) a bit more "legal", or strict in their interpretation. I can see both sides of the fence, and share similar feeling with both "camps".

In daily life I'm probably a more "casual" person, (and I certainly respect the wishes of my host), and while I am that "casual" person, I really like going black tie too. And about as often as I can. I think that it will be an interesting night, either way.

Had I read the Burns night web page a bit more carefully prior to purchasing a ticket ( few months ago) , I'd have bought a PC jacket to go with my (existing) kilt outfits, and it just wouldn't have been a big deal.

When I committed to attend (kind of at the last minuet ) I just kind of spontaneously "jumped in". I was looking forward to being around a bunch of other people who were also kilt wearers. To date when wearing a kilt, I've always been the only kilt wearer in the crowd, and was looking forward to the comradeship.

In lou of going to Burns night, maybe I'll just "kilt up", and go out and have my very own pub crawl. I'm good with meeting a bunch of new people, laughing, and having fun in an environment where I won't be (or potentially be) offending any one by my attire.

Let me say that if I had a PC outfit (which I will in the near future) , than this whole thread would have been academic, and I'd have been the first one in line at any "formal, black tie" event.

Thanks again for your thoughts, and the post of all those who have taken the time to participate in this thread. I appreciate all your input.
Stan L.

**frank_a** · 24th January 13, 10:21 AM

Boy Stan, I think you've got it figured out. Kilt up and enjoy yourself. For me, I have a job where I wear a suit and tie every day, and have for more than 30 years. So while I don't mind wearing a tie with my kilt, doing the Prince Charlie thing is probably out for me. I wear my kilt when we got out for dinner, at Scottish games, and at family events. There doesn't seem to be any interest around where I live to kilt nights, and I am not about to try organizing them. 3 more years, I'll be retired and probably living someplace else anyways.

All the best to you. Enjoy!

Frank

**Stan** · 24th January 13, 09:45 AM

Hi Jamie and thanks for your input. I'm finding that there are certainly a lot opinions about this subject. And while I respect them all, there's certainly some I agree with, and some I don't. I guess it's the (grand) difference that's what makes up humanity.

Thanks again for your contribution.

Stan L.