Dressing formally kilted, noob

**Tony** · 27th January 13, 07:48 AM

Hi all, long time no post!

I am going to an Opera Ball, dress codes states "Formal Attire", and I have been specifically told by the Chairpersons to come kilted. Most will be in tuxedos, though they said some just show in suits.

I don't think my charcoal tweed Argyle jacket will cut it, so I'm looking at Black Barathea Argyle instead, correct?
I have a black L+M sporran - will this do? I've never liked furry sporrans.
I have black ghillie brogues. I may go with regular oxfords instead.
I probably need a sock upgrade - while I have black, green or navy, they're not what I would call "quality"
I have a Dress Gordon kilt which I think will do nicely. It was good enough to be married in, good enough now.

What else am I missing? or what substitutions would you recommend please?

**Spartan Tartan** · 27th January 13, 08:01 AM

Black Baretha argyle is fine. Wear the best sporran you have. Personally, I would wear normal oxfords rather that gillies. Diced hose might be a nice touch too.

sounds like a fun event. Enjoy!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th January 13, 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by Tony

Hi all, long time no post!

I am going to an Opera Ball, dress codes states "Formal Attire", and I have been specifically told by the Chairpersons to come kilted. Most will be in tuxedos, though they said some just show in suits.

I don't think my charcoal tweed Argyle jacket will cut it, so I'm looking at Black Barathea Argyle instead, correct?
I have a black L+M sporran - will this do? I've never liked furry sporrans.
I have black ghillie brogues. I may go with regular oxfords instead.
I probably need a sock upgrade - while I have black, green or navy, they're not what I would call "quality"
I have a Dress Gordon kilt which I think will do nicely. It was good enough to be married in, good enough now.

What else am I missing? or what substitutions would you recommend please?

Tony! Good to have you back.. What you have will work just fine. Any gaps that you may want to fill in are easy fixes; here's my list of stuff I wear when going to any sort of black tie function:

BLACK TIE:

White dress shirt* and black bow tie (preferably the kind you tie yourself)
Tartan kilt
Tartan, Argyle, Diced, or sold dark colour hose (socks)
Black, low cut shoes (oxfords or ghillies), polished to a very high shine
Black dress jacket (Argyll, coatee, or doublet) with silver buttons
Black (or coloured) three-button formal waistcoat (vest) OR (if not wearing a waistcoat)
Black dress dirk belt with silver belt plate (buckle) [belt should not be worn with a waistcoat]
Dress sporran (your choice of style; if leather then black)

*Dress shirts can be bought at many JC Penny stores; the kind with a soft, fold over collar, are generally more suited to black tie than the "wing collar" shirts. Another option is a "white on white" shirt of the kind worn with business suits as it can double up for black tie, and still be worn with a suit and tie when required.

Hope that helps!

Scott
MoR

**Tony** · 27th January 13, 09:47 AM

Thanks ST, MoR.

Scott, with saying "what you have will work just fine"....do you mean I could get away with the charcoal tweed Argyll?
As much as I'd like to give Rocky the business I'd prefer to spend several hundred dollars elsewhere (like a custom fit kilt. Hmmmmmm...now there's an idea....)

**Tony** · 27th January 13, 09:49 AM

And drat....

Forgot I'll have to learn how to knot a bow tie. I better get practicing.

**Dale Seago** · 27th January 13, 10:10 AM

I'd think black rather than charcoal for the jacket. You might give some thought to a Spenser jacket, mentioned in this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...l-cheap-77030/

**Tony** · 27th January 13, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

I'd think black rather than charcoal for the jacket. You might give some thought to a Spenser jacket, mentioned in this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...l-cheap-77030/

It's been so long, I completely forgot about that route!
thanks Dale.

**cck** · 27th January 13, 11:12 AM

With the, unfortunately, rather loose interpretations of "formal" these days, you were told that suits would be seen. The kilt, however, does provide some interesting wiggle room. If your Argyle jacket is a dark charcoal and not too tweedy, wear that with a black bow tie and formal shirt. Since my family tartan has a grey background, I wear a dark grey PC. But I would not hesitate to wear my black Argyle to an opera ball if I wanted a different look. The chances are I will be only one there in a smart looking kilt outfit and I certainly won't be criticized for being underdressed.

**piperdbh** · 27th January 13, 11:24 AM

If your opera house is anything like the ones I've been in, the only time the light will be bright enough for anyone to tell the difference between your charcoal jacket and a black one is for the few minutes you spend in the lobby before and after the show, and then it'll probably only be noticed if you're standing beside someone wearing black. If 'twere I, I'd keep saving the $ for the kilt, wear the charcoal Argyll, and enjoy the opera. Which one is it, by the way?

*I just reread that you're going to a ball, not to the opera. My suggestion stands, regardless.*

**MacMillans son** · 27th January 13, 02:56 PM

Sorry to be contrary, but there is nothing Formal about a tweed argyll jacket, regardless of color. If the invitation says "Formal Attire" I would go with MoR's initial response. Some peoples loose interpretation, our current financial situation, or what we think might work, does not change the definition, nor the expectations.

Buy the new jacket, at a budget price if need be, and go to the event without ever worrying that you are not up to the expressed and expected standard of dress.

Regards,
Brooke

PS. Here is a link to where I purchased mine. http://stores.ebay.com/CARSE-OF-GOWR...p2047675.l2563
It is 17oz, very well made and the service was perfect. Check his ratings!