Lets talk tartan waistcoats

[CMcG]

My dad's waistcoat is kind of in between. Leaving aside the non-bias cut of the tartan, it's 5 buttons so that seems to rule out formal wear but the buttons are silver which suggests formality in Highland attire. He's had it for many years and I do like it... hmmm...

I don't think 5 buttons rules a waistcoat out for formal wear, especially because your buttons are silver. It might look a bit off with the lower lapels of a PC, but could work with a dress Argyll or perhaps a doublet? Maybe paired with a cravat? A bow tie can work too, though...

Day wear is a bit trickier and the only time I've worn my tartan waistcoat with a tweed jacket has been on Tartan Day. It seemed appropriate, given the nature of the celebration I could also see it if you were involved in some sort of a clan celebration, perhaps in an official capacity?