Over doing it

**MacCathmhaoil** · 6th January 14, 07:40 PM

Coincidentally Nathan this would be the perfect time for that black barathea Argyll you insist you don't need!

**HippieLee** · 6th January 14, 08:19 PM

Oh lordy I love your doublet. If I had one they'd have to fight me to get me not to wear it.

**OC Richard** · 6th January 14, 08:24 PM

Yes at Burns Dinners I attend it does seem as if the black PC has become a uniform.

Sad, when there used to be so much variety in Evening Dress.

Being the hired piper at Burns Suppers I'm usually wearing a black Argyll, the piper's standard.

But one year I decided to revolt against the sea of black PCs and wear a charcoal grey Argyll. Here I am that night

Back in my 20s I would wear a claret velvet Montrose to shake things up a bit... you know, I don't think I have a single photo of me wearing that thing.

**Nathan** · 6th January 14, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Nathan, I suspect that you may have seen this website before -

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Scottish.htm

It gives a good bench mark of what should be worn for less and more formal occasions, obviously it's up to you what you wear but some may see a doublet at a less formal evening as somewhat "gilding the Lilly".

This was my instinct as well and that's what prompted the thread. This was the discussion I was hoping to have. Should we be concerned with "gilding the lilly" or "overdoing it" and, if so, how do we avoid doing so? Considering that the women are not even in cocktail dresses let alone gowns, a white tie equivalent may be a bit too much to me but the responses here lean otherwise.

I'm not trying to decide which look I like the best, but rather which would be the best choice for the occasion. Whatever choice I make, I'll wear it with confidence and pride but what's the point of having a community like this if not to ask and learn?

Grizzly, the Balmoral doublet is not mentioned in that very well written black tie guide but I had pretty much considered the Balmoral to be the equivalent of a Kenmore. Colin makes a good point though about the lay down collar possibly making it a less formal option than the "jabot" doublets. The fact that it's in barathea helps as well.

MacCathmhaoil made a fun point about the Black Argyll, which I had considered wearing as well but I'd be tempted to wear my tartan waistcoat with it, which is five button and therefore not ideal to be worn with a black bow tie. In fairness, I wasn't insisting I don't need it, I was just asking when it would be the perfect choice. To my mind, for this occasion, the PC would edge it out by a hair since the short waistcoat was made to go with it. Either would serve perfectly well though with a 3 button waistcoat.

Lots of food for thought. Gilding the lilly isn't something we discuss a lot. We compete to stand out in the crowd, though sometimes etiquette is about blending in. I certainly greatly prefer the doublet and it would have been perfect for the St. Andrew's Ball, but for this, I'm still undecided. I love that I have xmarks to bounce the decision off though. Marvellous input so far, gents.

**Grizzly** · 7th January 14, 01:36 AM

Nathan, that was exactly the point I was trying to make, I know I am in the minority and that may well be more to do with reserved British attitudes, but to me on this occasion a doublet of any kind is going over the top, yes it's a lovely jacket and you wear it exceedingly well, but if you wore it over on this side of the pond to a less formal event then I suggest there would be a few raised eyebrows and thoughts that you were trying too hard. Sometimes less is more..

**Spartan Tartan** · 7th January 14, 03:56 AM

There is clearly a difference (I finally went and looked at the pictures from previous years) between what is expected of the men and the women at this event. Without a doubt, the men are dressed in black tie and for some reason the women are almost casual in some cases, but certainly not "black tie" level.

That being the case, I would not consider what the ladies will be wearing--they already "do not agree" with the men. This does pose a challenge to navigate the proper outfit...perhaps.

When I compare your own picture, Nathan, of you wearing the doublet with a black bow tie, I see it as more of a variation to the PC instead of a whole classification of difference. I would agree anything with lace might be over the top, but in this case, I still believe the doublet is appropriate. In fact, it might be greatly appreciated by several of the men to see something different. Most definitely it is likely to spark some excellent conversation.

I can not help but think that the gentleman advising you is INVESTED in your outfit (to some extent). If he is a sales person that rents a lot of gear, he wants everyone to look the same so he can rent them their outfits with what he has in stock! Perhaps he sees your wearing something different it as a threat to his business? I know that sounds a tad absurd, but I'm just trying to understand why someone would discourage an otherwise appropriate jacket to the event.

I DO think that a black argyle with tartan waistcoat would be FANTASTIC for this event. Far more conservative than the doublet (maybe) and closer in keeping with what appears to be the trend at this event, but personalized enough to avoid the cookie cutter look.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you will look great. I will be watching this thread to see what you ultimately decide and enjoy the discussion as well.

**Jock Scot** · 7th January 14, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Nathan, that was exactly the point I was trying to make, I know I am in the minority and that may well be more to do with reserved British attitudes, but to me on this occasion a doublet of any kind is going over the top, yes it's a lovely jacket and you wear it exceedingly well, but if you wore it over on this side of the pond to a less formal event then I suggest there would be a few raised eyebrows and thoughts that you were trying too hard. Sometimes less is more..

The real trick is dressing to the occasion. Not all black tie events, as far as Highland attire is concerned, are the same and as such, one has to make judgements on exactly what needs to be worn with that black tie. It should be noted that those wearing a dinner jacket(tux) have it much easier in this respect. Anyway back to Highland attire. It is really oh so easy to try too hard and the end result is often more suitable for a circus.

**TheOfficialBren** · 7th January 14, 05:09 AM

I have to agree with Simon, actually. When I think of doublets I think very high brow. Never mind the style of doublet. It is certainly a step up no matter how you slice it.

Yours is a very nice doublet but were it me I would wear my Prince Charlie. YMMV.

**Grizzly** · 7th January 14, 05:12 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

The real trick is dressing to the occasion. Not all black tie events, as far as Highland attire is concerned, are the same and as such, one has to make judgements on exactly what needs to be worn with that black tie. It should be noted that those wearing a dinner jacket(tux) have it much easier in this respect. Anyway back to Highland attire. It is really oh so easy to try too hard and the end result is often more suitable for a circus.

Phew, thought I was on my own here for a minute, began to wonder if I was getting it all wrong! Which would'nt be the first time. Glad the Cavalry came to the rescue.

**Grizzly** · 7th January 14, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

I have to agree with Simon, actually. When I think of doublets I think very high brow. Never mind the style of doublet. It is certainly a step up no matter how you slice it.

Yours is a very nice doublet but were it me I would wear my Prince Charlie. YMMV.

Bren I am out of Ayes mate so its a plus one from me.