Over doing it

[CMcG]

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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.

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This is a good point. Could this be the ideal time to bust out the black Argyll? If a doublet might be a wee bit too much (in some people's eyes) and the PC is too standard...

[Grizzly]

Could'nt agree more Colin, I also think that Spartan Tartans suggestion of a tartan waistcoat (bias cut) is a great idea. It would certainly stand out more and be more eye catching.

[Jock Scot]

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 Calvary came to the rescue.

Cavalry, Cavalry! None of this trotting about looking frightfully dashing------and little else------ for the PBI, you know! The PBI march for miles and miles and B----- miles to help out!

For those that might be interested, if you go to my old threads(started by me) and seek "Overdoing the Bling?" you will some interesting posts covering much of the same subject

[MacRobert's Reply]

Regarding hose, I'll be wearing diced hose and buckled brogues but I just combed through the photos and could only find one pair of hose on one of the guys carrying the Haggis in 2012. What am I missing?

I just browsed the photo galleries Nathan and failed to discriminate between the various events. Perhaps the hose was more varied at the last Burns Supper!

IMHO variety is the spice of life so while not overdoing it I would dare to be a wee bit different. There is a fine balance to be struck between conformity and originality; blending in and standing out; being sensitive to the expectations of others and not always going with the heard.

I may have missed it, but what does the invitation say about the dress code? If it is black tie, your doublet should be fine. If it needs to be dressed down then, as others have suggested, you could wear it partly unbuttoned or open. The chap with the jabot will look much more formal anyway.

This is how I wore mine recently.

But don't agonize too much and enjoy the event!

[Father Bill]

I have a Sheriffmuir and a charcoal grey Argyll. I think I'd wear the latter. I also know that at a lot of events hereabouts I'd be overwhelmed by kilt rental inappropriateness, but lately I've noted that even if it is often the predominant style, it isn't the only style seen about the room. A step forward!

[Nathan]

Could'nt agree more Colin, I also think that Spartan Tartans suggestion of a tartan waistcoat (bias cut) is a great idea. It would certainly stand out more and be more eye catching.

A bias cut three button tartan waistcoat is certainly on my wish list but I won't be getting one before the dinner.
Therefore, if I go with the Argyll, I would either wear the 3 button PC waistcoat, the 5 button black one it came with or this one:





The look would be pretty much be the Clanranald answer to this outfit of Colin's, minus the gorgeous sporran molach.



Some insist that for black tie, a tartan waistcoat should be bias cut and three button but I admit to thinking Colin looks pretty sharp in this pic. Another option in the mix?

Jock: You spoke in general terms, but am I correct in inferring that your vote is for the Prince Charlie?

[Jock Scot]

Nathan.

Actually in this instance, I would go with the black barathea silver buttoned argyll (BBSBA) if you have one and three buttoned waistcoat, but the Prince Charlie comes a close second. Both with turn down shirt collars, please. Those wing collared things make one look like a Dickensian clerk!

[Father Bill]

Aye. Hate the stand-up collars.

[creagdhubh]

I would wear the doublet with a black bow tie and turn-down collar. Given the photographs, I would also wear hose that breaks with the apparent convention at this event!

I agree. I'd forego the lace jabot and cuffs (if you have them, as I can't remember if you do, or if you don't) at this particular event.

Wear the doublet and have a grand time, mate!!!

Slainte,

[JohntheBiker]

Nathan,

If I were going to this function (unfortunately I will be out of the country), this is likely what I would have worn :



As you rightly noted, the women are not very formally dressed and they are generally a good barometer of what level of formality is required.

If the outfitter you referenced is Darren, then I would tend to listen to his advice. He would have a pretty good sense as to the level of formality.