Over doing it

**JohntheBiker** · 27th January 14, 02:48 PM

Nathan, you look well turned out and it sounds like you enjoyed yourself. Hopefully I'll be able to make the St Andrew's Society Burns Night next year. Friday I was still in Orlando and Saturday evening I spent on a plane. No kilts, no haggis and no Burns (scotch I did have).

**Nathan** · 29th January 14, 09:31 PM

While it is possible that some, who are perhaps graciously silent, may still feel I gilded the lily for this event, I'm very glad I started this thread. Had I not, I may have arrived with the doublet buttoned, belted with diced hose and buckled shoes. Had I done so, I still would not have been alone, but I do think the choices I made were ultimately much more appropriate for the occasion. It's pretty good to have a wise group of sages to ask when you're considering things of this nature.

It sucks that there's only one event per year that I know of in this area (The St. Andrew's Ball) where it is appropriate to wear one's most formal Highland attire. If anyone knows of others, do share!

**JohntheBiker** · 30th January 14, 01:28 PM

Nathan, I haven't found another event in the Toronto area that is as dressy as the St. Andrew's Society charity ball. There are a couple of Tartan balls and the Burns Dinner at the Granite Club came close, but it has been discontinued.

**thescot** · 1st February 14, 07:10 AM

Your outfit could not have looked better or more appropriate for the evening, I think. Good show.

I have silently followed this for a bit, and it was quite interesting to see the various comments, advice, and your own reflective journey through the tortuous paths of sartorial wisdom.

As to the original photos of the event: it struck me that it seemed a fairly standard black tie event. The comments about "uniform" were right on target. A tuxedo is almost exactly that--a uniform for gentlemen so that the ladies can shine. The point is NOT to look too formal.

But in Highland attire, it's different. Kilts and sporrans and waistcoats and such are more . . . je ne sais quoi . . . flashy!

t So to me, there is the balance between good taste and good Scottish Highland attire taste. I try to always ere on the side of the high end of formal if I am unsure. The low-end looks tacky to me.

But this was a Burns Supper, so the normal rules of black tie don't apply. However, I personally prefer a more modest turning out. I have a Montrose, double-breasted doublet with silver buttons and all the lace, but it is reserved for very special occasions. The ones where I would don the breachan faile and fur sporran and maybe even wear a dirk. It's been a while since one of those came along!

Anyway, those were my thoughts, and, being the shy and retiring fellow that I am, I thought I would just toss them into the mix.

**Nathan** · 1st February 14, 11:06 AM

For anyone that is interested in taking a look at the photos from this year's St. Andrew's Society of Toronto Burns Night, they have posted the 2014 gallery.

Click here to view the gallery.

**Spartan Tartan** · 1st February 14, 12:07 PM

Looks like a great evening. I noticed a picture of you as well, looking good.

**ASinclair** · 1st February 14, 12:39 PM

Nathan,

It's too bad your picture is just from the waist up (as you predicted in your post mortem). However, I think the open doublet with belt and black tie look smashing. Well done.

Also, many thanks for posting the link to the pictures. I was pleased to see at least two kilted gentlemen wearing Sinclair. One was also wearing a jabot. The other, in black tie, I happen to know!

**Nathan** · 1st February 14, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by ASinclair

Nathan,

It's too bad your picture is just from the waist up (as you predicted in your post mortem). However, I think the open doublet with belt and black tie look smashing. Well done.

Also, many thanks for posting the link to the pictures. I was pleased to see at least two kilted gentlemen wearing Sinclair. One was also wearing a jabot. The other, in black tie, I happen to know!

I believe the gent with the beard and Jabot was Dr. Malcolm Sinclair and, if I'm not mistaken, he's the St. Andrew's Society's chaplain and or former president. He's quite an entertaining speaker. I believe that the other clean shaven man with the pony tail in the Sinclair tartan wearing a black bowtie and regimental doublet has also served on the executive (maybe past president). He may be called Rory. This was my first event, so I have yet to get everyone sorted out properly.

Clan Sinclair is certainly well represented.

**ASinclair** · 1st February 14, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Nathan

I believe the one with the beard and Jabot was Dr. Malcolm Sinclair and, if I'm not mistaken, he's the St. Andrew's Society's chaplain and or former president. He's quite an entertaining speaker. I believe that the other clean shaven man with the pony tail in the Sinclair tartan wearing a black bowtie and regimental doublet has also served on the executive. He may be called Rory. This was my first event, so I have yet to get everyone sorted out properly.

Clan Sinclair is certainly well represented.

Thanks for identifying Dr. Malcolm Sinclair, and you are correct about Rory. He is a former president of CSAC (Clan Sinclair Association of Canada) and is the Chief's Piper. I met him at our Clan Sinclair Association (USA) Annual General Meeting that we held at the Virginia Scottish Games last year. Our Chief, Lord Caithness, was there, as well.

**War dog** · 2nd February 14, 12:36 PM

Nathan

First of all, thanks for the link to the gallery of pictures. Many of the men are wearing something with a blue background on their left lapels. I assume that this is representing the st. Andrew's Society. However, one tall gentleman is wearing a much larger piece on his lapel that seems to be all silver in colour. Any idea what it is and what the significance is?
Thanks
Wardog