Is this occasion appropriate enough to wear the Jabot and cuffs.

[CollinMacD]

I own a Sheriffmuir Jacket and Waistcoat, I just love wearing it. I have a formal event called the "Tartan Ball" being held in Washington DC, at the famous Willard Hotel, sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Washington DC. This is about the dressy event you can go to in the U.S. So, my question is this, I have a Jobit and the cuffs that I would like to wear to this ball instead of a black bowtie, or any other type of tie, Is this an appropriate event to wear with my Sherriffmuir jacket. My wife will be in formal Scottish wear, complete with short jacket and full formal silk tartan (MacDonald Modern Dress) skirt, I will be wearing the MacDonald of the Island kilt. I am seeking your guidance, is this out of the question or appropriate. I really would like to wear the Jobit, but not if it is inappropriate. Looking for comments. Thank you.

[Father Bill]

My sense is that the "Jabot" and cuffs with a Sherirfmuir are appropriate for the most formal levels of Highland dress.

So... what hose and sporran?

[Tobus]

Their website lists the event as a "black tie gala". So the question here is whether a jabot and cuffs with a sherrifmuir jacket are appropriate for black tie. I don't have the answer, but I thought it was important to know the specified dress code.

I clicked on one of their photos and see at least one other fellow wearing a jabot.

[KiltedSergeant]

Tobus notes above that this is a "black tie gala". I have been to many black tie events; some tended to be "more" formal than others. I have attended local Caledonian club Burns dinners where the attire ranges from formal jackets, plaids, and jabots, to Utilikilts and short sleeve shirt with bow tie. I have also attended events where no one is in anything less than PC and black bow tie and where Sherrifmuir and jabot were worn. The Saint Andrews Society events I've attended tend to be very formal, and looking at the photo posted by Tobus, I would say Sherrifmuir and jabot would be appropriate. You could go without the cuffs (perfectly acceptable) to give it a bit less formal look, if you like. Just my thoughts.

[plaid preacher]

I would say - it's tough! On this side of the Atlantic conventions about dress and black tie vs white tie are not as strictly adhered too as in the UK. What that means is that to some extent you have lots of leeway. Sometimes you can push it a little and wear a doublet with black tie, but recognize that it is gilding the lilly somewhat. Like Tobus I checked out their website, and noted everything from tuxedos and BBSA to PCs - and that one lone man in a doublet with jabot. Therefore, I would tend toward not wearing the jabot myself.

You may find this link helpful in future: http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Scottish.htm

[CollinMacD]

I have attended several events (formal) [Burns Diner, Kik'n and such], with the St. Andrews Society of WashDC, and it seems a garden variety of dress. But they tend to dress more than other groups that I have been to events with. MOST wear the Prince Charles jacket with waistcoat, and blacktie, however several have work the Jobit. I most likely will take the advice and wear the Jobit and not the cuffs. I think it will not be over the top, but as usual I want to be as correct as possible. Seeing it is a formal ball, I don't think I will be out of place, and I know a few others who wear the Jobit also. Guess I will take black bowtie just in case....CHEERS. Thanks for all your advice.

Just thought of this, I remember at the last event, for the BURNs Night, a person was wearing a velvet green doublet, with full blown jobit and cuffs, including a full Pipers Dirk. Looks sharp, but way too much glamour for me personally and I would never wear a weapon to a social event period. But wearing the jobit to me would be a different experience, again I will forego the cuffs. I am sure they would end up on my dinner plate anyhow.

[CollinMacD]

My sense is that the "Jabot" and cuffs with a Sherirfmuir are appropriate for the most formal levels of Highland dress.

So... what hose and sporran?

I have black and red dice that I was thinking about wearing, as it would go good with the MacDonald of the Isle tartan. But I also have other tartan hose too. Your thoughts black and red dice, plain black or matching solid, or tartan matching colors? Sporran, if Donnie finishes it a Beaver Fur full dress with the copper cantle that I got, if not I have a silver fur full dress sporran.

[Steve Ashton]

I have gone ahead and corrected the spelling in the title of the thread. Jabot is how you spell the lace neck piece. From the French for a bird's crop.

[Taskr]

I've not yet worn a jabot with the sheriffmuir since none of the black tie events have been of the highest standard of Scottish dress. The other issue is menu. A soup course and the white lace would, in my spoon handling, not get along at all.

[plaid preacher]

I have black and red dice that I was thinking about wearing, as it would go good with the MacDonald of the Isle tartan. But I also have other tartan hose too. Your thoughts black and red dice, plain black or matching solid, or tartan matching colors?

Either diced or tartan would be most appropriate.