Buttons on black velvet vest

[Father Bill]

I have recently found in the back of my closet, a "half-vest" (front only with neck and waist straps, no back) in black velvet. It has no lapels, but discreet satin edges on the pockets. It is low cut for wear with a dinner jacket which is how I used to wear it. It has a square bottom, and although it has four buttons, they are very close together, so it's closer to a two-button vest in shape, style, and appearance. It occurs to me that this might work nicely with Black Barathea, silver button jackets in more formal situations.

It currently has plain black, low-gloss hard buttons. My question is: In traditional Highland contexts, might such a vest be worn in formal situations, and if so, would it be better with the almost-invisible black buttons or with the traditional small silver Highland buttons? I have those to switch over if that is the recommendation. Would the black buttons be wrong? Would the silver buttons be a bit much?

What does the traditionalist, highbrow, Highland rabble think for formal occasions when others are wearing dinner jackets? Which buttons would be preferable?

[Liam]

My thoughts would be no, but then I rarely have occasion to wear black tie....looking forward to replies....

[Father Bill]

My thoughts would be no, but then I rarely have occasion to wear black tie....looking forward to replies....

No what? No vest? No button shift?

[MacCathmhaoil]

I recently purchased this black velvet waistcoat
A6503759-73A8-487A-9B94-44E6E85D88EE.jpg to wear with a black velvet Argyle for more formal occasions. I am changing the plain black buttons to these to match the ones on the jacket.E0236F57-AC1D-41BC-826D-DBB26AD2D184.jpg My personal preference, only because I have the extra buttons, would be to match but I don’t think I’d lose any sleep if they didn’t!

[Jock Scot]

Somewhat unhelpfully, it depends on the jacket and the buttons on that.Subdued black buttons on both garments can be very effective though, as would a set of silver buttons on both garments. How about two sets of buttons? Then you can change them to fit your mood and or, the event?

[ThistleDown]

FB, I think you need to provide us with a pic, perhaps as you are suggesting it might be worn by you.

[Father Bill]

Somewhat unhelpfully, it depends on the jacket and the buttons on that.Subdued black buttons on both garments can be very effective though, as would a set of silver buttons on both garments. How about two sets of buttons? Then you can change them to fit your mood and or, the event?

Hi Jock. I considered the two-button solution, and while it would be good, it would also require a second set of button holes to switch them front to back. That's a lot of work for a very occasional change. Thanks for reminding me of that solution, old friend.

FB, I think you need to provide us with a pic, perhaps as you are suggesting it might be worn by you.

Okay, here are a couple of pictures. I didn't bother putting the whole rig on and changing my clothes twice; just laid them on the bed with a shirt in behind.

Here it is with an Argyle jacket which of course is designed to be buttoned so it only has a button on one side, although heaven only knows why you would ever button it up:



And here with a Sheriffmuir which is never buttoned but has a row of decorative silver buttons on either side:



What comes to mind, chaps? I appreciate your thoughts.

[Tarheel]

I believe smaller silver buttons will be the best solution for your vest. Because of the color and material difference of vest and jacket, silver buttons will bring the two items together as one without looking like an added piece from another outfit.

[Lady Grey]

Black Satin covered buttons.

[Father Bill]

See, there's the thing. I'm getting good but conflicting advice based on the taste of a number of members. My original question was what would be seen in Scotland as more appropriate. My guess is that those bits may be conflicting advice too.