Formal Kilt Wear

[Planopiper]

Personally, I think the Argyll jacket is the most versatile if you want something you can use for evening and formal wear, as well as some dressier day events where you want to wear a jacket. I used to think the argyll was equivelent to a suit jacket and the Prince Charlie to a tux, but really, the Argyll is equivelent to the tux and the PC more like a tail coat. There are a limited number of occasions where you really need to be that formal. I get use out of mine because I play for weddings. Otherwise, it would just hang in the closet. True, you can get away with over dressing when you go the kilt route, but I think you'll get more use from the argyll. You can actually use it for day wear and most people won't think it's too formal. I just bought a day jacket, which I wouldn't hesitate to wear anywhere I'd wear a jacket normally, but I think would be out of place at any formal event.

This is all just my 2 cents. YMMV

[arrogcow]

What were others wearing to your Burns night last year?

Cincinnati's has guys in kilts and t-shirts to kilts and Prince Charlies with a fly plaid, and everything in between. Unfortunately still more people in pants than kilts (but it is getting better).

Adam

[Iolaus]

[flame suit on] ...and with appologies to Ham...
To my eye, and this is strictly a personal opinion, the traditional PC looks martial and dated, sharp yes, but dated. How about getting a tailed tux and having a tailor trim off the tail ... kinda bring the look away from 19th/20th century military formal, and into the less decorated 21st century civilian formal; then you have the added advatage of being able to use it and kilt for the Masonic events as well (if that's permited).

Do I recall correctly that you're involved with SASS? Some time ago I saw a "western tux" jacket (i don't recall where) that had bobbed tails, kinda like a PC but different. That sort of thing might have multi-use potential for you.

...

I couldn't find that coat, but I did find this at Renton Western Wear:
http://tinyurl.com/cdtma

[macwilkin]

A spencer jacket (sometimes referred to as a "captain's jacket") is also a nice alternative; it is similar to the western-style jacket mentioned here, but no western "frills".

[flame suit on] ...and with appologies to Ham...
To my eye, and this is strictly a personal opinion, the traditional PC looks martial and dated, sharp yes, but dated. How about getting a tailed tux and having a tailor trim off the tail ... kinda bring the look away from 19th/20th century military formal, and into the less decorated 21st century civilian formal; then you have the added advatage of being able to use it and kilt for the Masonic events as well (if that's permited).

No reason for a flame suit, that's your opinion. What looks good to you may look good to others, and vice-versa. I personally think the traditional PC is "timeless", and 40 years from now, when my grandchildren look at our wedding photos, my PC will still look good. As long as we respect each other's tastes, then we're fine.

A PC, though, isn't really good with regular tux trousers anyway -- far too short, save a nice pair of tartan trews, which is the epitome of class (look at Hector and Archie in "Monarch" -- but dress chuka boots are a must! :mrgreen:

I must get a pair of trews someday...

T.

[Iolaus]

A spencer jacket (sometimes referred to as a "captain's jacket") is also a nice alternative; it is similar to the western-style jacket mentioned here, but no western "frills".

I've brought that idea up in the past and was told by more than a few that a spencer jacket had a "waiter look" to it.

[macwilkin]

I've brought that idea up in the past and was told by more than a few that a spencer jacket had a "waiter look" to it.

My best friend has one that he wears with a black vest for semi-formal functions where the PC might be too much, or when he is travelling somewhere and doesn't want to take all of the "kit" with him -- with the appropriate accessories, it looks fine, and resembles some of the "mess dress" jackets for military use.

T.

[Colin]

A PC, though, isn't really good with regular tux trousers anyway -- far too short, save a nice pair of tartan trews, which is the epitome of class (look at Hector and Archie in "Monarch" -- but dress chuka boots are a must! :mrgreen:

I must get a pair of trews someday...

T.

Hey Todd, check these out. I thought of you the second I saw them. Very Hectorish.
http://www.houseofbruar.com/store.as...e&type=m&cat=4



and

[macwilkin]

Thanks, Colin! Love the Buchanan trews!! Musn't spend, musn't spend...

I already have a pair of Plus 2s, though! Seriously. Hardly wear them, but they're fun. Had a local tailor make them. They look great with my hose from Almost Unwearoutable and my knitted flashes.

Cheers,

Todd

[Cawdorian]

The trews (can't call them p****) are sharp, they come in the right tartans too, they are about the same price as the RM Williams Jeans sold on the website. These would look good with a navy blazer.

Jim

[Shotdir]

Hey Doc,

If you would like some advice that was passed on to me.

Get the Doublet. Sheriffmuir if you have a larger front end or a Montrose if you are fairly straight up and down in front.

You can not dress them up. They are the best. You can sort of dress them down.

A PC makes you look like the Regiment is having a dining in - in mess dress, out in India no less, from an old Douglas Fairbanks movie, at least that's what my wife says!

Some of the guys who are big in the Pipe band also said "Either get colored hose - diced or argyll are best; but never wear white hose at night!"

I think the PC looks very nice when everyone else is in a PC. If not you usually stand out like a sore thumb, and I feel it looks akward when others are not dressed the same.

Ed