Semi-formal outfit...opinions wanted within

[Avonlea22]

Very good points, indeed, and now you've got me really thinking about this even more.

I do have a white dress shirt, but as stated earlier, I'd have to find a tie, which is no big deal.

Would a hunter green shirt work well, or would it be the same scenario as the red?

[HeathBar]

I do have a white dress shirt, but as stated earlier, I'd have to find a tie, which is no big deal.

If you decide to wear a tie, I would go with a white shirt. Do you already a solid tie that matches any of your flashes? Iwould go with that before buying a new tie.

Would a hunter green shirt work well, or would it be the same scenario as the red?

A hunter green shirt would be better, but I would change the hose to bottle green. I think you mentioned you had that color hose. It would be more subdued than the red. The red just makes me think of the old British military uniform. I've got a red shirt as well, and I once considered wearing it with by Blackwatch SW standard. Then that image come to mind, and decided against it.
If you do go with the colored shirt, skip the tie. Personally I feel these types of shirts are too casal for a tie.
But take to heart, this is coming from a man who frequently hears..."you're not wearing THAT are you?"
Just remember the addition of a kilt to an outfit upgrades the "formalness" a couple of notches.

[Avonlea22]

If you decide to wear a tie, I would go with a white shirt. Do you already a solid tie that matches any of your flashes? Iwould go with that before buying a new tie.

Unfortunately, I do not own any solid colored ties.

A hunter green shirt would be better, but I would change the hose to bottle green. I think you mentioned you had that color hose. It would be more subdued than the red.

I actually don't own this shirt as of yet, but was planning on buying one tomorrow for work anyways. And yes, I have a pair of the bottle green hose. I also have red flashes that would match the red stripe in the tartan.

If you do go with the colored shirt, skip the tie. Personally I feel these types of shirts are too casual for a tie.

I'm actually leaning toward the white shirt and tie. I think that would look smarter. Maybe a nice dark green tie to match my flashes. Hopefully I can find one. Solid ties don't seem to be too popular these days. So many decisions, and precious little time. I just wish I had thought about this sooner, and was able to get an argyle jacket. That would really complete the look, and would make my shirt choice so much easier.

Thanks HeathBar

[HeathBar]

I'm actually leaning toward the white shirt and tie. I think that would look smarter. Maybe a nice dark green tie to match my flashes. Hopefully I can find one.

That would look smart. Probably the best dressed at the event. Make sure to post some pics from the event or a pose before you leave.

[Mike n NC]

If you do go with the colored shirt, skip the tie. Personally I feel these types of shirts are too casal for a tie.
But take to heart, this is coming from a man who frequently hears..."you're not wearing THAT are you?"
Just remember the addition of a kilt to an outfit upgrades the "formalness" a couple of notches.

god what a problem logging on. hope you read this before you make up your mind.


Avonlea22 first good to see you again! Welcome back!

White shirts, once the base of a dress outfit are passing from the male wardrobe. (not quickly enough for me) They are still a traditional dress shirt BUT... they are quickly becoming the yuppie cliche or uniform. One sees them mis-worn so often that I tend to disregard them even when worn with a suit. Fine for after 6 with a 3 piece or in the more traditional formal wear, they are now not something I would not wear for a semi-formal or day situation.

What do you wear? I would look to an Eggshell, Offwhite or even a light or pastel of one of the primary colors of your kilt. Any of these can be worn with a tie, solid color, contrasting but not clashing. Darker colors will work also but be very careful in the choice of color and tie. Normally an outfit looks better with the darker colors low, lighter colors above the waist.

Wearing a jacket? NO open collar, Please. This is a casual look that, as I remember, started in the late 50s and looks horrid at any dress function. Preceved as making a statement that "I don't care enough about you or your function to bother dressing for the occasion".

You are still a young man, leave the white shirt to the "boomers" except when required. Enjoy yourself and have a little fun with colors matched correctly.

Disclaimer: I know there are some that see white as the only dress shirt, you'll find most are of my age or near it. Also, the folk in europe have a somewhat different view of fashion. I'm speaking of here in the states, although when on embassy duty I did wear pale pastel shirts even with formal dress with good result.

As with any other advice, make your own choice, look good and have fun.

Mike

[billmcc]

J. Higgins now has a black wool vest/waistcoat that goes with their kilt jacket. It sells for only $50.

See it here (at the bottom of the page):
http://www.jhiggins.net/catalog/msd.html

[MacMullen]

Disclaimer: I know there are some that see white as the only dress shirt, you'll find most are of my age or near it. Also, the folk in europe have a somewhat different view of fashion. I'm speaking of here in the states, although when on embassy duty I did wear pale pastel shirts even with formal dress with good result.

Mike

I'm Gen-X (I hate that term, but wanted to point out that I'm quite a bit younger than a boomer) and my tastes are more toward the classic style of dress, which includes the white shirt.

The white shirt has always been the basis for dressing up because "white to the face" makes a caucasian man look darker, more tan, even if his skin is very pale. Ecru is also a good choice, so I guess we agree on that.

Browns and shades of green on a white guy tend to wash out the complexion, but look good on a dark skinned person.

That said, light blues and royal blues have the same positive effect on someone with a lighter complexion as a white shirt does.

But, a white shirt all by itself is usually an unfortunate choice (but not always). It's too much white, and needs a jacket or a sweater to knock the glare off. If I don't want to wear a jacket, then I will usually wear a darker shirt, so, there is room in my closet for the non-traditional colored shirts too.

Of course, that's all just my opinion. :mrgreen:

Whatever you choose to wear, be confident in your sense of style and you'll end up looking good. Confidence in what you're wearing is the key. Of course, look at who I'm talking too - a bunch of people who wear the kilt, a garment that takes confidence to wear in the first place, and a garment that inspires confidence in the wearer.

[Alan H]

A tweed argyle is awfully useful, I'd think. Black looks very, very dressy, and honestly ,how often do you wear a black suit? If you have to have only one jacket and it has to brdige the gap between "pretty darned formal" and "just barely warrants a jacket" I'd go with a charcoal argyle.

But tweed is hard to beat.

[GlassMan]

Personally I'm a big fan of Lovat Blue, but I want to get a Charcoal & a Lovat Green daywear as well. Only then will I consider a black argyle.

[Avonlea22]

Well guys, thanks for all of the advice and opinions. The wife and I went out shopping yesterday on a mission to buy a solid, bottle green, tie. None were to be found, but we did happen upon some nice sweaters, and I remember seeing some pics before of kilts and sweaters, and I really liked the look. I don't remember who it was here, other than they were posed with their motorcycle, and I think they lived in Canada, but the look was very sharp. So, I ended up buying a nice Chaps oatmeal/off white sweater, and a dark green dress shirt (that I wanted to get for work anyways). I decided to go with the off white hose, because the darker tan (can't remember the officila color name) looked too dark, and I didn't think my bottle green hose would do it. I used my green flashes, as well.

Here are the pics my wife took this morning:



I got several great comments from everyone at work, and I felt really good with my choice. Overall, the event was casual, and I think I ended up fairly smart casual.

billmcc, thanks a million for the link to the waistcoat. That's definately within budget, and will probably be at my doorstep within a few weeks.