Quote Originally Posted by Chef
I am new here but I have been wearing kilts for 40 years.

Jacket and sporran - I would agree and say bite the bullet. There are very few jackets that work with a kilt that are not designed with them in mind. An exception is a white mess dress jacket that I pickedd up from a uniform company that supplies to cruise ships. Works great in the summer. If the bite is a bit much right now consider renting the jacket and sporran. I have had friends who only bought a kilt for highland games who rented a jacket when they need it.

Kilt pin - anything you line but your rank insignia would be nice choice too.

Shirt - if this is a formal ball then the shirt is a white, tux shirt with a black bow tie (one you tie). The shirt can be either a plain or pleated front but many prefer a plain front if you use a prince charlie and waistcoat and a pleated shirt if you get a an argyle jacket. If you go with an argyle jacket (a good choice since it can be used for less formal occaisions as well) you could choose a long formal tie (tux style) instead of a bowtie. As for the collar it doesn't really matter; I prefer a standard collar personally.

Consider a belt if you get an argyle jacket and no waistcoat but you won't need it if you go with a prince charlie set.

Semper fi
Welcome Chef. And I would agree with this. Everything I've seen about the USMC Ball is that it is formal. An Argyll as above or a PC would be your best bets. You can either rent or purchase what you don't have and not break the bank. I just ordered an Argyll from what was Hector Russell in San Francisco and at 270 that's not bad. Don't have it yet but....

Enjoy yourself there..