Tank with vest sweater=semi-dress enough?

[Avonlea22]

Looking for some opinions here.

In September, my wife and I will be traveling to PEI Canada. While there, we're going to take in an evening musical.

I'm planning to wear my new Irish National Tank. I will also have a matching bow tie at this point. Unfortunately, I can't afford an argyle jacket or PC, so I was wondering what you guys think of a sweater vest (a sweater without sleeves). I'd wear a white oxford dress shirt with Irish National Bow tie and the sweater vest. I'd have a semi dress sporran, hose and flashes.

Does that sound acceptable? Would it look ok as far as a semi casual outfit? Is the bow tie too much (I really enjoy wearing bow ties, and wear them almost every day at work)?

Thanks for your opinions and/or advice.

[McMurdo]

That sounds good to me, perfectly acceptable as a semi casual outfit. I dont think a bow tie is too much, it is uncommon, but then again so is a kilt. What colour vest are you planning on going with?

[beloitpiper]

Here's what I wore at Christmas Eve. I didn't even wear a tie and it was very appropriate for every occasion (from dinner with the family to Midnight church service)

[ccga3359]

I really enjoy wearing bow ties, and wear them almost every day at work?

That is excuse enough. Go with the bowtie.

[thescot]

The whole thing sounds fine as long as the level of dress is appropriate for the occassion. I personally think that a kilt adds a touch of dressiness to an otherwise casual outfit. In this case, a man in a pair of trousers with the same shirt, tie, and vest won't look as dressy as you in a klt.

(I know some folks feel they can--and they really can--wear anything they like anywhere, but that's not me. I am somewhat more conservative and prefer to dress in the manner generally deemed appropriate by the regulars of that event. I would err on the side of being overdressed rather than the other way.)

Of course, since you have so much time, you can also investigate buying a nice used jacket at the local Goodwill or Salvation Army store and have it tailored for a reasonable fee. That would give you a very nice kilt jacket as an alternative.

[Big Mikey]

I agree with the above exalted members. As long as the kilt is not TOO casual (camo) I think any kilt can be dressed up. UKs, FKs, SKs in nontartans can all look very nice with a dress shirt and tie. Enjoy the trip.

[ccga3359]

Is there any other garment that can go from black tie to laid back casual aside from a kilt?

[Panache]

Brian,

It sounds like a fine outfit. Since you have a while till September I would keep an eye out for an inexpensive (or second hand store or ebay ) tweed jacket or other simple wool sport coat . They can be modified into a fine kilt jacket by a tailor for about $80 (or yourself for nothing). There are numerous threads on X Marks about it.

Here is Alan H.'s site with steps for the do it your-selfer

http://www.geocities.com/alanhsails/...lt_jacket.html

Having an argyle or crail style kilt jacket is really useful as they can be dressed up or down as suits the occassion.

That said, I think vests and kilts can look great together without a jacket.



Cheers

[chasem]

I'd second the suggestion to look for a cheap jacket to have modified. It can be done for a very reasonable price.

[Avonlea22]

Here's what I wore at Christmas Eve.

beloitpiper...I love that sweater you are wearing, and that is exactly what I was thinking of. Where did you find that sweater?

To all the others...thanks so much for the advice and suggestions. I doubt I'll be able to afford a jacket, even though this trip isn't until September. I'm still saving up for the kilt (hope to order by the end of April). All of our "extra" money, what little there is, will be going toward the actual trip. I will check out my local Good Will and see what they have. I suppose I could get lucky.

Thanks!