PC or regulation doublet?

[orangehaggis]

In re the last point, one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!" The "bling bling" was a result of the Highlander investing his fortune into dress accessories which was a more stable investment at the time than putting his money into a bank. I say if you're going to wear the kilt to a black tie function, follow Highland/Scottish etiquette rather than that of your trousered fellows.

I would, however, like to see a black tie option for the kilt that corresponds to modern trends in dinner jackets which tend to look like black suit jackets with silk lapels, and high necked waistcoats. Perhaps a more formal version of the Argyll jacket? With His Grace's permission, maybe it could be called the Duke of Argyll?

Mark O - Ohio

[Robin]

one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!"

Georgian and Victorian era fashion...yes, but it's 2007 now

costume

A garment...costumes are for carnavalesque parties.

follow Highland/Scottish etiquette rather than that of your trousered fellows.

Is there a difference? Maybe some Scots can chime in to explain what's different...if at all.
And I really think it's a good idea to adapt to the etiquette of the country we live in...or visit.

[Phil]

In re the last point, one must remember that the Highlanders' formal costume has always been "over the top!" The "bling bling" was a result of the Highlander investing his fortune into dress accessories which was a more stable investment at the time than putting his money into a bank.

I believe the reason for silver buttons was to ensure the wearer had a decent funeral should he be unlucky enough to be killed while away from home.

I have a blue velvet doublet which can be worn with either a jabot or a bow tie and can be unbuttoned when things get hot on the dance floor.



I still think the sheriffmuir is the most versatile all-rounder which you can wear from very casual to very formal, daytime and evening.

[kevinkinney]

Robin has a valid point.

Simply wearing a kilt in public makes a bold statement. Mine see more use in the woods than anywhere else. (Although black fly season is upon us now.) Going over the top with formality may be a bit too much for our town.

While I've yet to meet another kilted man in our sleepy northern city, I know they're up here. I'll attend a few more events first and get a better idea which type of dress is appropriate for the locals. The few black tie events we've attended in Duluth are for the mushing community. Bless their hearts, but some of them show up looking and smelling like their kennels, with their dogs waiting in the parking lot.

Thus far, my quiet life hasn't left me with a raft of medals to clutter my lapel. I'm not in the habit of wearing weaponry in public, so I'll reserve my nice new dirk for family gatherings. Even the cantle on my sporran is dulled from hand working the copper before plating, so it may not even cast a reflection.

In the mean time, I'll simply order another tailcoat, and use it to outfit BOTH styles of jackets. I still need more buttons though....lots of nice big shiny ones.

Kevin.