What to wear

**Troy** · 3rd July 07, 06:27 PM

Hi All,

Given that many forum members are currently serving or ex military, I was hoping for some sage advice...

I have been invited to a reception on board the USS Kitty Hawk this Friday.

The friend (ex-USMC, but yet to have his Leatherneck kilt made by me) who will be taking me told me that the dress code is "casual", and that he will be wearing work slacks and a blazer.

Obviously, some sort of semi-formal kilt ensemble would be preferable for myself, but I don't have suitable jacket to wear with my kilt (although I might just be able to have my blazer to mess jacket conversion completed in time.

Should I just wear my business suit (with tartan tie, of course!), or would a kilt/business shirt/tie/no jacket be acceptable?

Regards,

Troy

**McMurdo** · 3rd July 07, 06:53 PM

I think that if you go with the shirt, and tie with no jacket it might just work, however I think that a jacket would be even more appropriate.

I am not sure if you have any tartan shops in your area, if you do there may be a couple of things you can do one would be to rent an Argyle, the other thing is that you might be able to find a used jacket on consignment. I was able to find one like that for $40.00.

You might be able to get your jacket converted but it is this Friday and it's Tuesday already, so if you are going to go that route you should get busy. Please don't just wear the kilt with a normal suit jacket, it just does not look right.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 3rd July 07, 07:16 PM

I completely agree with McMurdo.

**Troy** · 3rd July 07, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

You might be able to get your jacket converted but it is this Friday and it's Tuesday already, so if you are going to go that route you should get busy. Please don't just wear the kilt with a normal suit jacket, it just does not look right.

Methinks the fact that I'm battling a nasty cold and trying to catch up with two weeks' work probably precludes me from having the jacket conversion completed. I'm a little apprehensive about the mess jacket idea in any case, because I don't want to be overdressed (although, I guess it's preferable to being underdressed.)

As far as wearing a normal suit jacket goes - I wouldn't dream of it!

I really don't want to spend any money at the moment, so it looks like I will probably forgo the kilt this time and settle for the suit.

Cheers,

Troy

**Kid Cossack** · 3rd July 07, 08:00 PM

What about a black wooly-pully over a dress shirt?

**Troy** · 3rd July 07, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kid Cossack

What about a black wooly-pully over a dress shirt?

I guess a "woolly-pully" is a v-necked woollen jumper (or 'sweater')? I think that would look pretty good with a solid black necktie and black hose!

I've been trawling the internet and have found another possible option: the civilian Scottish Highland variant of "Red Sea Rig". Basically a white long-sleeved dress shirt and black (or red) bow tie over a kilt. It's on Wikipedia (for what it's worth):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Sea_rig

Given that it's Winter down here, and that it's not a 'black tie' event, I'm thinking that the "woolly-pully" option might be the way to go. Just a couple of points, though:

1. Sgian dubh or not?
2. Semi-formal or day (black) sporran?

Thanks a million!

Troy

**turpin** · 3rd July 07, 09:27 PM

Semi-dress sporran sounds more appropriate, given that iyour friend is wearing slacks and blazer. I'd wear the sgian, but check ahead to see whether any security screening would disallow it. If so, leave it in the car.

**JackK** · 5th July 07, 06:01 AM

Not much help with the dress question, but a little correction if I may.
There are no EX USMC's, a Marine is a Marine, maybe nonactive, but always a Marine.
I am extremely jealous, getting to go aboard the grand old Kitty Hawk.

Sorry to be critical

Jack
1967 3/4 Battalion Scout

**dpseadvr** · 5th July 07, 06:40 AM

Being Navy I say Kilted, no sgian don't want to get to the quaterdeck and have the OOD tell you that you can't have it and have to turn around and go back to the car to put it away.
JackK is right though you are allways a Marine they get testy about that ex stuff
DEVIL DOCS keep them going though

HM1/ SEAL/DV/FMF

**Kid Cossack** · 5th July 07, 06:43 AM

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/ta...Fresults%2Etam

http://marineshop.safeshopper.com/12/84.htm?989

Come to think of it, it's crew neck, not v-neck. Thinking back, it might have been worn with the Charlie shirt (short sleeve) without a tie.

The woolly pully is a FINE piece of kit. It goes anywhere and does anything. Even if it's not the answer to your question today, it's the answer to a lot of questions.

Semper fi,

Kid Cossack