Formal Dinner

[McMurdo]

To my way of thinking, the absolute best hose to wear for a formal function are argyle or diced hose, that is why I am having some knit for me, however I was in the tartan shop yesterday and they were selling argyle hose for $225.00 now that is more than many people want to spend on a pair of hose, so black for me is a good second choice as the cream or white hose you see from all the rental places look appalling. Hose that look like athletic socks do not look good with a Prince Charlie, as I see it.

[Panache]

To my way of thinking, the absolute best hose to wear for a formal function are argyle or diced hose.

I agree, everytime Phil posts a picture of his Galbraith ancient kilt with matching diced hose I'm filled with the dreaded "sock envy" and I think about getting a pair for myself.

...I was in the tartan shop yesterday and they were selling argyle hose for $225.00 now that is more than many people want to spend on a pair of hose....

And then I stop thinking about diced hose and decide that solid colors are just fine.

... so black for me is a good second choice as the cream or white hose you see from all the rental places look appalling. Hose that look like athletic socks do not look good with a Prince Charlie, as I see it.

Here I disagree. White and off white hose maybe far too common but I think that the white hose helps tie in the white tux shirt with the rest of the outfit. Also for those wearing formal ghillies the black lacing looks really sharp against the white of the sock which continues the whole black/white theme of the ensemble*. But the same holds true for normal well polished black dress shoes. To me the formal kilted outfit is a delicate balance of simple lblack and white that offsets the dramatic colors of the tartan kilt and matching flashes.

Cheers

Jamie

* I like black hose, but they do have a tendency to just sort of blend in with one's shoes

[David Dalglish]

I agree, everytime Phil posts a picture of his Galbraith ancient kilt with matching diced hose I'm filled with the dreaded "sock envy" and I think about getting a pair for myself.



And then I stop thinking about diced hose and decide that solid colors are just fine.



Here I disagree. White and off white hose maybe far too common but I think that the white hose helps tie in the white tux shirt with the rest of the outfit. Also for those wearing formal ghillies the black lacing looks really sharp against the white of the sock which continues the whole black/white theme of the ensemble*. But the same holds true for normal well polished black dress shoes. To me the formal kilted outfit is a delicate balance of simple lblack and white that offsets the dramatic colors of the tartan kilt and matching flashes.

Cheers

Jamie

* I like black hose, but they do have a tendency to just sort of blend in with one's shoes

I agree Jamie I think that cream hose are a classic look for formal wear. I think that black hose do not look good with a PC. outfit

[Chef]

Unless you plan on attending a lot of formal affairs I would suggest going with the belt and the dress buckle.
...Simple, a Mess jacket is never going to make a perfect Prince Charlie. But it can be a very nice formal kilt jacket. I think that a white tux shirt, bow tie, fancy belt, white hose, nice dress shoes, and a semi dress sporran, and a black mess jacket (perhaps with silver celtic buttons) creates a formal kilted look that isn't trying to be something it is not.

I think Jamie is right on here. It depends on your expected need. The Eton or other modified jacket will look fine, but it’s not a PC, so you’re better to go with its strengths and a good belt will do better. If you are going to buy a waistcoat for an Eton jacket you would be better to try and find a bargain on a PC.

On the other hand, if you can find a PC at a decent price and you don't see yourself changing sizes a lot you will be able to wear it for years.

White and off white hose maybe far too common but I think that the white hose helps tie in the white tux shirt with the rest of the outfit. ... To me the formal kilted outfit is a delicate balance of simple lblack and white that offsets the dramatic colors of the tartan kilt and matching flashes.

Again, I agree, I have a pair if tartan hose and they are wonderful, but I hardly ever wear them. I prefer the off white. When I wear the tartan hose it seems too busy and I think it takes away from the look of the kilt.

Leave the jacket open, tuck your tie behind the silver belt buckle, and you will look fine.

I disagree here; a long tie should be tied so that it isn't necessary to tuck the end (especially for a formal event). It should end just above the buckle of your belt. However, I would recommend a bow tie, preferably one you tie, for a formal dinner.