Formal Dinner

[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.