Cheap formal wear?

[davedove]

I agree that it's better to build an outfit than go splash out on a complete ensemble.

I generally agree with all your statements, but this one is not necessarily true for all folks. I'll agree that most people can't run out and buy the whole outfit at once, but for those with the resources, buying the whole outfit in one package is often cheaper in the long run because of the package discounts.

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

It really depends on the package, but there are good package deals out there. Some people can't afford that though. Go with where your budget feels comfortable.

DWFII is correct, you need to be committed and not mix and match too much.

Part of the reason I like the inexpensive eBay sporrans. You can get an acceptable day or dress sporran at a reasonable price. If you don't do a lot of day or dress occasions, why spend a lot of money on something which you won't use frequently?

The formal wear aspect of the kilt is sort of formalised. Try to stick within the form. Don't mix Scottish with Sassenach, or day with dress.

[Mark Keeney]

Which brings us back to the original question. Not how others would view you in cheap formal wear, but how would you feel when wearing it. Would you feel like you are getting away with something? Would you feel uneasy that someone might find out? Would you feel comfortable and confident? Would you feel you are representing your heritage to the best of your abilities?

I will relate an incident that happened to me. My daughters wedding was last June and my daughter and son in law made all of the arrangements. I had no say in the matter. They told me where to get my tux and which one to wear. (the same as the rest of men in the wedding party) The tuxedo they chose was the cheapest and poorly constructed imaginable as they were from a chain rental store. I was embarrassed to wear it let alone get my picture taken. Now to be fair the pictures and guests probably was never aware of the quality, but I was. I have had blue jeans that were better constructed. The women all wore top quality dresses. My daughters dress was over $1600 without all the other stuff she wore with it. On the market the tuxes might have retailed at about $150. I was out of place and being the father of the bride I should have been in my element.

So how does cheap formal kilted wear make you feel? Or do I put too much stock in dressing right?

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

I feel great. I've been wearing second hand and ex-hire for most of my formal occasions. The Morning suit I was married in was ex-hire Moss Bros. The one dinner jacket I bought new has gone out of style and size as far as the trousers went. I bought a replacement set of trousers on eBay. Looks great!

People say I look fabulous.

No problem with inexpensive if it looks good.

[James MacMillan]

No problem with inexpensive if it looks good.

Right on! Inexpensive does not equal cheap!

[DWFII]

Right on! Inexpensive does not equal cheap!

Right you are, but it's perhaps wise to reflect that one sure way to be "ruled by the almighty dollar" is to look only at the price of things.

In fact, sadly enough, American culture has reputation for being price conscious to the exclusion of all else. It tends to make us look a bit crass at times. Speaking as someone who has made his living with his hands for the last 35 years, there is on old saying that goes..."Americans know the cost of everything and the value of nothing." To the extent it has any validity, we tend to almost make a fetish out of paying low dollar and ultimately loose sight of what real quality and real value is. As a general rule, there is a reason why high priced goods are high priced.

[macwilkin]

Right you are, but it's perhaps wise to reflect that one sure way to be "ruled by the almighty dollar" is to look only at the price of things.

In fact, sadly enough, American culture has reputation for being price conscious to the exclusion of all else. It tends to make us look a bit crass at times. Speaking as someone who has made his living with his hands for the last 35 years, there is on old saying that goes..."Americans know the cost of everything and the value of nothing." To the extent it has any validity, we tend to almost make a fetish out of paying low dollar and ultimately loose sight of what real quality and real value is. As a general rule, there is a reason why high priced goods are high priced.

Spot on.

Sometimes it's better, as my frugal Iowa-Scottish grandmother would say, to pay more in the short-run to spend less in the long-run.

I don't disagree with Kirkaldy that you can look good in inexpensive items; on the contrary. But, I think at times people tend to (ironically) look down their nose at those who do pay "top-dollar" without considering the value as well as cost.

Regards,

Todd

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Actually, inexpensive with quality. Second hand of quality is always fine. Loads of people buy things once, have them lingering in a closet unused, or pass on items for various reasons. You can find value.

Sometimes, I luck out and find items at a fraction of their cost.

I am willing to pay full price if I find quality, but just as willing to work for a bargain.

DWF, I hope you're not too upset about the sporran cantle I sent you causing that remark!

[macwilkin]

Actually, inexpensive with quality. Second hand of quality is always fine. Loads of people buy things once, have them lingering in a closet unused, or pass on items for various reasons. You can find value.

Sometimes, I luck out and find items at a fraction of their cost.

I am willing to pay full price if I find quality, but just as willing to work for a bargain.

DWF, I hope you're not too upset about the sporran cantle I sent you causing that remark!

I stand corrected.

T.

[DWFII]

DWF, I hope you're not too upset about the sporran cantle I sent you causing that remark!

Not at all. I appreciated that. I buy off Ebay (second-hand) all the time. My point was that value...and quality...should be the focus of our attention even when we are looking for a bargain. Not just the numbers on the price tag.

Ask yourself...is there some aspect of a $700.00 hand stitched tank that makes it worth five times as much as a Pakistani PV kilt? What are those aspects? Are they important to you?

The answer is, certainly and legitimately, sometimes "yes" sometimes "no." But if all you are looking at is price, heck, you'll never even know (or appreciate) the reasons why the tank is worth the money. Sad, if nothing else, for such a person.