Which outfit is "more Scottish?"

[McMurdo]

I'd say wear the white shirt, and gray tweed waistcoat, if you have a tweed Argyll I'd say that's the ticket but if you don't then go for the waistcoat. I'd also say leave the flap cap at home, or in the car.

[Highland Logan]

I mean no offence here, but Bob's answer clearly demonstrates the difference between how I perceive you Americans see things and how us Scots see things. We Scots prefer the low profile "less is more " approach, Bob, batting for the USA, on the other hand likes the more showy approach. Each to their own.

Well, maybe, but the greater influence on my suggestion is that male teachers wore jackets and ties when I was in school. The teachers in my daughters' school wear ties and the administrators wear suits. I think the jacket and tie are appropriate.

I think you are missing Jock Scot' point. He was fine with a jacket and tie... but a plain tweed day dress jacket, not a black barathea Argyll with the silver buttons, which is somewhat the equivalent of morning dress, and very flashy.

Frank

[Bob C]

I think you are missing Jock Scot' point. He was fine with a jacket and tie... but a plain tweed day dress jacket, not a black barathea Argyll with the silver buttons, which is somewhat the equivalent of morning dress, and very flashy.

Frank

If you read my earlier post, you will see that that would be my preference, as well.

[Cavebear58]

You want to dress as a Scot? Right then, for the event you describe The PC is out, the black barathea Argyll(silver buttons?) is out. Why? It is the most formal daywear attire we Scots have in our armoury. You would not wear a morning suit to school, I presume? So your best bet is your tweed waistcoat. Please,please,please leave the flat cap at home. You are after all dressing up as a Scot, not as an American wearing the kilt. Good luck and have fun!

Hear, Hear!

Good idea for the school to run such an event though. I wonder which other cultures are going to be represented and how many other MUGs are going to be worn?

All the best
Graham.

[Jock Scot]

Well, maybe, but the greater influence on my suggestion is that male teachers wore jackets and ties when I was in school. The teachers in my daughters' school wear ties and the administrators wear suits. I think the jacket and tie are appropriate.

Bob,I agree with your sentiments of the jacket and tie,you have no argument from me there,I can assure you. Please do not take offence here, but what you are asking this teacher(no names,yes?) to do, is go to school wearing a morning suit, as that is what the Scots kilted equivelant of a black barathea Argyll is.I have no doubts that you also believe that teachers should not lay themselves open to ridicule? I do. Please remember, in this case, advice was asked to what A Scot would wear, not what a kilt wearing American would wear.

All the very best,
Jock.

[Tommy Hunt]

Isn't the point to show what other cultures do traditionally wear. It's not about what they mostly wear or what they wear to school or what they normally wear during the day (jeans case in point) or what they wear as a school teacher. Any outfit chosen no matter how formal would be appropriate as long as it is traditional to the country. I say go as formal as possible. The kids will love it all the more. Then you can tell them this isn't everyday wear.

[thistlelass]

I agree with Tommy. I work at an Elementary school and we have a program at our school (Cultural Night) where students and teachers dress in their "native costume". It's purpose is to show the diversity of cultures-in their dress, their language, their music, their food, etc. The children in my school are very intrigued by the costumes. I wear my 18th Century Scottish attire-including Tartan shawl-they love hearing about the different Clans and their Tartans. Play it up big for the children I say. They're going to really give you an opportunity to talk about Scotland and your heritage.

[Andrewson]

You asked specifically which outfit of those suggested was the most Scottish and you got an excellent answer from Jock Scot. I certainly agree with him about the flat cap.

To the more general question (What is most Scottish?) I'd have to agree that statistically, the "jeans, jumper and trainers" answer is probably the right answer.

But it occurs to this Scot, living in England not the USA, that I don't fully understand the purpose of "Cultural Day" or "Cultural Night" in American Schools. I assume it is a chance to look at how life is different in other parts of the world. If so, just trying to present a statistically accurate portrayal of Scottish dress today - or even just presenting daytime dress - might be too limiting. If the idea is to illustrate different aspects of life in Scotland today then you might just as well wear what I, a Scot, would wear to a Burns' Night celebration this year i.e. PC, black tie, kilt, hose etc.. That is just as typically Scottish. But then so is someone wearing a Rangers or Celtic football strip to go to a match

[Tommy Hunt]

You asked specifically which outfit of those suggested was the most Scottish and you got an excellent answer from Jock Scot. I certainly agree with him about the flat cap.

To the more general question (What is most Scottish?) I'd have to agree that statistically, the "jeans, jumper and trainers" answer is probably the right answer.

But it occurs to this Scot, living in England not the USA, that I don't fully understand the purpose of "Cultural Day" or "Cultural Night" in American Schools. I assume it is a chance to look at how life is different in other parts of the world. If so, just trying to present a statistically accurate portrayal of Scottish dress today - or even just presenting daytime dress - might be too limiting. If the idea is to illustrate different aspects of life in Scotland today then you might just as well wear what I, a Scot, would wear to a Burns' Night celebration this year i.e. PC, black tie, kilt, hose etc.. That is just as typically Scottish. But then so is someone wearing a Rangers or Celtic football strip to go to a match

I would think it's exposure to differing kinds of clothes (and in some schools foods as well) worn in other cultures so the children can learn to appreciate, as well as accept, differences. It's a positive thing imo.

[Hamish]

You want to dress as a Scot? Right then, for the event you describe The PC is out, the black barathea Argyll(silver buttons?) is out. Why? It is the most formal daywear attire we Scots have in our armoury. You would not wear a morning suit to school, I presume? So your best bet is your tweed waistcoat. Please,please,please leave the flat cap at home. You are after all dressing up as a Scot, not as an American wearing the kilt. Good luck and have fun!

I am with Jock 100% on this.

Take care,
Ham.