Afternoon Burns Tea apparel advice

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

My local St. Andrew Society holds a Burns tea in the afternoon rather than a full-blown dinner in the evening.

I have a PC, a waistcoat and dress sporran, but it seems to me that that would be way too dressy for an afternoon affair.

Are those formal items too formal for the afternoon?

Yes, and that's why a gentleman should acquire a black Argyll and two waistcoats (one three buttoned) before he worries about Prince Charlie coatees, ghillie brogues, designer sporrans, and bench made dirks, among other fripperies.

Consider yourself chastised.

I'd suggest you call some of your buddies, who may be in the same boat, and see what they're wearing (this is called "safety in numbers" and is really your only cop out) or you can go with the blazer/kilt combo (no white socks). This isn't the "beau ideal" of highland wear, but it is dressier than a jumper pulled over a shirt and tie. Barring that I'd advise the traditional suit and tie or blazer and tie-- both perfectly acceptable for the occasion.

Then, when I got home from the tea party, I'd have a garage sale and use the proceeds to buy a proper day wear jacket and waistcoat or an Argyll jacket and two waistcoats (one with three buttons)...

[svc40bt]

How much time do you have? Perhaps you could have that navy blazer converted to kilt length by a local seamstress or tailor. I seem to recall navy being acceptable, even for black tie, so I would think it fine for afternoon tea.