What to wear to a Ceilidh?

**Nighthawk** · 24th August 09, 05:08 PM

It depends on the ceilidh! The one my wife and I will be attending after the Clan Donnachaid Burns night supper in January is a formal affair, so black tie is required. One of my own personal ceilidhs, on the other hand... Remaining fully clothed is itself occasionally optional! As to the formal we are going to. I will be wearing a Prince Charlie, my Albannanach tartan kilt, a tuxedo shirt, purple Lewis Rich kilt kilt hose, a black bow tie, kilt pin, semi dress sporran, and ghillie brogues. For something advertised as formal, I would wear no less. So I would think it all depends on the advertised level of formality- at least, with this being in the US and all. In Scotland, I’m sure it goes without saying that the level of formality is as least semiformal, but in the States, we assume that everything is very casual unless stated otherwise. Were I in Scotland going to a Scottish celidh, I would assume it to be at least a semiformal affair.

**Bugbear** · 24th August 09, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

One of my own personal ceilidhs, on the other hand... Remaining fully clothed is itself occasionally optional...

We really do need to get you wearing a jabot, Nighthawk.

**Stratherrick** · 25th August 09, 04:27 AM

As others have said, it depends on the bash!

In village halls, I'd say you could go casual from the waist up. In Edinburgh/Inverness high society, you better get 'the look' right!

Slainte

Bruce

**Kiltman** · 25th August 09, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Stratherrick

As others have said, it depends on the bash!

In village halls, I'd say you could go casual from the waist up. In Edinburgh/Inverness high society, you better get 'the look' right!

Slainte

Bruce

Great answer! Thanks.

**Panache** · 25th August 09, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

It depends on the ceilidh!

I have to agree with Nighthawk here.

If I was going to a ceilidh I would find out what the norm is.

If there is to be lots of dancing and most gentlemen wear a "Jacobite shirt" with their kilts then so would I (those shirts are very comfortable for dancing).

Failing this I would default to my standard evening party dress and go with black leather accessories, dress shirt, tie, and a jacket.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: