What to wear to a Ceilidh?

[Jock Scot]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

[The Thing]

It also depends if you are single or not as well.
In Ireland if you are a young single man you dress to impress the girls, I guess older people wear whatever they want in a smart casual way.
Celidh can also imply an informal gathering at a house as well where neighbours will get together for a drink, a song, a story and a dance, in this setting things are very informal.

[macwilkin]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

Jock,

You are 100% spot on in your observations. Many "ceilidhs" over here are that in name-only, as compared to the ones in Scotland. More of a formal music concert than everyone come and perform your party piece!

T.

[Farlander]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

Jock, I think that you are quite right. Moreover, the confusion may be even more complex than you just pointed out. Many of the folks on this side of the pond that have thus far responded may be a bit more formal in their attire than many of us. I expect that normally, the formal/casual scale would typically tip formal towards the UK side. Perhaps that is just my impression though?

I have for some time expected that the definition of 'casual' is not the same in everyone's mind. For example, I recall a post some time ago asking for advice on where to find a 'casual' jacket. I believe that the fellow had in mind something like a denim or leather jacket that would go well with a kilt. Instead, he got advice on a tweed day wear Crail. Is a Crail casual? I guess it is in the same way that a sports coat is casual, but not in the same way that jeans and a tee shirt are casual.

[Sir William]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

Jock,

You're spot on based on my experiences in the States. I've noted that at an American ceilidh you see a lot of kilt jackets and ties, if not a Prince Charlie, or even more formal wear (and equivilent for the ladies). I found this a bit ironic considering our tendency to dress more casually than the British for almost all occasions.

Therefore, I was rather surprised at the Scottish ceilidh I attended as it was the Scots who were more smartly dressed than the Americans and Canadians. Perhaps the Scots did so thinking the North Americans would be following their usual custom, and the North Americans dressed more casually thinking they were observing the Scottish custom.

All of which is has led me to my question. I'm just trying to get a sense of what is assumed to be proper attire on both sides of the Atlantic.

From the answers posted so far, it would appear my assessments above are more or less correct and what I saw at the ceilidh in Scotland was a slight abberation.

[Highland Logan]

I have to agree to disagree with everyone. At least here in Nova Scotia they are very informal, and what Jock suggests as wear would be correct. However what those folks south of me suggest would also have a place for a more semi-formal affair, which sould about the same here for a dinner dance, but what we call a ceilidh is always a casual event.

Frank

[BoldHighlander]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

I have to agree to disagree with everyone. At least here in Nova Scotia they are very informal, and what Jock suggests as wear would be correct. However what those folks south of me suggest would also have a place for a more semi-formal affair, which sould about the same here for a dinner dance, but what we call a ceilidh is always a casual event.

I have to admit that the only ceilidh's I've been to around here are very spontaneous affairs, and thus very informal in dress.

[Nighthawk]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

As a matter of fact, yes. I see an overwhelming and disturbing trend towards casual that is bordering on disrespectful in American society. I go to church on Sundays and see people wearing tank tops and jogging shorts! For me, it's a matter of dignity. A sense of decorum and propriety is sorely lacking in our society, and I do like to dress up a bit as a result. That's one of the reasons that my employers are fine with me being kilted- with the exception of our company owners, I'm the best dressed person there! And the most I wear on a day to day basis is kilt, collared shirt, proper hose, and my shoes. It bothers me that people either don't know or care when to shine themselves up a little. So I may tend towards overkilt (pun intended) from time to time, but I prefer to lead by example.

I have to agree to disagree with everyone. At least here in Nova Scotia they are very informal, and what Jock suggests as wear would be correct. However what those folks south of me suggest would also have a place for a more semi-formal affair, which sould about the same here for a dinner dance, but what we call a ceilidh is always a casual event.

Frank

I see that totally. That was what I tried to point out in my original post. Over here, it seems to depend on the event. I suspect that the one my wife and I will be attending is billed as black tie because that's the way all the Burns suppers I have attended are, and this is something of an after-party for the supper, and as all the attendees will already be dressed up... why not keep things that way? However, when I throw one at my home in my back yard, it's a come as you are kind of event.

[davedove]

I note what Sir William said in his original post,but I wonder if there is some minor trans-Atlantic confusion? Three,perhaps it is four, of the UK members that have posted on this thread, regard a ceilidh as a rather informal bash/dance and are all pretty much agreed(amazingly!) that the dress is pretty informal. On the other hand you chaps across the pond seem to have a different definition of what a ceilidh is. Am I wrong? Also it seems to me, that you chaps over there want to be more formally attired as well? Nothing wrong with that! Just an observation.

I think this is more a problem of the people just wanting to get use out of their gear (and not knwing any better). The only time they wear a kilt is for special events, so when the kilt goes on, so do all the other things as well. Thus, you get Prince Charlie's at a ceilidh, Scottish festivals, etc. Remember, the average American is not as well informed about kilts and their wear as those on this forum.

[Jock Scot]

I think this is more a problem of the people just wanting to get use out of their gear (and not knwing any better). The only time they wear a kilt is for special events, so when the kilt goes on, so do all the other things as well. Thus, you get Prince Charlie's at a ceilidh, Scottish festivals, etc. Remember, the average American is not as well informed about kilts and their wear as those on this forum.

Yes ,I think you are right there. Also"Under dressing" and the understated look does not seem to be, in general, a natural American,Canadian thing to do, either.