What to wear to a Ceilidh?

[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.

[Kiltman]

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.

[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.

[Jock Scot]

I attended a ceilidh when I was in Scotland last month and saw considerable difference in what was worn.

Almost all the men wore kilts or tarten trews. The Americans and Canadians tended to dress rather casually - polo shirts or open-necked shirts without a tie. The Scots on the other hand, tended to wear jackets and ties, ranging from tweeds to Prince Charlies. There were a few exceptions of course.

The women tended to wear equivilent attire, from blue jeans to cocktail dresses. Some wore tartan skirts or a sash.

What say you regarding what is proper attire at a ceilidh, whether in Scotland, the US, Canada, or elsewhere.

I wonder? Was the actual event advertised as a ceilidh?Was it held in "the big house" or a marquee,or village hall? If it was at "the big house" then dress would be slightly more formal and tweed could be worn as a compliment to the host. It certainly sounds as though the natives "pushed the boat out". A compliment to their visitors perhaps? Nevertheless,going on the informal nature of a ceilidh, I don't suppose anyone lost any sleep over who wore what.

I think the Eliots are border people, so seeing trews at even slightly formal functions would be no surprise to me at all. In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn and anyone who dressed any more formally would feel overdressed,but most would assume that the overdressed person would have "come on" from some function or other,and not worry about it.

[Bugbear]

... In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn...

Now Jock, just remember that jeans are the American national dress.

You all need to be sure that you are wearing them in what ever way you want to wear them, or it might be considered an insult over here.

[Jock Scot]

Now Jock, just remember that jeans are the American national dress.

You all need to be sure that you are wearing them in what ever way you want to wear them, or it might be considered an insult over here.

Oh rest assured Ted, that no one gives a thought to how your national attire should be worn.

[BoldHighlander]

In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn and anyone who dressed any more formally would feel overdressed,but most would assume that the overdressed person would have "come on" from some function or other,and not worry about it.

Jock, this sounds like a general description of the ceilidh's I've attended here in the States

[Sir William]

I wonder? Was the actual event advertised as a ceilidh?Was it held in "the big house" or a marquee,or village hall? If it was at "the big house" then dress would be slightly more formal and tweed could be worn as a compliment to the host. It certainly sounds as though the natives "pushed the boat out". A compliment to their visitors perhaps? Nevertheless,going on the informal nature of a ceilidh, I don't suppose anyone lost any sleep over who wore what.

This was a much advertised ceilidh and held at the village hall.

I don't think anyone was overly concerned about who wore what though some of the ladies considered themselves "underdressed" after the Chief arrived. We were all having a great time and I think that is all that really mattered to anyone.

But I did wonder if there was a different perception between Scots, Americans, Canadians and Australians as to how formal or casual a ceilidh was supposed to be. I've always assumed a ceilidh was informal as opposed to a dance. I was also checking out kilt lengths, kilt belts, sporrans, hose, etc and saw considerable differences though these appeared to be more personal choices rather than "national" distinctions.

[Sir William]

...In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn ....

So...just HOW MANY kilts are worn with jeans to a ceilidh? I think I would find even just one kilt over my jeans to be a bit much.

[Jock Scot]

So...just HOW MANY kilts are worn with jeans to a ceilidh? I think I would find even just one kilt over my jeans to be a bit much.

Sigh. There is always one comedian in the group and lo and behold we now know who it is! Take that man's name Sarn't Major!