Quote Originally Posted by Jack Daw View Post
I'm here to get advice, as my tastes are suspect (even from my own POV); so, I'll not give any. So, of course, I have one question: In addition to a sweater as an alternative choice, casual evening can include the tweed jackets and/or the black argyll (without the ties and waistcoats) as a sports-jacket equivalent? BTW, I appreciate everyone's input.
This really is a cool thread.

I would hazard to say that an argyl in barathea is similar to a suit coat rather than a sport coat. It's kind of dressy what with the silver buttons and all, so I would opt for a tweed as the sport coat equivalent. Of course, if you can put plain buttons on it and use those silver button covers for fancier occassions, I guess that's another option.

Of course, since Americans have become such boors in matters of dress, it really doesn't much matter. "Casual" can mean anything that is not "naked," I suppose, and even that nakedness thing is probably OK in many circles. (Unless someone like me shows up. and then it's just gross! I am well past the stage of looking good naked.)

Tonight, we'll gather for a casual kilted evening at the pub, and I'll wear a sweater with a plain shirt underneath, a rather plain bonnet, and black shoes and sporran. Kind of a cross between casual and very casual.

When in doubt, listen to Matt and Jock. Opt for quality, and don't let the cost deter you from the forgotten practice of saving for your purchase. Even a failry expensive kilt or sporaan can be paid for fairly shortly if you are determined. (For the very young, forget that as it pertains to the kilt. Buy cheap and replace as you "expand yor horizons.")

I started to respong to Matt's original post when he first put it up, then I was called away, and the smarter folks beat me to it. Just one word of advice: don't forget ebay. You can get some very nice quialty used stuff there if you are persistent.