So how is this?

[Drac]

Thanks for the links. I love progression on the outfits.

This was a very formal evening event. Full medals (which is white or black tie) or black tie dinner dress was on the menu. I guess the picture makes it hard to see but I was wearing a PC & vest.

The fly plaid though is as wide as it gets. It is very narrow, almost a scarf.

I am going to get some nicer kilts as well as some of the more modern ones including (if I can make it work) some X-kilts. Since a nice formal kilt runs up to $700US I want to take my time on those decisions. On the Sport kilt, it would help if I had one that fit better. Partly my fault on the measurements and partly because the Sport kilt doesn't allow for my build that way a nicer kilt would.

Jim

[Garry Oak]

Don't be distracted by the Boss:

Couldn't help it. You're handsome too, though. The earlier commenters are more knowledgeable than I am; of course I agree. I'll just add this about the fly plaid and brooch: they draw the eye away from your medals, which (to this non-veteran) deserve to be the most visible things on your chest. If it's inappropriate for me to mention it that way, you have my apology, sir.

[dfmacliam]

I agree with everything that's been said. Personally, I think the ancient blue hose would be a nice contrast to your kilt. Loose the plaid, it's a bit much especially being more like a scarf.
You might find, shopping around, and especially with some of our sponsers, a proper kilt does not have to cost as much as you think.

[sfb]

Hi Jim,

I think you look very smart. Kilt wearing is all about individuality and your own sense of fashion. Both will change and grow as you wear the kilt more often. Do not be frightened of experimenting. If you are the only kilt wearer at a function, remember, you are then the expert.

Regards

Chas

Absolutely! Couldn't agree more.

Personally I've found that for a formal (black tie) function, black socks - sorry, hose - are a pretty good, smart choice. Ties in with all the dinner suits everyone else is wearing.

Oh, and a self tie bowtie is indeed worth mastering. I'm not sure that it looks any smarter than a clip-on to most casual observers, but it's much cooler when you untie it at the end of the evening and leave it dangling casually round your neck.

[davedove]

Oh, and a self tie bowtie is indeed worth mastering. I'm not sure that it looks any smarter than a clip-on to most casual observers, but it's much cooler when you untie it at the end of the evening and leave it dangling casually round your neck.

Or someone else unties it for you.

[Detroitpete]

Thanks for the links. I love progression on the outfits.

This was a very formal evening event. Full medals (which is white or black tie) or black tie dinner dress was on the menu. I guess the picture makes it hard to see but I was wearing a PC & vest.

The fly plaid though is as wide as it gets. It is very narrow, almost a scarf.

I am going to get some nicer kilts as well as some of the more modern ones including (if I can make it work) some X-kilts. Since a nice formal kilt runs up to $700US I want to take my time on those decisions. On the Sport kilt, it would help if I had one that fit better. Partly my fault on the measurements and partly because the Sport kilt doesn't allow for my build that way a nicer kilt would.

Jim

Jim,

First off--It took me a while to realize there was a gentleman in a kilt in that picture

Secondly--My eye caught that LOVELY Edzell tartan--THEN I realized there was a kilted gentleman!

I think our rabble gave you great advice and I by no means qualified to comment on the outfit of our formal occasions. I just want to say, listen to the guys here who know how to turn things up a notch and not look garish...
AND

Well done Shipmate! From one sailor to another--thank you for going kilted to OUR ball!

[sfb]

Or someone else unties it for you.

I can almost remember the time when there was a chance of that happening.

[Drac]

I can see it now:

The Ball winds down with the last hold outs lounging next to the bar. I have my tie undone in a joie de vivre fashion. My wife is siting on the bar stool leaning against the bar with her high heels kicked off. She gives me the steamy bedroom eyes as she sips her two fingers of McAllen letting me know it's time to take her back to our hotel room.

Reality:

After listing to boring speeches, boring toasts and watch an even more boring history of the Navy (in fairness it's a good show, we've just seen it three times). After the cake cutting we headed back to our hotel and collapsed since it was two hours past our normal bed time. Wife doesn't drink and I wouldn't use the scotch (or any other of the choices) they had at the bar to strip paint.

The food was better than previous years since we were at a new place.

I am taking large amounts of notes. I want to make sure I get it right. Funny thing was is the Fashion Boss had said the fly plaid was over kill and I should have listened to her. Another reason she's the Boss.

Nothing wrong with your comments about the medals Garry.

Pete, as my Sea Bee buddies say - HOORAH.

Jim

[Foosinho]

Just my $0.02... I'm another "entry level" kilt owner. I'm almost entirely outfitted by Stillwater. The difference in quality is noticeable between my kilt and the fine wool ones (especially when you can see both at the same time!), but if I'm the only kilted gent in the room the Stillwater is, well... the only kilt in the room, and thus awesome!

IMO it can be a bit challenging to come up with a nice outfit for more formal occasions "from scratch". Kind of daunting, actually. I think you have gotten off to a fine start. After all, you aren't wearing trousers!

[Detroitpete]

Drac,

A Sea Bee! Ahh, the memories I'm having of watching you boys work in Honduras

Ok--back to the topic at hand. I, like a lot of other Heavy Athletes, started out with Sport Kilts etc before moving to more traditional models. A step to a Stillwater is a good one, but I haven't noticed if Jerry has added the Edzell tartan to his inventory yet--if you're looking for another Edzell.

I'd say look around at the makers that advertise here on Xmarks. You can get a good basic kilt in Edzell tartan for less than $200.00.

And ship mate--here's a look at something I've been working on with the idea of connecting the tartan to those of us who either served in SBU's MIUW reserves, Sea Bees and other cammy-clad brown water sailors: Bit of blue, green, brown and forgive the cross-hairs




Sorry --not meant to hijack the thread. My advice--save the Sport kilts for mashing about--you can 'step up' to a more traditionally styled kilt for just a few more bucks to get the 'feel' of it--then decide if you like this enough to go further--you'll get a lot of very useful advice here.