Normal or formal?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Where does one wear a slipper to? I have to admit that they seem very effeminate to me (no offense to you that own and wear them, I just would never be caught dead in them). Is this a social-class issue? I ask because I'm truly curious. I've attended several black tie affairs (mostly military in nature, I'll admit), but never attended anything that was "white-tie". What sort of event these days would constitute white-tie? Even the presidential inaugural ball is black tie, if I'm correct. Don't mean to change the subject or highjack the thread...if I've done that, I'll apologize in advance...but I think that my question is on-topic??

Realistically gentlemen's pumps (or court shoes as they are also sometimes called) are worn with traditional white tie and tails. Those who do not wear pumps (some find them impossible to keep on) wear patent leather or highly polished lace up shoes. It would (probably) be considered gauche to wear pumps with silver or cut steel buckles with a traditional white tie ensemble. Although some gentlemen do wear pumps with black tie, this is not really the norm-- especially in the USA.

Evening slippers, which are velvet, really look best in a private setting when worn with black tie. Usually, although not always, they are worn in concert with a velvet smoking jacket by one's host to set the tone of the evening-- yes it's a black tie dinner, but it is going to be a very relaxed evening none the less.

When is white tie worn? Sadly, not often enough-- at least in my opinion. When I lived in Dublin there would be half a dozen white tie affairs each year, plus another two or three in London or Edinburgh or on the Continent. Some of these events would be things such as the Royal Warrant Holders annual dinner, or the Queen Charlotte's Ball in London. You always knew when it would be a white tie function because the invitation would specify "white tie". (Incidentally, miniature medals are only worn to these events if the invitation reads-- "White tie, decorations".) Here in the USA I think one would be lucky to attend one white tie event a year, if that.

Since the general rules regarding white tie/black tie are the same whether in traditional or Highland attire, I don't think you've taken this off topic, at all.