Tweed for evening wear? - a call for pics

[RockyR]

I like the suit Rocky posted, though I cannot tell in the pics if it is worsted wool or a fine tweed. I think adding silver buttons to it would definitely give it a more formal look, but at the same time would take away some of the versatility.

How do we think Rocky's outfit might look if worn with a three-button vest and bow tie? Or perhaps a lace jabot?

Matt,

It is tweed... the charcoal / charcoal tweed from MM.

I've never been a fan of the 3 button vest (nor bow ties except for VERY formal). I think it would look best for a more formal setting with black buttons and red flashes (to match the tie) and maybe this sporran:

[ForresterModern]

I think a lovat green jacket with matching six-button waistcoat would look very nice for evening wear. Don't you, Professor? If only we knew where one was...

Someone looking for a lovat green tweed jacket and waistcoat? Not dressed as formal, and with horn buttons, but still fairly presentable for light duty evening wear (excuse the tartan tie--I was still learning back then). This particular tweed was a fairly tight knit tweed somewhere between a hairy tweed and a worsted.

[piperdbh]

Someone looking for a lovat green tweed jacket and waistcoat? Not dressed as formal, and with horn buttons, but still fairly presentable for light duty evening wear.

I have one on consignment at the Tartans Museum. I bought it on ebay, but it's way too small for me. It's about a size 38 or less.

Yours looks very nice. I like the tartan tie, too.

[Rob Wright]

I have to say I do like the ensemble as suggested by Rocky. At the same time, i am in general agreement with MacMillan of Rathdown. Although, I will be wearing my Hunter tweed waistcoat and jacket tonight to Candlelight service. Of course, the way my parents church does the service would probably be considered semi-forml at best.

Rob

[Jock Scot]

I have to say I do like the ensemble as suggested by Rocky. At the same time, i am in general agreement with MacMillan of Rathdown. Although, I will be wearing my Hunter tweed waistcoat and jacket tonight to Candlelight service. Of course, the way my parents church does the service would probably be considered semi-forml at best.

Rob

Your Hunter tweed waistcoat and jacket is entirely appropriate for the occasion and the event would not be considered, in any way, formal over here.

[Rob Wright]

Your Hunter tweed waistcoat and jacket is entirely appropriate for the occasion and the event would not be considered, in any way, formal over here.

It is interesting to see how different regions classify formal/informal for different events. It is also interesting to see how different generations view formal/informal.

If someone had the time and energy, I would love to see a proper paper that explored the differences between regions concerning the expectations of what is considered formal/informal when it comes to Highland Dress.

Rob

[davidlpope]

It's hard for me to picture tweed being used successfully for any sort of formal dress. I really think the "coarseness" of it works best for daywear. On the other hand, I'd love to see more velvet used for Highland formal dress here in the US. Black barathea is nice, but ubiquitous.

Cordially,

David

[Lyle1]

I can't imagine tweed being used successfully for a formal jacket or tunic, but maybe I haven't seen the right piece of tweed. I can easily see a tweed coat or suit being worn in the evening, for an informal affair for which sport coats would ordinarily be considered appropriate.
However, times are changing, fabrics are being used more creatively, and fashion dictates are no longer considered binding; people are more likely to be creative to do feels right for them. I've worn a linen coat in the evening to diner and a club and felt quite comfortable and smart (also wrinkled after 20 minutes, but that's what linen does). Semi-formal and informal mean entirely different things depending location and the group of people, so that's no help.


So, I say, keep thinking about it, and when you think you have the perfect piece of tweed that you can envision made into a formal coat, try it! Of course, we would want pictures!!!