contemporary dressy/formal

**CMcG** · 17th February 10, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

<snip> My objection to all ruche ties is that they are quite obviously fake; in my book a pre-tied tie is no tie at all, and a gentleman should avoid fakery at all costs.

On the subject of tying ties, apparently a ruche tie is just an Ascot/cravat tied with a half-Windsor. While many of the images in the OP probably showed pre-tied examples, one could do it oneself. Although I haven't tried, this would lead me to believe that the "scrunchiness" could be adjusted to a more reasonable level.

Or one could just go for a big ol' Windsor knot on a regular tie.

Either one, combined with a spread collar shirt instead of those giant wing collars most of the models are wearing in the OP, this might better compliment the modern cut of the jackets.

Here are some examples to illustrate what I'm suggesting:

This tie is still quite "scrunchy" but I still think it looks better with this type of collar:

I don't like the pattern and colour of this ruche tie but I do like the way it is worn. Less scrunchy:

Thoughts?

**wildrover** · 17th February 10, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

The guy is dressed a lot sharper to my eye than the pictures in the OP. My only complaint is the color scheme...it looks like a guy and girl met at a church where a wedding and a funeral were being held at the same time.

The kit can use some color...in fact, the kit could match the girl. The guy's outfit would look a lot better, and the couple would look better as well. It wouldn't take much, either...some color in the tie, a pocket square, hose to match the kilt, and some color in the flashes. The jacket and vest look really good, and the shirt gives some good contrast since it isn't stark white (at least, on my monitor).

*edit* Specifically...because hopefully I'll get similar suggestions soon from you guys...a pair of Argyle socks to match the kilt (possibly with a dark hose top), and blue flashes the same color as her dress, a tie with a similar color blue and some sort of pattern (but not red), and a pocket square in a subdued color that complements her wrap. What do you guys think?

The kilt is dark, but not everybody has or wants a brightly colored kilt, so I didn't mention changing it...rather, if that were my chosen tartan, I'd throw some appropriate and subdued color toward the accessories. Even a flower in the jacket would lighten it up.

I don't have anything good or new to say about the next two photos, but I do agree about the cleaner ruche tie, and I'm having a difficult time biting my tongue in reference to the picture from the kilt hire shop a few pages back, showing what appears to be a schoolgirl with a five o'clock shadow.

-Sean

**Tobus** · 17th February 10, 03:46 PM

The guy is dressed a lot sharper to my eye than the pictures in the OP. My only complaint is the color scheme...it looks like a guy and girl met at a church where a wedding and a funeral were being held at the same time.

I actually think that this picture is a good example of modern "subdued" tones in a kilted outfit. It is a tartan kilt (not black). The shirt is not black. It's not totally devoid of color but doesn't have any "loudness" to it. I think it's a good balance, not going overboard.

**MacBean** · 17th February 10, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

You might want to check out their website-- look in the "Members Only" section and you will find the details on applying for membership.

As with many clubs you will probably be asked to attend two or more functions to meet other members before submitting your application. This is not about "exclusivity" but rather about making sure that you will feel comfortable about taking on the responsibilities of membership. A Saint Andrew's Society is not like a clan society, and for that very reason not all perspective members decide to join.

Even if you decide that membership in your local Saint Andrew's Society isn't for you, you can still attend their various functions: Burns Suppers, Tartan Balls, Kirkin' of the Tartans, etc., although for some events (dinners and dances) you will have to buy a ticket.

Right, I thought (hoped) MacMillan might reply. Although I don't think the Philadelphia association is as open as you think, I do think your scenario makes lots of sense from both sides. I'll suggest it to the contact host. Thanks, that was very helpful. Now if I could only decide what to do with that leopard skin!

**wildrover** · 17th February 10, 04:46 PM

From another thread...check out the "subdued modern contemporary" tartans on some of these guys, with other than black on black with black being worn on top...those tartans look good with a bit of understated color in the rest of the outfit. The guy holding the first flag is providing a contrast reference.

**St. Amish** · 17th February 10, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by kid icarus

what is a fell line?

Quoted from the Freedom Kilts website:

"The Fell Length is the distance between the waistband and the hips. The pleats in the fell portion of the kilt are tapered and sewn down."

**davidlpope** · 17th February 10, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by wildrover

From another thread...check out the "subdued modern contemporary" tartans on some of these guys, with other than black on black with black being worn on top...those tartans look good with a bit of understated color in the rest of the outfit. The guy holding the first flag is providing a contrast reference.

I think you're referring to the Hunting MacPherson, or Badenoch, tartan that is being worn. It is a very beautiful and understated tartan. It is not, however, modern or contemporary.

Cordially,

David

**O'Callaghan** · 17th February 10, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Mael Coluim

It doesn't seem all that long ago that the term casual for a male's attire would mean sport coat and tie. But then again perhaps it was " A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away -"

My father has told me of such times, but I'm only 52, so that's before my time, and I'm originally from England, not the "Wild West", for example. Please don't be insulted, but I assume that you are over 60?

**O'Callaghan** · 17th February 10, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by CMcG

The billiard table raises questions. How does one play in a kilt? For some shots you have no other choice than to bend at the waist and lean right across the table. I have seen women in short skirts do this, and the only polite thing to do is to carefully avoid standing behind them, or even turn your back. I'm not quite sure that a man's waist length kilt is quite long enough to maintain modesty in this position, and doubt that many women would extend the same level of courtesy to a man in a kilt as to avoid looking. (For that matter, not all men are quite that polite if the player is a woman)

**JSFMACLJR** · 17th February 10, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by O'Callaghan

The billiard table raises questions. How does one play in a kilt? For some shots you have no other choice than to bend at the waist and lean right across the table. I have seen women in short skirts do this, and the only polite thing to do is to carefully avoid standing behind them, or even turn your back. I'm not quite sure that a man's waist length kilt is quite long enough to maintain modesty in this position, and doubt that many women would extend the same level of courtesy to a man in a kilt as to avoid looking. (For that matter, not all men are quite that polite if the player is a woman)

Use the ladies aid.