formal evening dress: vest or no?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

My own opinions.

If you are discussing a Prince Charlie jacket specifically, as these typically are sold as a unit with a 3-button waistcoat, that is the first recommendation. Though many of the pictures posted show a PC worn with a belt and waistplate (sans vest), I personally don't think this looks as nice. I have seen the PC worn with a black cummerbund and I think this looks fine.

I'll throw my hat in with those who do not favor the 5-button waistcoat with the PC. If you want to wear it, fine, but realize that it is a modern, somewhat "trendy" look, and not the classic style. I say if you want to wear a 5-button waistcoat, get an Argyle jacket to wear with it.

As for the Sherrifmuir doublet, it was interesting to me to see a few pictures of this style posted here with no waistcoat. One almost always seen this style worn with a waistcoat of some type (either solid or tartan), and most often a high 5-button waistcoat.

I am personally a fan of waistcoats. I think they can be slimming and really add a lot to an outfit.

[JSFMACLJR]

I almost always wear a waistcoat with evening dress, and on those few occasions when I don't, I do not wear a belt. I dislike belts with the kilt; a personal thing. As I have shown, though, I am not alone in the sans waistcoat, sans belt look. Here is my chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart showing that it can be done. In hot climes ( and this pic was taken in Atlanta! ) it makes sense.



While Jock Scot and I seldom--if ever disagree--it is worth pointing out that jabots were not always worn solely at white tie events. In the Western Isles one did/does see them worn more often than in other parts of the world even at black tie events. Why wear "English" neckwear when a beautiful jabot can be worn instead? Still, though, Jock is pretty much spot on, in that nowadays jabots tend to be worn for white tie events only...but there is "wiggle room"!

Now, jabots can be worn quite effectively with PC coatees, if the latter are tailored correctly! In a well-made doublet, the waist is higher, as the top of the kilt is higher. If this is done, then there won't be much shirt exposed and jabots look splendid! Here is a picture (from an old catalogue albeit) to illustrate this look:



I'm afraid I do not agree that a cummerbund is suitable with the kilt; in fact I think it looks downright silly!

[creagdhubh]

I almost always wear a waistcoat with evening dress, and on those few occasions when I don't, I do not wear a belt. I dislike belts with the kilt; a personal thing. As I have shown, though, I am not alone in the sans waistcoat, sans belt look. Here is my chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart showing that it can be done. In hot climes ( and this pic was taken in Atlanta! ) it makes sense.



While Jock Scot and I seldom--if ever disagree--it is worth pointing out that jabots were not always worn solely at white tie events. In the Western Isles one did/does see them worn more often than in other parts of the world even at black tie events. Why wear "English" neckwear when a beautiful jabot can be worn instead? Still, though, Jock is pretty much spot on, in that nowadays jabots tend to be worn for white tie events only...but there is "wiggle room"!

Now, jabots can be worn quite effectively with PC coatees, if the latter are tailored correctly! In a well-made doublet, the waist is higher, as the top of the kilt is higher. If this is done, then there won't be much shirt exposed and jabots look splendid! Here is a picture (from an old catalogue albeit) to illustrate this look:



I'm afraid I do not agree that a cummerbund is suitable with the kilt; in fact I think it looks downright silly!

Wonderful pic and explanation! Your chief looks wonderfully regal! Well done!

[creagdhubh]

I almost always wear a waistcoat with evening dress, and on those few occasions when I don't, I do not wear a belt. I dislike belts with the kilt; a personal thing. As I have shown, though, I am not alone in the sans waistcoat, sans belt look. Here is my chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart showing that it can be done. In hot climes ( and this pic was taken in Atlanta! ) it makes sense.



While Jock Scot and I seldom--if ever disagree--it is worth pointing out that jabots were not always worn solely at white tie events. In the Western Isles one did/does see them worn more often than in other parts of the world even at black tie events. Why wear "English" neckwear when a beautiful jabot can be worn instead? Still, though, Jock is pretty much spot on, in that nowadays jabots tend to be worn for white tie events only...but there is "wiggle room"!

Now, jabots can be worn quite effectively with PC coatees, if the latter are tailored correctly! In a well-made doublet, the waist is higher, as the top of the kilt is higher. If this is done, then there won't be much shirt exposed and jabots look splendid! Here is a picture (from an old catalogue albeit) to illustrate this look:



I'm afraid I do not agree that a cummerbund is suitable with the kilt; in fact I think it looks downright silly!

I agree!!!