formal evening dress: vest or no?

[CMcG]

MacLowlife is in charge of suggesting the jabot from now on.

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Or perhaps Chas might chime in? Here's a pick of him from the Ferintosh Burns Supper looking grand in a PC and jabot:

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I think many are trying to match the vest with the coat instead of the vest with the tie and shirt.
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Call it a cravat or rusche tie--I personally think it's too messy for a cravat--it would look weird untucked as it would be with a three-button vest.
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Anyway, I also tire of the "sea of black" jackets that someone earlier mentioned. Obviously, they are easier to match and bulk produce, but shouldn't be striking out to make a statement with something other than a kilt? ;-)

I believe a "ruche" is just a type of knot that is tied on an Ascot cravat and, as with any longer tie, looks better tucked into a higher cut waistcoat. Regardless of what you call it, the general opinion seems to be that it isn't up to snuff for traditional Highland formal. More like alternative/creative formal or perhaps a trend? Here is a slightly less scrunchy, black ruche that might be less objectionable though probably still won't pass muster around here:



As for the "sea of black," see the photo of Chas above!