Quote Originally Posted by artificer View Post
Lately I've been searching for some tips and recommendations for an upcoming black tie event I'm to attend. In doing so, I've seen or read about many varying ways for a Black Argyll to be used at such an affair, and I'd like the rabble's thoughts.

All below examples are assuming a turn down (full) collar, plain front white pique' shirt and black silk bow tie, as well as kilt/hose, etc.

1) With 3 button black waistcoat. So far, this is seems the most highly recommended.

Indeed it is, and with good reason. This is what used to be referred to by tailors as a "Dress Argyll Jacket", and it is acceptable for all black- tie wear.

2) With non-matching waistcoat. Tartan would fit into this catagory. If going tartan, could you go with a higher 4-5 button cut and still maintain the appropriate level of formality?

Actually, if going with tartan (or a solid colour like red) I'd stick with the three button waistcoat for black tie.

3) Black 5 button (Argyll) waistcoat. Generally recommended for daytime events with a straight neck tie.

Yup, that's it. However, you have the option of wearing a pearl grey waistcoat if your prefer-- and I prefer. The late Harry Borthwick had a 5-button waistcoat done up in a very small sett of Borthwick tartan which looked the business, and if you can afford it, that would be the way to go.

4) No waistcoat - dress kilt belt (ie BIG waistplate). The rabble's thoughts? I know in A/Saxon dress it's generally frowned upon to have an 'undressed' waist... so would the waist plate and belt suffice for Highland formal dress?

I'm personally not fond of this look as it is too "dressed down" for my tastes, and shows far too much shirt, which detracts from the sett of the kilt. A belt draws a hard line between kilt and shirt, dividing the outfit into two distinct halves, unlike the waistcoat which neatly ties everything together into one, cohesive, fashion statement.

5) Cummerbund. Somewhere in the forums I've seen reference to using it, but my search-function is weak from lack of sleep. I know it's more of a Saxon ornamentation, but would a cummerbund work with a kilt and Argyll?

Again, something I'm not fond of with the kilt. I can barely tolerate the cummerbund with trews, and only then if worn with a regular length dinner jacket. In my opinion, and experience, anything that "cuts in half" the visual look of the outfit (a belt or cummerbund) upsets the balance of the ensemble, and gives the wearer an awkward appearance by making the top half appear too small in relation to the rest of the outfit.

As always, I'm grateful for any info our knowledge-rich forumites can share.

ith:

In that instance let me suggest that a pith helmet should only be worn with white cotton, or sharkskin, jackets. If one is wearing linen, a wide brimmed panama hat is to be preferred.