Appropriate Kirkin' Attire

[Whidbey78]

Out here in cowboy country the dress code is almost always loosely enforced at best. Actually, a friend who runs the only tuxedo rental for about 100 miles in any direction swears he only rents pants with every fourth or fifth tux, as jeans without holes, stains or excessive fading is considered "dressed up," and other than weddings and high school proms ties are as rare as hen's teeth. Hek, even the judge at the courthouse doesn't wear a tie unless the press is in the courtroom...which has happened maybe once in 25 years.

That being said, I think that, depending on the people at any given event, the level of dress should be comparable to what the rest of the attendees are wearing, with a kilt replacing slacks, dress pants, jeans, etc. I have noticed that many people seem to have two levels of dress with a kilt--casual black-tie. I find that at least 90% of events fall in between the two. If dockers and polos or button-downs(no ties) are what the bulk of people are wearing there is no need in wearing the PC with all the trimmings.

Being over-dressed may be a bigger deal than slightly under-dressed, in my opinion. Have you ever been to a summertime outdoor event where most people are dressed in shorts and t-shirts, or the occasional polo and slacks, but there is one guy in a pinstripe suit looking like he's right out of Boston Legal reruns? He might as well be wearing clown makeup and walking on stilts while juggling. He would fit in a little better.

I think when it comes to over or under dressing a kilt, there is a lot more overdressing going on. I think a lot of it comes from not being comfortable letting the kilt stand on its own, and feeling it's out of place without a jacket, kilt hose, a nice tie, fancy brogues, etc.

[OC Richard]

As I am fairly sure we don't have this service in Scotland and I am not an expert on church matters, I would assume just normal kilt day attire of kilt, tweed argyll, waist coat(vest) if you wish, tattersall shirt although I think a white shirt might be more appropriate, four in hand tie probably regimental style, day sporran, any colour you like other than white hose-- pulled up-- and black(not ghillie) brogues.

Hear, hear!

I piped at a Kirking Of The Tartans last Sunday and a group of men were dressed in Prince Charlies, wing collar shirts, bow ties, fly plaids, Evening Dress sporrans, white hose, and ghillies.

You know what was going through my mind when I saw them?

What would Jock Scot think about this...

[AFS1970]

I would normally add my voice to those that say much of this is dependent on the normal dress at that church. However I also think time of day is a factor. I accidentally found a mention of a Kirkin' in Virginia that is held at night as part of an Evening Prayer service. So things that might not go over all that well at 10am might be better received at 7pm.

[macwilkin]

I would normally add my voice to those that say much of this is dependent on the normal dress at that church. However I also think time of day is a factor. I accidentally found a mention of a Kirkin' in Virginia that is held at night as part of an Evening Prayer service. So things that might not go over all that well at 10am might be better received at 7pm.

But remember, the organizers of the event should be setting the dress for the evening. Evensong in the Anglican tradition isn't necessarily a formal occasion. I can't say I've ever seen anyone wearing formal rig to Vespers at our parish.

T.