Prom Kilted?

[Zardoz]

I am of the opinion that it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Don't mention it, don't make an issue out of it beforehand, just show up at your prom in a traditional and well turned out outfit, being as polite and respectful as possible.

*** on that one !

[Squeaky McMurdo]

+2

By asking permission, you unintentionally introduce the idea that there is something wrong with it.

[JerseyLawyer]

Second- as to a battle with administration, I am of the opinion that it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Don't mention it, don't make an issue out of it beforehand, just show up at your prom in a traditional and well turned out outfit, being as polite and respectful as possible.

...and run the risk of being turned away from your prom because there is a school rule that says, "No crossdressing" and you have your knees uncovered.

Every year, without fail, there is a story about some young lad somewhere who got the grand idea to go to his prom in a kilt (I did, by the way, but in college, where things tend to be a little more open minded. But that's a total aside...) gets shot down by the administration, usually at the door, and misses the opportunity to attend. While many of them are subsequently somehow vindicated, that doesn't change the fact that they missed the dance. Tree of liberty refreshed by the blood of martyrs is all well and good, but you don't want to be the one standing in front of the firing squad when you only get to do this once.

IF you are serious about it, I would suggest finding out in advance whether it will be acceptable. And if you get told no, then get that in writing, and appeal the decision to the appropriate authorities, up to and including the School Board or Superintendent. I'm assuming your prom is in May or June, so if you do it now, you can be on firm footing when the day arrives, and the inevitable media coverage, should it happen, provides pressure to change the decision, rather than to give a half-hearted, "*mumblemuble* Sorry if you were offended... *mumble*".

I agree with everything MoR said, by the way, about what you need. Except I think that traditional black and white Chucks are cooler than all black.

And leave the Sgian at home. Don't even go with a fake. Schools make the TSA look downright pedestrian when it comes to overreaction to someone showing up with a nailclipper.

[Nighthawk]

...and run the risk of being turned away from your prom because there is a school rule that says, "No crossdressing" and you have your knees uncovered.

Saw this reaction coming a mile away. Kilted Hiker, you will discover that all of us here are a genuine community, meaning that we have opinion from both ends of the spectrum, and everything in between. Read all the advice and make up your own mind!

[Standard]

And, if I was to wear a kilt, would a Stillwater Heavyweight in Blackwatch tartan be appropriate. I have a causual kilt, and no formal accessories, so I would probably rent the rest of the outfit.

Back to your original question, yes this would be an appropriate kilt to wear to a function such as a prom.

[SteveB]

If your parents are good on the idea of your going to the prom kilted, it would benefit you to have them participate in any queries. Administrators tend to listen to parents in a different manner than they do students.

[kiltedRTR]

I wish I had gone to my prom kilted. But I didn't have any good way of getting one, or the know how to make it happen. I personally think that I would have been able to though and I went to a small high school in Alabama, a type of place that is supposedly notorious for being close minded.
As long as its tasteful and formal wear then there should be no problem.
I say goodluck and tell us your final decision!

[Whidbey78]

I have to agree with Nighthawk for the most part that it would be better to just go kilted and not raise the issue beforehand. However, there is the chance that you will be barred from entry. It's just a risk you'll have to assume whether you ask in advance or not! They could say no either way.

Search around the site as there are several threads about the topic from years past. If you decide to ask in advance prepare a small presentation of what you will wear as well as some info on traditional Highland dress for the administration who probably don't know much about it. If they still turn you down, and you aren't a senior and have another chance to go next year, go in a regular suit or tux and take pics of anyone who shows up in "inappropriate" garb such as jeans, pimp suits, girls who are wearing extremely revealing outfits, etc. and use it to support your case for next year...basically saying that it's unfair that you couldn't wear a tasteful kilt but they let people in dressed like this and that. There was a thread last school year on this site about a girl who made a dress out of trash, and another at the same time from a young man who was forbidden from wearing a kilt to prom. It makes no sense that they can do that, but that's just the way it is sometimes.

Also, if they say no(and I really hope this doesn't have to go this far) and other students show up in traditional garb from other cultures I would raise a real ruckus! Last year in Las Vegas I was told I couldn't enter a restaurant kilted as they had a strict dress code. It wasn't my usual casual boots and t-shirt either...it was after my wedding, so I was dressed up. While I was negotiating with the manager they let a guy in who was wearing a turban. Head-wear was forbidden in their dress code as well. I pointed it out and he said that it's "cultural clothing" and is an exception. I told him that my kilt is a cultural item (and casually mentioned mentioned a discrimination suit and the bad press that would go with it) and he let us in immediately! I'm not reccomending threatening a lawsuit, but if they let other students wear things traditional to other cultures they really should allow the kilt.

Hopefully it all goes well and smoothly, but if it doesn't don't back down. Be respectful, follow proper channels, but above all stick to your guns.

[hootstwo]

It seems nearly inconceivable to me that anyone could be refused entry to a highschool event for wearing a kilt, although I live in an area that I would categorize as forward thinking and tolerant. I wear my kilt to prom every year! (I'm a teacher )

I've worn my kilt to prom every year that I've taught (this is my 7th) and 3 of those years, I was lucky enough that at least one other student had a kilt on too. The kids in the kilt always get far more compliments from others (staff and students alike) than pretty well any other outfit (although, 2 years ago a young chap wore a powder blue tux with a frilly shirt - it was FANTASTIC - and he was the belle of the ball )

I pity the adminstator in my area of the world that would refuse someone entry for wearing a kilt, the ruckus that would be raised would be enormous.

[artificer]

One thing that MAY help in your request for permission is to print off several pictures of well-attired, formally kilted men. That way the administration will have a more accurate idea of exactly what you are intending.

Should you be COMPLETELY shot down and shut out, the 'tartan' alternative might be to wear trews and a formal jacket. You're less likely to find them to rent, but they can be had on eBay and other places for less than a tux rental (although you'd still have to rent the jacket).

Best of luck wading through the red tape, and keep us posted on your progress.
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