"Smart casual" with a kilt

**Jock Scot** · 17th February 11, 11:50 AM

Another thought to go with what I and others have already suggested and
will go really well in this situation and that will be a "regimental style" or Paisly pattern bow tie.

**Joshua** · 17th February 11, 12:05 PM

Smart Casual to me (without a kilt) is a buttonup L/S shirt and casual slacks (i.e. dockers)... akin to the "Professional's Picnic" wear. Of course in Florida, wearing a blazer is not really an option for 9-10 months out of the year (too hot).

So... Smart Casual with a kilt could potentially be a buttonup L/S, hose w/Flashes contrasting hose color or accenting kilt color, shoe color to match sporran strap and belt (if you wear one)... bring a tie that accentuates the kilt color if you feel underdressed. I wouldn't do Ghillie Brogues - instead opting for a semi-dress low-cut leather shoe... I have a square toed lace-up loafer that looks particularly good with my kilt.

Honestly, the kilt tends to "dress up" a normal getup... my Christmas party this year was a similar "Smart Casual" and I showed up in a 5 button waistcoat, bright red tie & matching flashes, white shirt, and a brown fur dress sporran, all with a Black Stewart tartan - no jacket, no cufflinks. I would have preferred to have a black fur sporran to wear with the Black Stewart but it worked well... I was told I dressed the most formal of anyone there (including 2-3 guys that wore suits, which I would have argued had dressed more formally than myself).

**dutchy kilted** · 17th February 11, 12:43 PM

Many excellent suggestions - many thanks!

I now know why I wear a uniform to work - this whole "dressing yourself" thing is just too difficult!

**robbiethepiper** · 17th February 11, 12:56 PM

sorry! double post

**Downunder Kilt** · 18th February 11, 02:15 AM

If the jumper/sweater thing is not to your taste, I suggest a vest/waistcoat with a tattersalls shirt and tie. The tie can always be removed and the waistcoat can always be undone is you feel/realise you are overdressed.

**RockyR** · 18th February 11, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Ditto what Jock said. I think a tweed Argyle jacket would be perfect, but if you don't have one a sweater will work great.

Ditto Matt and Jock. I might also add a Polo shirt to the list, but you may see that as TOO casual.

I wouldn't do a sportcoat unless it was specifically made to wear with a kilt. Otherwise, it looks 'oversized' to me (no matter how well it fits your frame while wearing pants).

Another option somone mentioned is a Vest. You can pick up an Argyll 5 button vest for $100 or less. It's a 'cost effective' way of dressing up the outfit without springing for a jacket.

For the tie, I'm a fan of solid colors with the kilt.

For the hose... Charcoal looks great with Warrior and / or Albannach. Lovat Blue looks great with Albannach.

**Whidbey78** · 18th February 11, 07:12 AM

Rocky, Matt and Jock(and others) hit the nail on the head. Without having a jacket on hand, or time to get one, I think the sweater with a button down shirt is one of the better choices available. You'll be able to find a suitable sweater in an afternoon if you don't already have one, and it should be considered acceptable for a variety of situations. It's also a very economical way to go when cash-flow is an issue.

**Nighthawk** · 18th February 11, 07:33 AM

Here's another thought to add to already excellent suggestions of Jock, Matt, and now Rocky- what about a sweater vest? I have 2 Argyle and one plain black one that I wear to spruce myself up. They look great with a collared shirt and tie, and are a good length to wear with a kilt. Or you can go to these guys http://www.newjerseypiper.com/vests.html and get a nice 5 button waist coat for about $35.

**fluter** · 19th February 11, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by dutchy kilted

What in all that is holy is "smart casual"? I checked the photos from last year and it appeared most men were wearing sportcoats and open collars, no ties, but I'm not sure how that applies to kilted wear.

As noted, the definition of smart casual is highly dependent on context! However the kilted equivalent of gentlemen wearing jackets and open collars is (wait for it) jacket and open collar!

Your tweed sport coat may be just fine. If it looks good to you and your bride, that's certainly an option. As others have said, if it's cut a little shorter than the norm for pants, then it looks better with kilt. I have one checked jacket whose hem is just about even with the sleeves, and it does OK for both. I will probably shorten it an inch or two, eventually.

Also consider the vest, sweater, sweater-vest, and shirtsleeve options. You'll probably be fine with any combination that includes a nice looking shirt.

Jacket & open collar (kilt cut jacket)

FestiveEdzell1 by arcturus1997, on Flickr
Here is a jacket that's a touch too long. This would be less obvious with a darker jacket (less contrast with the kilt).

CordCoat1 by arcturus1997, on Flickr

**dutchy kilted** · 21st March 11, 06:22 PM

Didn't have a chance to post pics yet, but went with a grey silk button down shirt, my USAK Warrior casual, and charcoal hose. I was the only person in a kilt and I received many compliments (and more than my share of attempted kilt checks from several attractive young ladies.) Many thanks for all the advice! Now i have to start working on next year's outfit!