perceptions of formal attire

[Andrew Green]

"But you are heading into territory without precedent here."

Panache,
I am OK with that.

I am as far as I know, the only kiltie in Federal Way, but in no way the only guy in the greater Seattle/Tacoma area...which would make it really easy to bend hte fashion rules a bit. I am actually hoping to attend an All Clan's banquet that is going to be held in my town, and I am not sure how formal it is supposed to be... being a Scottish related function, I would naturally go kilted, but without the funds or time to acquire more accessories (notably black ones), I will be stuck with the brown, provided it ships out soon (items are still on back order... real downside of being built large), and I could theoretically get a set of brown brogues in time (I get paid at the end of the month again, and I get paid before the function... so I think 2 weeks is enough time for a pair of shoes to get mailed to me). I have never been to a formal function, so part of my questions stem from that...
If I showed up in what is typically considered daywear, but had a very clean and confident presentation... would anyone care or even notice?

[macwilkin]

"But you are heading into territory without precedent here."

Panache,
I am OK with that.

I am as far as I know, the only kiltie in Federal Way, but in no way the only guy in the greater Seattle/Tacoma area...which would make it really easy to bend hte fashion rules a bit. I am actually hoping to attend an All Clan's banquet that is going to be held in my town, and I am not sure how formal it is supposed to be... being a Scottish related function, I would naturally go kilted, but without the funds or time to acquire more accessories (notably black ones), I will be stuck with the brown, provided it ships out soon (items are still on back order... real downside of being built large), and I could theoretically get a set of brown brogues in time (I get paid at the end of the month again, and I get paid before the function... so I think 2 weeks is enough time for a pair of shoes to get mailed to me). I have never been to a formal function, so part of my questions stem from that...
If I showed up in what is typically considered daywear, but had a very clean and confident presentation... would anyone care or even notice?

A lot of depends on the function and the group hosting it. The invitation or literature about the function should state "formal/black tie" on it to let folks know what the level of dress exactly is. And remember, the general public may not know the precise details of what constitutes formal, semi-formal, etc. Highland dress, but at a Burns Supper, Clan function, etc. you can bet there will be someone who does.

Now, I know that not every one at our Scottish society's Burns Supper wears black tie -- some wear white tie, others day wear, still others come in a suit. We certainly would not turn someone away or be rude to them, especially if day wear was all they had and were new to wearing a kilt. Contrary to what some think, the majority of traditionalists, myself included, are not going to give someone a "dressing down" for their attire. We had to start somewhere as well. I have standards I follow for Highland attire, but I do not expect others to, but if they ask me my opinon and advice, I will offer it, and only then.

I'd leave the Jacobite shirt at home, though, and go with a shirt and tie. Same wi' the military tunic -- unless you're a reenactor/living historian potraying a certain regiment and time period, mixing military kit and civlian "mufti" just looks -- well, odd, and might run the risk of offending someone, as many Scottish societies have expat members who may have served in the British Army.

So, bottom line (for me): stick with brown leathers for day wear, or wear black with formal attire.

Regards,

Todd

[GlassMan]

I agree that brown looks best for the "country gentleman" look. Black is definitely what you should wear for formal attire. But by no means even consider a Jacobite shirt for formal wear. Not everyone likes a high collar/winged collar shirt and so there are also now nice formal shirts for standard collars. But you definitely do not want to wear a lace-up shirt in a formal setting.

[Andrew Green]

Noted on the Jacobite shirt. I personally like the look... but I do have other shirts that could work.

My thoughts on the repro military stuff... It isn't overly expensive, and it's wool... therefore it is warm. I am not as well fitted for the winter as I would like, so my thoughts start to stray towards "what's a fun way to stay warm, and relatively dry as the weather get's colder and wetter?"

So... I will be searching for kilt jackets of various types soon.

As far as re-enactment goes... I would LOVE to get involved on some level, but I have yet to find a group in the area. And yes, I know of Seattle Knights... I wouldn't exactly call them accurate, or re-enactment. I like historical, and for the most part, factual historical.

[Moose McLennan]

Andrew,

Get yourself a tweed kilt jacket, a turtle neck (or dress shirt and tie), a smart cap, and perhaps a good walking stick and you have a super kilted daywear outfit (my favorite kilted look).

Cheers

I've got to agree here. There are very few occasions a smart daywear outfit would be out place. IMHO, like the classic blazer, daywear can mix with 'black tie' at all but the most formal events.

Kevin

[Andrewson]

Now, I know that not every one at our Scottish society's Burns Supper wears black tie -- some wear white tie, others day wear, still others come in a suit. We certainly would not turn someone away or be rude to them, especially if day wear was all they had and were new to wearing a kilt. Contrary to what some think, the majority of traditionalists, myself included, are not going to give someone a "dressing down" for their attire. We had to start somewhere as well. I have standards I follow for Highland attire, but I do (*not?*) expect others to, but if they ask me my opinon and advice, I will offer it, and only then.

Well said, Sir. My thoughts exactly. It would be completely out of keeping with the spirit of a Burns' Supper for anyone of the brotherhood of men to be turned away, or made to feel uncomfortable, because of dress. We can only lead by example. If we are looking our best - and feeling confident as a result - then there may well be some transfer of ideas/taste etc. even without any further questions

[McClef]

It's important to look on'e's best but using what one has available and Rabbie would not mind in the least so why should anyone else?

Paradoxically I am not sure that he ever wore a kilt anyway being a lowlander and living during the prohibition on highland dress, the only apron he wore being a Masonic one.

[macwilkin]

It's important to look on'e's best but using what one has available and Rabbie would not mind in the least so why should anyone else?

Paradoxically I am not sure that he ever wore a kilt anyway being a lowlander and living during the prohibition on highland dress, the only apron he wore being a Masonic one.

Burns never wore a kilt, to my knowledge, being a Lowlander. In some ways, trews are much more appropriate for a Burns Supper.

Of course, Burns did now how to dress, and could mingle with the "polite" society of Edinburgh as well as the farmers of Ayrshire.

Well said, Sir. My thoughts exactly. It would be completely out of keeping with the spirit of a Burns' Supper for anyone of the brotherhood of men to be turned away, or made to feel uncomfortable, because of dress. We can only lead by example. If we are looking our best - and feeling confident as a result - then there may well be some transfer of ideas/taste etc. even without any further questions.

Yes, indeed. I would agree with both statements.

Cheers,

Todd

[McClef]

Burns never wore a kilt, to my knowledge, being a Lowlander. In some ways, trews are much more appropriate for a Burns Supper.

Of course, Burns did know how to dress, and could mingle with the "polite" society of Edinburgh as well as the farmers of Ayrshire.

Given the choice of trews or breeks I would choose breeks!

At least to me trews never look right somehow, hard for me to explain why I guess, maybe it's because I wore them in my childhood.

Nobody is going to suggest that we adopt the dress of the polite Edinburgh society of Burns' time though, at least I hope not

[Kilted KT]

There is an easy way to help come to a conclusion..post a pic with the brown leathers and formal attire. Will help immensely.