Question of apropriateness?

[Manu]

As far as I know, the leatherneck tartan is not an official uniform article, therefore it would be out of regs to wear it with the SNCO or Officer mess dress.

[Thistle Stop]

Ok guys, quick question time!

I have my kilt and I bought the whole package with the vest and Prince Charley jacket.

Can I just wear a white shirt-and-tie type shirt with it? No tie, just kilt and tucked in dress shirt?

I need to get a copy of that book everyone's talking about but got outbid on eBay so I figured you guys were the next stop for my silly questions.

Assume I know nothing about kilts!!!

Thanks! :P

Semper Fi,

Erik

If you want to forego wearing a tie, then I think the best choice is a band-collar formal shirt such as one would wear with a 'modern' tux ensemble. To be traditional, the Prince Charlie should be worn with a wing-collar formal shirt, with or without pin-tucks in the front, and a formal-type bow tie.

[macgreggor]

DANG! you guys is fancy
in my circles a fancy night out is when the attendees have on a clean shirt AND shaved within the last 24 hours. lol
this thread is enlightening, if only for the different thoughts about what 'dressy' means.
thanks
macG

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Everybody here seems to have the same opinion, but I thought I'd add my own post to spell it out a little clearer.

Prince Charlie jacket: This is the equivalent of a tuxedo jacket. You'd only wear it to events that you would otherwise wear a tuxedo at. It needs to be worn with a white formal shirt and bow tie. I've seen people wear a long neck tie with a PC jacket. Don't be one of those people! It also needs to be worn either with a three button waistcoat that normally comes included when you purchase the Prince Charlie, or if not that, then a cummerbund. If you don't wear either you'll look like you left half your outfit at the cleaners.

Argyle jacket: This is just a catch-all term for various styles of jacket with a similar cut. Some have gauntlet cuffs, some have plain cuffs. Some are made from tweed. Some are made from a worsted wool. But all have a less formal cut than the PC which is called "Argyle." In black wool with silver buttons, this can also work as a formal wear jacket, one that you can either wear with a tux shirt and bow tie, or with a plain dress shirt and long neck tie. Worn in a lighter color wool, or a tweed, and you have a good day wear jacket, one that can be worn with or without tie. This also looks good with or without a 5-button vest.

If you want an even less formal jacket than this, I suggest you scour the thrift shops for a good Harris Tweed men's sportscoat that always seem to be available at those places. Take it to a local tailor and have it shortened for wear with a kilt. Most I've talked to quoate a price of between $30 and $50 for this service. (A brown Harris Tweed jacket altered like this is what I wear for casual day wear).

Alternately, for casual wear you can wear no jacket at all!

Aye,
Matt

[MACKAY]

DANG! you guys is fancy
in my circles a fancy night out is when the attendees have on a clean shirt AND shaved within the last 24 hours.

You know you're a Redneck if a fancy night out is when the attendees have on a clean shirt AND shaved within the last 24 hours.

Just HAD to throw that one out ....

Brian

[Hamish]

.................................................. ............................This is the "formal dress code" as I understand it. I am sure that Hamish or one of the other board members will correct any errors in fashion that I might have commited.

As far as I can see, Chacbalam, you have hit the nail pretty much square on. The guidelines you, and Matt, have quoted are those that I personally follow.

[Mike n NC]

This is the "formal dress code" as I understand it. I am sure that Hamish or one of the other board members will correct any errors in fashion that I might have commited.

Pretty much right on, the only thing I noticed it that you may have been hanging out with the preps to much. Button down shirts are Not dress shirts but casual wear. They are made that way so the collar will stand without a tie and the neck buttoned. They look hideous with a tie, pulling and buldging open! A standard, long point collar, with or without removable stays, presents a much sharper, crisp appearence.

Another alternative is the "formal" band collar shirt. This usually has a finely pleated, yoke front that, when worn with a collar button cover, looks grand. When I say finely pleated, the pleat depth is less than 1/16 of an inch.

Mike

[chacbalam]

[quote="Mike n NC"]

you may have been hanging out with the preps to much.

Ok, I confess. I used to buy my dress clothes at Brooks Brothers. You know the look ... Khaki trousers, button down shirt, blue blazer. Then I got married. Now the ony clothers that I buy without my wifes approval are kilt related.

Now some of the guys on this board might think that that I'm a little "whipped" if I have to get my wifes approval on my clothes. I also expect that those same guys are single. I have found that the key to marital bliss lies in picking my battles. Plus my wife has better taste in clothes than me. So why fight a battle that I will lose even if I win.

[bubba]

I hav e found that the key to marital bliss lies in picking my battles.

After more than 30 years of marriage I've found what works is say "yes dear" alot. Often when the wife wants me to do something I just say yes dear, then continue with what I'm doing and she never notices. When she brings it up the third time it's time to get on it.

[awoodfellow]

dammit bubba.............BWAHAHAHAHAH. ain't that the truth. one keyboard billed to bubba.

yet another Kentucky Quarter ....

Erik,

you don't need a book. you have us! 500+ brothers and sisters.

kilt your heart out. Bonnie Prince or Blasphemous Pauper we are here for you.