Cheap formal wear?

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 29th April 08, 11:22 AM

Since I happen to like dressing up and doing so on the cheap, my time to weigh in.

Most highland formal wasn't too set until recently. Case in point the doublets. Now it's pretty much black barathea, but in olden times there were variations in colour. There have been enough what type of doublet posts here to get the idea that the cut hasn't been uniform either. Some doublets come from military styling (e.g., the regulation) and others from formal wear (the prince charlie).

So, there are loads of ways to go for cheap formal wear: buy ex-hire, find plain-off second hand, convert, or make your own.

I agree that it's better to build an outfit than go splash out on a complete ensemble. In fact, that's one of the reasons I don't rag on the inexpensive sporrans on eBay. Start with something you can afford and work up to something better, especially if you are going to wear the outfit once a year.

In fact, if you are doing it once or twice a year, rental makes sense. For those of us with unusual tartans, buy the tartan items and rent the rest.

Some people get lucky when it comes to formal wear, especially if they are an "average" size. Otherwise, there are tailors who can alter the clothes.

I guess the question I would ask is how are you going to dress? If you are going to do a lot of formal occasions, then it makes sense to buy. It makes even more sense to buy the best you can afford. Otherwise, rental works.

Or buy something like a Barathea Argyll jacket. they are fairly versatile. That was what was suggested to me when I started getting into the kilt. It is advise that works.

I dress in doublets because I enjoy that, but not everyone needs one.

**davedove** · 30th April 08, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by Dukeof Kircaldy

I agree that it's better to build an outfit than go splash out on a complete ensemble.

I generally agree with all your statements, but this one is not necessarily true for all folks. I'll agree that most people can't run out and buy the whole outfit at once, but for those with the resources, buying the whole outfit in one package is often cheaper in the long run because of the package discounts.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 30th April 08, 05:28 AM

It really depends on the package, but there are good package deals out there. Some people can't afford that though. Go with where your budget feels comfortable.

DWFII is correct, you need to be committed and not mix and match too much.

Part of the reason I like the inexpensive eBay sporrans. You can get an acceptable day or dress sporran at a reasonable price. If you don't do a lot of day or dress occasions, why spend a lot of money on something which you won't use frequently?

The formal wear aspect of the kilt is sort of formalised. Try to stick within the form. Don't mix Scottish with Sassenach, or day with dress.

**Mark Keeney** · 30th November 07, 10:59 AM

OK, I might have not been clear. I would never presume to judge anyone else on what they are wearing and their motivation for doing so. I don't have enough energy and stamina for that any more. I was talking about what I need to be really part of whatever event I am attending.

I wouldn't feel right wearing a Halloween store kilt costume to a highland games or any other kilted event. If I couldn't afford a PC I would rent untill I could save up for one of my own. The same would go for a Tuxedo. I wouldn't glue a satin ribbon to a pair of black Dockers and call it tuxedo pants.

I am looking deeper than surface. I could get away with wearing something imitating a PC but would I really feel like I fit in, or would I just feel like a poser?

**McMurdo** · 30th November 07, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Mark Keeney

I am looking deeper than surface. I could get away with wearing something imitating a PC but would I really feel like I fit in, or would I just feel like a poser?

I think the question would I feel like a poser has to be answered by you and you alone, some people will be happy going formal in a waiters jacket with silver buttons sewn on it, and a USA Kilt, and some will not. Personally I could not sew to save my life, I chose a while ago to get the best I could afford when I could afford it, I now have a proper formal kilt outfit, it has taken a little while, I've ended up with 3 dress sporrans, the first was an economy dress sporran from the Celtic Croft, the second a bovine model from ebay, and finally a sealskin sporran from Hector Russell. I love my USAK Semi-Trad, but I don't think I could bring myself to wearing it with my P.C. that is what my hand sewn 16 oz 8 yard kilts are for. So let me ask you would you feel like a poser or not only you can know how you would feel about it.

**Ozman1944** · 30th November 07, 01:33 PM

Also Vow of Poverty, This is as formal (Kilted) as I get .

**Alan H** · 30th November 07, 01:58 PM

Because I'm a cheap son of a gun, and it's not worth it to me to spend volumes on money on clothes.

If you want to go spend $400 on a barathea PC and waistcoat to wear once a year, go ahead. If you dump coffee on it, like I did on my eton jacket at the Symphony this season, well...too bad. I'll buy a $49 jacket and won't cry nearly as hard.

**James MacMillan** · 30th November 07, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Mark Keeney

dollar by dollar

You answered the question, and you already know it.

Some of us just can't afford to buy or even rent a $600 Armani jacket.... We'd like one, but the money must go to other uses.

We still feel pretty elegant.

**McMurdo** · 30th November 07, 04:13 PM

Here is something that I found on Matt's blog, I think it speaks directly to this thread. It is also something I must remind myself of from time to time.

Advice for every kilt wearer
"The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed." -- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.

**James MacMillan** · 30th November 07, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Advice for every kilt wearer
"The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed." -- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.

I don't have that book, and I can't find it on Amazon..... But I love the quote!

That pretty much says it all.

Thanks