White Tie Kilt Dress

[JSFMACLJR]

Clarifying question then for Steve & Sanford: Do you then consider the kilt to be "national dress" with respect to Canada?

I don't think National Dress is revevant to anything I have stated, and I just don't remember what the "official line" was when I was in Ottawa. "National Dress" is an euphemism for "Ethnic Costume," and certainly in Canada the wearing of the kilt was never considered "ethnic" per se!

Those of Scottish descent are lucky to have options, whereas the sassenach is restricted to a tail coat and white tie!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I agree that a kilt might go against the form of a strict interpretation of white tie but think there must be an equivalently formal kilted garment. Perhaps white tie isn't the pinnacle of formality that it's perceived to be.

Oh it is... and beyond that, it is the ne plus ultra of formal attire.

I have quoted the rules, but totally agree with Sandford-- Full Highland Evening Dress is absolutely acceptable and in my opinion, preferable, to ordinary full evening dress any time one is attending an event in Scotland (or elsewhere, if "Highland Attire" is specified on the invitation).

I think the problem arises, and I believe Sandford would agree with me on this (and if not, my apologies for having made this assumption), when someone supposes that merely swapping their pre-tied black bow tie for a pre-tied white bow tie is all that is required to transform their outfit into full Highland evening dress.

Full Highland evening dress is virtually the same as court dress, less the sword, powder horn, and pistols. It requires diced or tartan hose, dirk, and silver mounted hair sporran-- not a fur sporran-- and buckle shoes, not laced up ghillie brogues (although if your ghillie brogues are patent leather with red laces, no one will probably notice), plaid and brooch, etc.

[Scotus]

I am reluctant to post in a discussion concerning proper dress because I am such a notorious snob...

Sandford, a most excellent post! I'm glad you posted. I agree with you 100%.

[JSFMACLJR]

Sandford, a most excellent post! I'm glad you posted. I agree with you 100%.

Thank you Scotus!

Cheers,
Sandford

[Bugbear]

Sandy,
How do you get invited to all this stuff? I'm lucky if I get invited to a watermelon seed spitting contest.

*Ahem*

That being said, I couldn't possibly know or speak with athority on white tie attire, but I have read in many, many places here on the forum, as well as, out there on the web that there is acceptable Highland attire for white tie events; especially in Scotland.

If your boss says, however, that it is not acceptable then it probably should not be argued.

* sigh * I should plant some watermellons this year...

[The Wizard of BC]

I can note two exceptions to;

"I maintain, though, that this isn't necessary nor always followed; that "white tie" on an invitation alone does not EXCLUDE the wearing of Highland Dress. I know of no exceptions to this."

The first is Nobel Prize awards.

The second is opening nights at the Vienna Opera.

Both events specify White Tie & Tails are the only accepted forms of attire.

I have attended both (obviously not as a recipient at the first) and can attest that any form of Highland attire would not be acceptable.

[joeybear]

Do people really stress out over this dress? If the boss says no kilts, he probably means no kilts.

I'm pretty sure I'd never want to attend any of the aforementioned affairs and would rather worry about which kilt to wear after a lacrosse or rugby match, around a campfire, drinking Guiness or Smithwicks

[JSFMACLJR]

Do people really stress out over this dress? If the boss says no kilts, he probably means no kilts.

I'm pretty sure I'd never want to attend any of the aforementioned affairs and would rather worry about which kilt to wear after a lacrosse or rugby match, around a campfire, drinking Guiness or Smithwicks

Don't knock them until you've been to one! I manage to go to my son's lacrosse games, I enjoy a beer around a campfire, and love to dress up for a late night of dancing with my wife and our friends at a ball. Yes, there really are balls left.

[Bigkahuna]

I'm glad some of us have balls. Pardon my ignorance but where does Levee Dress fit into this equation? Would this not be the equivalent of "White Tie"?

[joeybear]

Don't knock them until you've been to one! I manage to go to my son's lacrosse games, I enjoy a beer around a campfire, and love to dress up for a late night of dancing with my wife and our friends at a ball. Yes, there really are balls left.

Sanford...you friggin rock! I've been invited to MENSA events and other formal stuff, but that's just not my thing. I give credit where credit is due and completely admire those who can handle those events