White Tie Kilt Dress

**JSFMACLJR** · 11th March 09, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Scotus

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

Thank you Scotus!

Cheers,
Sandford

**george7** · 11th March 09, 10:28 AM

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.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 11th March 09, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by georgeblack7

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.

**CDNSushi** · 11th March 09, 10:29 AM

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

**JSFMACLJR** · 11th March 09, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

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!

**joeybear** · 11th March 09, 07:06 PM

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** · 11th March 09, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by 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

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.

**joeybear** · 11th March 09, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

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

**Bigkahuna** · 11th March 09, 07:51 PM

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"?

**JSFMACLJR** · 11th March 09, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by 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"?

It's actually "more than white tie." Might I suggest if you are interested in dress worn at court to begin with Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_uniform_and_dress

You might also like to read the Lord Chamberlain's regulations governing dress worn at HM's Court (the 1912 edition):
http://www.costumes.org/history/gall...essatcourt.htm

Sandford MacLean