I need some"jacket" advice for Burns night

[Stan]

Hi Frank, it's been interesting reading all the opinion of the contributes. I enjoy (and share) your lack of formality (so to speak) while respecting the opinions that may be (shall I say) a bit more "legal", or strict in their interpretation. I can see both sides of the fence, and share similar feeling with both "camps".

In daily life I'm probably a more "casual" person, (and I certainly respect the wishes of my host), and while I am that "casual" person, I really like going black tie too. And about as often as I can. I think that it will be an interesting night, either way.

Had I read the Burns night web page a bit more carefully prior to purchasing a ticket ( few months ago) , I'd have bought a PC jacket to go with my (existing) kilt outfits, and it just wouldn't have been a big deal.

When I committed to attend (kind of at the last minuet ) I just kind of spontaneously "jumped in". I was looking forward to being around a bunch of other people who were also kilt wearers. To date when wearing a kilt, I've always been the only kilt wearer in the crowd, and was looking forward to the comradeship.

In lou of going to Burns night, maybe I'll just "kilt up", and go out and have my very own pub crawl. I'm good with meeting a bunch of new people, laughing, and having fun in an environment where I won't be (or potentially be) offending any one by my attire.

Let me say that if I had a PC outfit (which I will in the near future) , than this whole thread would have been academic, and I'd have been the first one in line at any "formal, black tie" event.

Thanks again for your thoughts, and the post of all those who have taken the time to participate in this thread. I appreciate all your input.
Stan L.

[frank_a]

Boy Stan, I think you've got it figured out. Kilt up and enjoy yourself. For me, I have a job where I wear a suit and tie every day, and have for more than 30 years. So while I don't mind wearing a tie with my kilt, doing the Prince Charlie thing is probably out for me. I wear my kilt when we got out for dinner, at Scottish games, and at family events. There doesn't seem to be any interest around where I live to kilt nights, and I am not about to try organizing them. 3 more years, I'll be retired and probably living someplace else anyways.

All the best to you. Enjoy!

Frank

[Tobus]

Actually there is a subtle guide being used here and without going back through the thread to check, I just point this out.

Most in the UK would regard an invitation to "supper", as an informal invitation to an evening meal and would not consider formal attire. So knowing your host helps here, but it could mean pretty casual or more likely smartish. So in kilt terms a tweed argyll and normal tie would cover most situations. A black bow tie and the rest would not be even considered and would only be worn if the invitation was to "come to dinner". Not forgetting of course that lunch is the midday meal.

That's a fair point, Jock. The difference seeming to revolve around whether the words "supper" or "dinner" are used, with the former implying casual/smart and the latter implying a more dressy/formal occasion. For any other event, this is probably a good rule of thumb, but in this case with the known traditions of a Burns Supper, I would think the usage of "supper" doesn't really fit. Especially with the mention of black tie on the invitation.

Frank, good job on getting it clarified! Sounds like you're good to go. And don't you feel better knowing for sure?

[frank_a]

Thanks Tobus. I am glad I got it clarified, and will certainly check before I make reservations for anything in the future. Nevertheless, "highland attire" did mean what I thought it meant, so I feel good about that too. I'm excited to be able to go to a Burns Supper and rub elbows with fellow kilted blokes and not worry about black ties. It will be the first time since Labor Day I've been with others in a kilted environment. Whenever I'm wearing mine, no one else has a kilt on. It seems strange that a city like Albany NY, even though relatively small, does not have any kilt nights that I am aware of. So it goes.

Frank

[Jock Scot]

Tobus.

Burns do's seem to have altered overtime, in my youth 1940's/60's Burns night was a very informal affair where even a kilt was a notable sight. Tweed jackets in various states of repair and assorted pullovers were the order of the day and the whole affair was really an excuse to meet up rather than an excuse to dress up. I never did acquire the taste for haggis, or Burns. These days the whole thing seems to be on a completely different level, but there we go.

[piperdbh]

It seems strange that a city like Albany NY, even though relatively small, does not have any kilt nights that I am aware of.

Maybe you need to host one. Run an ad in the local paper if nothing else and see who all turns up.

[JSFMACLJR]

Tobus.

Burns do's seem to have altered overtime, in my youth 1940's/60's Burns night was a very informal affair where even a kilt was a notable sight. Tweed jackets in various states of repair and assorted pullovers were the order of the day and the whole affair was really an excuse to meet up rather than an excuse to dress up. I never did acquire the taste for haggis, or Burns. These days the whole thing seems to be on a completely different level, but there we go.

We are so much alike, Jock!

[usonian]

For formal jackets on a budget, see also this discussion about Spencer jackets, which can be had for about $60+ shipping from World Wide Tuxedos.

However: I don't know where the rabble stands on their suitability as a garment for black tie; given that they're basically tailcoats minus the tails they certainly look sharp enough.

[Stan]

Great tip USONIAN. I'm on my way over there.