When is a PC too formal?

[Awex14]

My wife and I are taking a deferred honeymoon to Scotland at the end of the month and we’d both love to have a bit of a black tie night. Would it be inappropriate to wear the PC (along with her in a formal gown) to a very nice restaurant for dinner one of the nights we’re there? Not sure what formality levels are typical in Scotland. Where I live in the US, it would be a bit odd to go to even a nice restaurant in a tux. Though I suppose a bit odd is fine so long as it’s not wholly inappropriate.

Thanks in advance!

PS - Would love any recommendations for restaurants where black tie might be appropriate. Thanks!

[figheadair]

My wife and I are taking a deferred honeymoon to Scotland at the end of the month and we’d both love to have a bit of a black tie night. Would it be inappropriate to wear the PC (along with her in a formal gown) to a very nice restaurant for dinner one of the nights we’re there? Not sure what formality levels are typical in Scotland. Where I live in the US, it would be a bit odd to go to even a nice restaurant in a tux. Though I suppose a bit odd is fine so long as it’s not wholly inappropriate.

Thanks in advance!

PS - Would love any recommendations for restaurants where black tie might be appropriate. Thanks!

You don't say where you are staying, Edinburgh?

I attend a number of dinners each year where the Dress Code is Black Tie, in fact, I'm going to one on Saturday evening, but they are always private occasions, associated with Balls etc. I've worn a smart charcoal jacket and kilt to dinner in a restaurant occasionally but never Black Tie, that would be very unusual, to the point of being strange unless you were going on to a Black Tie event.

Whilst I understand you sentiment, if it were me I would avoid dressing to that level of formality unless you really want to be the centre of attention.

[Awex14]

You don't say where you are staying, Edinburgh?

We’ll be starting off in Edinburgh (August 31st - September 2nd) before heading up north towards Inverness, over to Skye, and back south past Loch Lomond and through Glasgow (September 9th). The fanciest places I know we’re eating are the Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh and the restaurant at the Cameron House hotel on Loch Lomond.

I've worn a smart charcoal jacket and kilt to dinner in a restaurant occasionally but never Black Tie, that would be very unusual, to the point of being strange unless you were going on to a Black Tie event.

Whilst I understand you sentiment, if it were me I would avoid dressing to that level of formality unless you really want to be the centre of attention

This tracks with how things tend to work in the US as well. I figured it would probably be the same but was holding out hope. Took a brief look for events, but it was hard to find something in that time frame that anybody could go to.

Thanks for the insight!

[Jock Scot]

Don't wear a black bow tie! One does not want to be mistaken for staff!

[Hirsty]

For the Witchery and Cameron House, you are unlikely to see a tine never mind a PC. Trousers, shoes, and a decent shirt should suffice.

Black tie affairs tend to be invited events. For example, the Institute of Brewing and Distilling annual dinner is black tie.

[kilted2000]

I've eaten at the Witchery. No black tie seen.

[OC Richard]

I've worn a smart charcoal jacket and kilt to dinner in a restaurant occasionally but never Black Tie...

I'll second the charcoal kilt jacket, or dark blue, as looking smart but not overstepping the bounds and looking ostentatiously overdressed.

Something like this but no hat and ordinary black brogues rather than Ghillie Brogues.

[figheadair]

I'll second the charcoal kilt jacket, or dark blue, as looking smart but not overstepping the bounds and looking ostentatiously overdressed.

Something like this but no hat and ordinary black brogues rather than Ghillie Brogues.

Absolutely. This was my version for an event last week.

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[Jock Scot]

To my eye, I would add green, or brown tweeds and not too loud patterned tweed to be suitable for most kilted non formal dinner events too.

We need to remember that the tweed jacket(in good condition) is not a sports jacket. It is the kilt equivalent of a suit. Leave the battered and tatty tweed kilt jacket for gardening and informal social events such as popping into the local pub for a quick pint or fishing or some such. xx