Formal Kilt Oufit - Help!

[Panache]

Hi Folks,

I had previously written about converting a tuxedo jacket with tails into a formal kilt jacket:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=21217

I just recieved the jacket back from the tailor's shop today. Sadly, my previous tailor Mr. Nader has sold the shop and moved on. The new owner, Ms. Ava Thanh has proven an equally capable tailor. The talented Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess sewed on the last buttons on the back of the jacket. Now I'm not trying to make this an exact Prince Charlie outfit. It is something unique, though formal. At this point I haven't found a low cut three button vest (the one Alan H. had recommended from the www.uniformalwarehouse.com has satin lapels that I do not care for). I have decided at present to go with a cummerbund. I have two options for a formal outfit for our upcoming Northern California Burns Night:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=21456


The first is to use my Matt Newsome 5 yard knife pleat kilt with black satin cummerbund.










The second option is to use my Stillwater Heavyweight Black "Shadow Tartan"
kilt with a Galbraith ancient tartan cummerbund.





I suppose I could wear the black cummerbund with the SWK and/or I could buy a simple satin black bow tie to go with either. I was hoping for some input fom the members of the forum. So ladies and Gentlemen, I humbly ask your opinion.

Sincerely

[Bob C]

The jacket looks pretty good. Wear the Matt Newsome kilt, but lose the tartan bowtie and get a black one. The vest, satin lapels or no, would look MUCH better than that cummerbund.

I don't love the green socks with the formal outfit, either. You should wear off-white ones.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Without a doubt... outfit #1 is the way to go. That black kilt with the tartan cummerbund just looks... not good. It's the bits of tartan peeking out from under all that black I think.

.

[turpin]

I have to agree with the off-white hose. I think the black cumberbund with the Newsone kilt is better than the alternative, and more representative of your clan connection. It IS ok to wear a PC with belt, no vest, no cumberbund.

[cloves]

I really really like outfit number one. I see where you're tring to go with the colored hose....but I think the green is just a tad too casual. Do you have black hose?
I like the cumberbund and tartan tie. Even thought the tie and cumberbund usualy match I think they work ok together, you look balanced.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

I think number one too but also echo the comments about the hose and black bow tie.

I've never seen a cumberbund in real life but maybe you should try to line it up with a line on the tartan - are cumberbunds tight or do they move around? If it doesn't stay in position it's going to look weird it if falls out of line with the tartan. Just my 2p.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Number one looks nice. I think the tartan bow-tie looks great with the kilt and jacket.

~James

[Chef]

The jacket came out quite nicely, but even the first outfit doesn't work for me. First I agree on the hose, the coloured hose are just too casual for the outfit. Second the cumberbund bothers me in two ways. I don't really think it works with the kilt to start (especially since the kilt isn't straight with it) and the cumberbund also doesn't go with that style of jacket. The bottom of a cumberbund should not be seen below the jacket, It is primarily meant for a standard tux jacket. They are also used for Mess Dress but the jackets are cut in such a way that the bottom of the cumberbund does not show even though it is a short jacket. Personally I would rather see you go with a belt rather than the cumberbund. Am I correct in assuming that your kilt sits a bit lower than a traditional and that is why you are considering the cumberbund?

[Alan H]

I vote for outfit #1, and the only change I'd suggest is the off-white hose.

How about trying no cumberbund and no waistcoat...nothing but the top of the kilt?

[Panache]

Everyone seems agreed that off white hose are better than the lovat blue ones. I have off white hose, but I think that it would be better to match the shirt and wear white hose (which I also have). I believe in Matt Newsome's advice about a vest or cummerbund to be better than just a belt (see here)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...093#post291093

The kilt is traditionally cut, and I do think that a vest would be better. I'm just looking for one. I'll have to get a black bow tie to compare to the tartan one.

I thank everyone for the feedback and look forward to hearing from anyone else who has some thoughts on this outfit.

Cheers