Aesthetics for "Semi-Formal" Dance

[Tribal]

My graduate school has a "semi-formal" dance coming up in the fall, with their vision of semi-formal being slacks, dark/fashion collared shirt, and tie. Kind of like clubbing+, I guess.

In any case, I'm trying to figure out what I ought to wear. I will have a red Robertson kilt, and I was thinking of getting this "Contemporary Jacket" in black from HoS, wearing the vest alone (yes, shirt and tie as well). On the other hand, if it's too hot I may opt for just a shirt and tie.

Does anyone know anything about this style jacket/vest from HoS? To my eye, it looks suitable for as formal an event as I'm likely to attend (I already have a tux).

[beloitpiper]

If others are wearing a jacket, then go with the jacket. If other people are just wearing a shirt and tie, go for that.

[KFCarter]

That's a fairly "relaxed" definition of semi-formal and it sounds as if you'd be fine in a shirt and tie, with the vest being a nice touch, too. If you already own a tux, that contemporary jacket might fit a nice niche for events where the tux would be too much. (And one day, you might want to look into a Black Argyle jacket or PC coatee so you can kilt up for those formal events, too )

[McMurdo]

I do not know anything about that style of jacket from HoS, however I think it would do fine for a semi-formal occasion with a shirt and tie. As beloitpiper says if everyone else is in just a shirt and tie you may want to do the same, as it sounds fairly relaxed. Personally though if it says Semi-Formal on the invitation that is how I dress with little regard as to how others are dressed. For a few good examples of both Semi-Formal and Formal kilt wear take a look at the 1 kilt 10 looks thread.

[dfmacliam]

I think you made a good choice... I have always liked the look of a waistcoat and tie.. its a good look.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I can not speak to the quality of the product, but I don't care for the cut of the lapels on the HoS jacket, and that my be due to the angle of the photograph. Generally the problem with "the latest fashion" is that it very quickly goes out of fashion!

I'd follow the advice of those who have suggested opting for a more traditional jacket and waistcoat-- and then dressing like the other guys headed off to the dance.

[Colonel MacNeal]

If its a Semi-Formal, consider getting it in Charcoal Grey instead of Black. That will also give you some daywear opportunities.

Cheers, ColMac

[raibeart_dubh]

Semi-formal, to me, screams black Barathea Argyll jacket with/without waistcoat and a nice necktie. Though, I think a nice charcoal tweed would work as well. If the event was on the less than semi-formal side, I might consider just a waiscoat/tie combo or just a shirt and tie. If the invitation says semi-formal, I would assume I should wear a jacket. I would tend to think that one step down from "black tie" would be the way to go.

[heilanner]

semi-formal to me would give a few options depending on how 'kilty' you want to be. you could go for an Argyle (tweed or otherwise), or if you fancy standing out you could wear a jacobite shirt & coat - yes, i know some of you may say it's 'casual' but it's classed as formal enough here in Scotland that even grooms wear it at weddings.

... or you could wear the kilt with a shirt and tie with a v-neck pullover on top for in case it gets chilly.

[gilmore]

My graduate school has a "semi-formal" dance coming up in the fall, with their vision of semi-formal being slacks, dark/fashion collared shirt, and tie. Kind of like clubbing+, I guess.

In any case, I'm trying to figure out what I ought to wear. I will have a red Robertson kilt, and I was thinking of getting this "Contemporary Jacket" in black from HoS, wearing the vest alone (yes, shirt and tie as well). On the other hand, if it's too hot I may opt for just a shirt and tie.

Does anyone know anything about this style jacket/vest from HoS? To my eye, it looks suitable for as formal an event as I'm likely to attend (I already have a tux).

If it was me, and I am of clan Robertson, I would wear a Lovat blue or Lovat green tweed jacket, since both would go happily with Robertson red, and it would be a fine daywear jacket for most ocassions, as well as suitable for most evenings that aren't formal. To me, a black Argyll jacket is neither fish nor fowl. Too dressy for day wear, not dressy enough for some evening events.

I would not wear the vest alone, unless I was a waiter at the event, not that there is anything wrong with working as a waiter.

I don't know about House of Scotland. I think the are a Gold Brothers company, (some one correct me if I am mistaken) and some have reservations about doing business with them. I bought a 13 oz kilt from them once that is entirely adequate for the purpose for which it was intended.