Hi all,

As you may have noticed, I'm planning kilted outfits for my better half and myself for the Burns do at Ferintosh i January. And now I need some advise, again. I have had an idea for a formal jacket and waistcoat ensemble, and would like any comments you have. Especially from negative, traditionalist curmudgeons, as I am one myself at times.

Thing is, I have the pattern for the outfit on the left here, the national dress from the area where I grew up. Some time ago a member of this forum (don't remember who) commented that a jacket like this one would go nicely with a kilt. What do you think of these two ideas:

1) Make the jacket and waistcoat exactly as shown and wear them with a kilt.

2) Make the jacket without red trimmings, a bit shorter and with no lapels, a bit like a sheriffmuir without the flaps (but longer, reaching down to just above the sporran / just below the belt (which I won't wear with a waistcoat))

Also, what do you think of the waistcoat? Is a double-breasted waistcoat a no-no with a kilt? Is the silk brocade a bit over the top? The gold one shown in the picture isn't my style, but I like the idea. Here's a list of the most common varieties in my area (although the rule is simply "whatever you like").