Questions on attire

[rmckay]

Ok the only way I have ever worn my kilt is in a very casual manner during the day at various highland games, but I am wanting to start wearing it more when out and about at other events. For most of these instances I think I have a good grasp of what should be worn, but there is one event that my wife and I go to every year that I'm just not sure what attire I should be wearing. The easiest thing to do is just describe the event and see what folks think.

It will be an evening party thrown by a group of doctors and there is no rule as to what to wear such as formal or casual. I have seen people in jeans and a tshirt all the way up to some in tux and tails. Most seemed to be dressed in a suit and tie that are a bit more than just a business suit. I am wanting to look nice without going overboard, and still be wearing the kilt correctly since it is more than just going to the games or hanging out with my friends.

I hope some of you might have some suggestions on what direction i should be heading. Thanks. If you have any question about something just let me know and i'll try to answer as best I can.

[Jock Scot]

Alright, imagine Jock from Scotland is going to the same event. Now I don't have a clue about the climate, so bare that in mind. But this is what I would wear. In truth, I would not wear the kilt unless I was specifically asked to by the host. I am in foreign lands after all. So OK, I HAVE been asked to wear the kilt!

OK here we go and this is not the time to wear kilt attire in a sloppy way! Black well polished brogues(NOT those dreadful ghillie things), solid coloured hose(not white) worn at the correct height, solid flashes, my tartan kilt, black leather day sporran, white shirt( a tattersall shirt would do), regimental style tie, TWEED argyll and waistcoat. I would leave the waist coat behind if it was hot. How does that sound?

[Woodsheal]

Jock will steer you straight! I agree that tweedy "daywear" is the way to go....

[Riverkilt]

You don't mention your kilt's origins. Sounds like a place to wear a well sewn kilt rather than a kilt you paid less than $100 for.

A hand sewn tank speaks for itself - and speaks loudly....as does a $30 acrylic kilt.

[robbiethepiper]

Pretty much agree with Jock except I prefer plain WOOL tie to stripey things and don't think ghillies are all bad, once you get to know them......

[Zardoz]

Jock's on the money, that's pretty much my look for 'business attire'...

[Ryan Ross]

Another vote for Jock's suggestion!

I'd also mention that in this case, a darker colored tweed would likely look most in place.

[Really a McQueen]

Prehaps, we need an "Ask Jock" thread sticky posted for a while.

Thank you Jock for your sage advice. May I throw another question your way (and to the rest of the rabble as well)? I will be attending a friend's wedding in June, and she has asked me to wear my kilt. My only sporran is a dark brown leather, day type. Considering the MacQueen tartan, would that sporran work with black brogues, or should I go with my medium brown ones? Or should I purchase a black, day sporran since I still have a couple of months before the date of the wedding.

[davidlpope]

Shoes should be black. Sporran should be brown. Forgo the desire to match sporran to belt to sporran strap to shoes.

[Cygnus]

Shoes should be black. Sporran should be brown. Forgo the desire to match sporran to belt to sporran strap to shoes.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that shoes should be black. Shoes with highland dress tend to be black, but that's certainly not the rule.

I'm a big proponent of ensuring that my belt and shoes match when wearing "lowland" clothing, but when it comes to kilted attire, shoes, sporran, and belt (if worn) need not match; though they can if you prefer.