Advice for high school prom

[Martin Septim]

Hey everyone, I've got something of a problem right now, in that I'm not entirely certain what would be considered "too much" for my senior prom. This would be the first time I attend any sort of black tie event while kilted, and I'm most likely going to be the only one there dressed as such, so does anyone have advise? Do's or don'ts? I think it's important to mention that I'm slowly saving up money to get most of the attire myself. The only part of the outfit I have right now would be a sporran, though I'm close to getting a 5 yard casual kilt from Scotweb. Thanks for the help.

[Father Bill]

I sincerely hope that you have appropriate hose. If so, with decent shoes (not sneakers of any sort or version) and a tie of complementary colours, you're ready and fine. If on the other hand the others are black tie, you'll need a proper kilt jacket in addition to the above.

Useful? Garter ties. A sghian is probably NOT a good idea at a school event.

You should also have a good-looking companion if possible!

[Son of Grier]

I would say no to a fly plaid or dirk (my preference,) but everything is up to your personal tastes. A black Argyll jacket/vest combo would look really nice I think, without being over the top. You can find some for fairly cheap and I guarantee the folks at your prom won't know the difference! Out of curiosity, what tartan will you be wearing?

[Martin Septim]

Thanks for the advice so far! I'll be wearing the clan strachan tartan. Would any of you recommend diced or argyle hose? Or should I stick with a solid color Hose that matches my kilt? Also, would a PC jacket be deemed "too dressy"? Sorry for all the questions, like I said I've never gone formal in highland dress till now

[Alan H]

I've learned over the past two years that "Prom" attire can range from dressy punk to conservative black tie, quite depending upon the school which you attend.

I'm not going to say a word about what's right, and if I ever write the word "Proper", please just find me offline and kick me.

What do lads wear to your prom? Do they wear black tie....a tuxedo, white shirt, bow tie and so on?
Do they wear three piece suits? (my nephew just attended his and he wore a dark, two-piece suit).
Is there a large contingent that has attended in the last couple of years that is dressed differently from this?

There are places online where you can obtain gear for minimal expense that it not specifically formal kilt wear, but can do the job. I would strongly suggest looking up http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com

You can get a wing-collar shirt there, plus studs and cufflinks for not much $$.
A single button Eton Jacket is $45 and combined with their backless tuxedo vest, makes a pretty sharp-looking substitute for a Prince Charlie.

A nice wool 5-yard kilt
A decent sporran
a good pair of solid-color hose in whatever color you like (which includes white, IMHO)
black leather shoes with a good shine
a wing collar shirt from Uniformalwearhouse, plus studs and cufflinks.
A bow tie from the same store, in a color to complement your kilt
The SINGLE BUTTON Eton Jacket (do not get the three-button!!!!) plus the backless vest

That will pretty much do the job for "black tie" at a HS prom, if you ask me. Now, there are kilt purists here who will turn up their noses at "waiters clothes" but if you don't have $300 for a custom-tailored wool Prince Charlie and vest, just ignore them and carry on.

Here's a hint. Don't match up a standard cut sportcoat with your kilt unless you have no other option. The cut just isn't quite right.

Best of luck.

[NPG]

Many years ago (at least 20) I attended both my Jr. and Sr. proms kilted. The advice above is good. I had a Prince Charlie and matching vest so that is what I wore with a white shirt and bow tie. I made the mistake of having a fly plaid and white hose for the first go, so I recommend avoiding that. You might consider looking for the few shops in the U.S. that do rental through the post. Your first kilt outfit can be a big purchase especially if buying it yourself and so you might not want to rush this process.

I recommend simple and refined choices. Choose a simple yet appropriate jacket avoid the "fancier" Montrose and Sheriffmuir. An Argyll or Prince Charlie will work depending on the level of dressiness you wish to convey. You will already stand out, so there is no need to add anything to the outfit that will further single you out. Also make sure your kilt is not too long, in my opinion nothing looks worse than a kilt too long.

The real trick is to not out shine your date (if you are taking one). If you have a date I recommend if possible letting your date know ahead of time what you plan to wear this will allow her to prepare, remember for many woman this is a big day and they want to shine, so try not to steal her spotlight.

Best of luck! I hope you have a wonderful time.

Edit: I have absolutely no experience with this company. Since this is for a prom, I do think a rental situation might be a good option. http://www.kiltrentalusa.com/our-collection/packages

[Father Bill]

Thanks for the advice so far! I'll be wearing the clan strachan tartan. Would any of you recommend diced or argyle hose? Or should I stick with a solid color Hose that matches my kilt? Also, would a PC jacket be deemed "too dressy"? Sorry for all the questions, like I said I've never gone formal in highland dress till now

Questions are ALWAYS the right way to go. In terms of formality / "dressiness" diced and argyle are a definite notch up from solid colour. "Match" is a word we've avoided here at XMarks in favour of "Toning in" with the kilt, whatever the heck that may mean to you!

A Prince Charlie is definitely dressier than say an Argyle or Crail, but it depends what you're trying to match to. I think you said that the other fellows are black tie, so you would be fine in any of these.

Keep asking questions. The gang here cares and wants you to have a successful evening. You might want to take a look at this thread too for some ideas: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/ You absolutely cannot go wrong there.

[CameronCat]

Hello, Martin, and welcome to our madness.

You've asked some good questions and are getting the usual variety of excellent answers here.

However, based on previous threads here and the annual newspaper articles (and social media outrage...) you're missing one important thing: permission. Or at least advance notice.

You need to talk to your principal/ dean/ provost/ elder/ or other Power That Is to make sure you're not running afoul of a dress code about which you knew nothing or that you won't engender some sudden community outrage. Yes, the Loonies are out there and a young man in a kilt may set them off.
When you talk to the Power, aid your case by explaining the entire rig, not just the kilt. Pictures will help, showing elegant and well-turned out attire. "They" will concentrate solely on the kilt; you have to sell the overall package and show that it's appropriate.

On the other hand, done right and done well -- you'll slay 'em. Every other joker will be there in a rented tux while you'll look the beans and be able to say that you own the rig. Well done to you.

For semiformal wear, my personal opinion is "less is more". The kilt speaks for itself and doesn't need a lot of additional flash.
Use your best judgment as to colors, etc. but don't be afraid to tone things down.

The usual rules of kilt wearing apply:
1) Know something about the tartan, including its name.
2) Have a good short answer for "Why are you wearing a kilt?" (It's family; Grandpa was from Edinburgh...)
3) Wear it like you mean it.

Good luck and have a great time!

[Lady Grey]

Oh Yeah!
I think that's a lovely look for a prom. I just Googled 'prom kilt' and there were lots of great looks.
I agree no plaid over the shoulder, gets in the way when the hard partying starts, however it would be nice to have a plaid that your date could use as a shawl/wrap.
I'm rather partial to the Black Hose 'look' it may not be 'correct attire' but on a young man it looks great! (With polished black shoes Not boots)
As its a one off special occasion would any Xmarks members in your area be able to help with lending items to complete your look?
Have a great time and remember to post pictures.

[Tarheel]

Well met Martin. I agree with all the previous posts but will add this. Have one thing that will be unique to you and your date/escort as part of the ensemble. In olden times (my prom in 1972) there were matching or complimentary boutonnieres and corsages. You might get a pocket kerchief of your date's dress fabric (as an example).
The memory you will take with you as you age and be freshened (by you both) when stumbling upon that simple connective item you both had during the prom. Just the thoughts of an old man with happy memories. Welcome to the forum.