[Clockwork John]

As many of you know, I work at a high school. I haven't worn a kilt to work yet this school year, as it's been a rough year thus far....


Next week is "spirit week," with themed days. It's intened to show school spirit....

Wednesday is "Culture Day," and staff and students are encouraged to dress in the traditional garb of another culture. Of course, I'm going to wear a kilt.

My question is, which outfit better represents highland wear and Scottish culture, a black barathea argyll and waistcoat, a navy blue PC and waiscoat, or a white shirt, grey tweed waistcoat, and flat cap?

I probably won't wear the PC, as it's evening wear, but I thought I'd put it out there as an option anyway.

[Aggie]

Your right about the PC....a little over the top for the situation. As to the other options, do you normally dress up with a coat or simply shirt and tie? If the shirt and tie is the norm then the waistcoat and flat cap would be my choice. If a coat is the norm then wear the argyll.

[george7]

Aggie got it right. It's more Scottish to dress for the situation than to overdress.

[Sionnach]

WWJCTS? (What Would J. Charles Thompson Say (So you're going to wear the Kilt!)) I think he stands in agreement with Aggie and gb7. Have fun with it.

[Jock Scot]

You want to dress as a Scot? Right then, for the event you describe The PC is out, the black barathea Argyll(silver buttons?) is out. Why? It is the most formal daywear attire we Scots have in our armoury. You would not wear a morning suit to school, I presume? So your best bet is your tweed waistcoat. Please,please,please leave the flat cap at home. You are after all dressing up as a Scot, not as an American wearing the kilt. Good luck and have fun!

[Clockwork John]

Thanks for the quick responses. I was leaning toward the waistcoat to begin with, but now I'm sold on it.

Jock, thank you for your response. As always, you were polite, respectful, and informative, and given the topic, I'm glad I could get the opinion of a native scot.

[Bob C.]

The advice you've gotten here is fine, but I'd go with the Argyll. "Culture Day" is a special event, so why not dress it up a bit? Of course, a tweed Argyll would suit the occasion better than the barathea, but what you've got is what you've got.

I'd skip the flat cap indoors, if you're going with the waistcoat.

[Tim Little]

I'll second Jock Scot's recommendation.

[londonpiper]

Originally Posted by Tim Little

I'll second Jock Scot's recommendation.

Especially the bit about a flat cap!!!!
Never seen one worn on this side of the pond with the kilt, ever!!

[Jock Scot]

Originally Posted by Bob C.

The advice you've gotten here is fine, but I'd go with the Argyll. "Culture Day" is a special event, so why not dress it up a bit? Of course, a tweed Argyll would suit the occasion better than the barathea, but what you've got is what you've got.

I'd skip the flat cap indoors, if you're going with the waistcoat.

I mean no offence here, but Bob's answer clearly demonstrates the difference between how I perceive you Americans see things and how us Scots see things. We Scots prefer the low profile "less is more " approach, Bob, batting for the USA, on the other hand likes the more showy approach. Each to their own.