[WClarkB]

This has probably been answered and I was unable to find it; for this I apologize in advance.

On the semi-annual need to wear a tux, I want to know what combination(s) of jackets(s) vest etc and kilt are equivalent to black-tie?

As HRH has not seen fit to make me a knight to date, I dinna think I will ever need the "white-tie" formal equivalent which I take to be a PC, vest, fly, trad. kilt etc.


Thanks

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Originally Posted by WClarkB

This has probably been answered and I was unable to find it; for this I apologize in advance.

On the semi-annual need to wear a tux, I want to know what combination(s) of jackets(s) vest etc and kilt are equivalent to black-tie?

As HRH has not seen fit to make me a knight to date, I dinna think I will ever need the "white-tie" formal equivalent which I take to be a PC, vest, fly, trad. kilt etc.


Thanks

Your best all around choice is a black Agryll jacket with two waistcoats: one three button (as worn with a PC) and the other a five button (as worn with a day wear jacket). This combination will allow you to attend both evening and black tie functions without having to invest in a second jacket.

For evening wear the Argyll, five button waistcoat, white shirt and tie are the equivalent of a dark suit. For black tie events the Argyll, three button waistcoat formal shirt and black bow tie are the equivalent of a tuxedo. While you can dispense with the waistcoat for evening or formal wear in favour of a dirk belt, the waistcoat really does add to the formal look-- something the Highlanders of old would have appreciated.

The other advantage of the Argyll is that it never shows any gap between kilt and jacket-- something that is an unfortunate (and unintended) consequence of wearing a Prince Charlie coatee that doesn't properly fit.

As to the other matter, if you follow my advice I will have a word in the right quarters regarding the status of your "k".

[thescot]

Mac of Rath offers his usual good advice. You can dress the argyl up or down with ties, shirts, and vests.

the Prince Charlie is also the uquivalent of balck tie for evening wear--and I really like it bett--but you really shouldn't wear it for daywear. so all in all, the argyl is the most versatile choice if you only buy one.

[MacLowlife]

You may have noticed around here a preference against the PC, which smacks a little of the RentAll shop, and probably a similar inclination against the fly plaid, for various other good reasons.

There is nothing wrong with the PC. A lot of my good friends wear the PC, but I concur with the wise counsel of my elders above. The Argyle is more versatile and much less likely to fit badly, though I expect you are not going to let your kit look wrong, whatever you choose. The best way to make sure a PC looks bad is to wear it with a bunch of rented ( or rental -grade ) accessories. Your own shirt and studs and a real tie will rescue whatever jacket you may be forced to rent. I expect if you are wearing black tie twice a year, you have already grown past the awkwardness of some people. Your Black tie kilt rig will not be a problem.

This has nothing at all to do with versatility, but I would like to put in a plug for an argyle-style jacket in navy or black velvet ( or pinwale corduroy, as others have suggested elsewhere.) Not only is it correct, it is elegant and it will give admirers a reason to rub on you as they gaze at your kilt. Velvet blazers are all over the marketplace at this moment in fashion and you can get one quite reasonably. Chop it a little bit and get out your cromach to keep the fondlers at bay.

[Panache]

This thread could possibly be of use to you in figuring out your formal look

Both pictures #8 and #9 are black tie, while #10 is white tie

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/1...888/index.html

Cheers

Jamie

[JSFMACLJR]

Originally Posted by The Deil's Chiel

The Regulation doublet can be worn with either a black or white bow-tie and vest, depending on the formality of the occassion.

It may also be worn with a jabot.

[starbkjrus]

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

You may have noticed around here a preference against the PC, which smacks a little of the RentAll shop, and probably a similar inclination against the fly plaid, for various other good reasons.

snip...

Umm no, there is not a preference against the PC here it's just that in North America its worn WAY too often in the wrong circumstance. It's formal wear for evening and not THE most formal at that. All too often you see the PC worn when an Argyle or Braemar would be much more appropriate. For instance: A two o'clock PM wedding with the wedding party in PC's is highly wrong. An Argyle is much more versatile. See Rathdown's post above.

[thescot]

Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR

It may also be worn with a jabot.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

He's joking. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never wear a jabot over a white shirt! Did I say don't do it? Well, don't ever do it. You'll look like Sean Connnery did in the famous photo that is something of a study in what NOT to wear.

Only wear a jabot with a jacket that mounts all the way to the chin and covers the chest, like a Montrose doublet.

With a regulation doublet, you wear a white waist coat and a bow tie!

There, I think I'll be OK now. The nurse brought my meds.

[Jock Scot]

Originally Posted by starbkjrus

Umm no, there is not a preference against the PC here it's just that in North America its worn WAY too often in the wrong circumstance. It's formal wear for evening and not THE most formal at that. All too often you see the PC worn when an Argyle or Braemar would be much more appropriate. For instance: A two o'clock PM wedding with the wedding party in PC's is highly wrong. An Argyle is much more versatile. See Rathdown's post above.

Absolutely! Well said.

[JSFMACLJR]

Originally Posted by thescot

Ahhhhhhhhh!

He's joking. Never, never, never, never, never, never, never wear a jabot over a white shirt! Did I say don't do it? Well, don't ever do it. You'll look like Sean Connnery did in the famous photo that is something of a study in what NOT to wear.

Only wear a jabot with a jacket that mounts all the way to the chin and covers the chest, like a Montrose doublet.

With a regulation doublet, you wear a white waist coat and a bow tie!

There, I think I'll be OK now. The nurse brought my meds.

Well, I disagree with you, old chap. I see nothinh wrong with wearing a jabot with a white shirt. I certainly wouldn't wear one without a waistcoat, but I can assure you that a jabot can be worn--and frequently is-- with open doublets to excellent effect. Sorry.