Dressing for Burns night

[Fedgunner]

Please understand that our Burns dinner is a " kitchen sink " event.
There will be everything from velvet doublets to jacobite shirts.
I'm planning on wearing a Locharron Campbell kilt, (13 oz) with an Erskine plaid, black silver buttoned argyle jacket, white, wing collared shirt with studs and black bow tie, formal sporran, black hose with ancient red flashes with ghillie brouges.

How far have I strayed?

[McMurdo]

Perhaps photos of the outfit would help, but given the type of gathering I think it sounds fine. The one point to clarify for me is the wearing of the Erskine plaid with the Campbell kilt

[Fedgunner]

Perhaps photos of the outfit would help, but given the type of gathering I think it sounds fine. The one point to clarify for me is the wearing of the Erskine plaid with the Campbell kilt

Erskine plaid as in the style Matt Newsome displayed on his blog.
It is in Campbell tartan as well. (Yardage purchased with the kilt)
Pictures will be on Sunday, as I have to make a new photo -bucket account.

[MacMillan's son]

I too was curious about the inconsistency in tartans.

I just learned today of a recommendation to wear a regular collared shirt with an Argyll and bow tie, instead of the wing collared shirt. Perhaps save the wing collared shirt for a more formal jacket. This if the first time I remember hearing this suggestion, however. I would like to hear from those with native Highland attire experience, the typical collar of choice with the Argyll jacket.

As is sometimes said here "There may not be rules, but there are traditions and conventions".


What ever you choose, have a great time!

[McMurdo]

Erskine plaid as in the style Matt Newsome displayed on his blog.
It is in Campbell tartan as well. (Yardage purchased with the kilt)
Pictures will be on Sunday, as I have to make a new photo -bucket account.

Thanks for the clarification, that should look wonderful, I look forward to the photos.

[pascs]

I always thought the Argyle very versatile in that respect since its fine to wear it with formal wing collar shirt and bow tie when not wearing the 5 button waistcoat.

When wearing a waistcoat then a normal shirt and tie is best

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I too was curious about the inconsistency in tartans.

I just learned today of a recommendation to wear a regular collared shirt with an Argyll and bow tie, instead of the wing collared shirt. Perhaps save the wing collared shirt for a more formal jacket. This if the first time I remember hearing this suggestion, however. I would like to hear from those with native Highland attire experience, the typical collar of choice with the Argyll jacket.

As is sometimes said here "There may not be rules, but there are traditions and conventions".


What ever you choose, have a great time!

I've worn both. Both look just fine, in my opinion. The wing collar shirt raises the formality of the outfit just a notch.

[longhuntr74]

Regarding wing vs. turn down collar...wing collar shirts should have a detachable collar and should be reserved for "white tie". Black tie is meant to be worn with a turn down collar shirt. Don't let bad '80s fashion influence your perceptions of what "right" looks like. You have some choice with the front of your shirt regarding black tie...anything from a plain front (standard white dress shirt...but no button down collars or oxford cloth please), to pleated front or marcella bib front.

I HIGHLY recommend the Black Tie Guide when it comes to formal wear advice. This site is spot on with proper convention with regards to Black Tie, White tie, etc. It even has contemporary adaptations and a Scottish dress page (which has been recently updated to correct some previous errors in photos, etc.

[Fedgunner]

First attempt at posting pics in years....





Now please... visualize the bowtie... mine has gotten shy. (meaning I can't find the bloody thing)
I will purchase another on the morrow.

[McMurdo]

I think that looks splendid. Enjoy your Burns Night.