Cocktail Kilt attire

**OC Richard** · 18th February 22, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by Lady Grey

A nice Akubra would also be perfectly appropriate with a kilt...

Interesting to know. As it happens I have a nice Akubra

It's common, at a Highland Games here in the US Southwest, where temps can be in the 20s or 30s, for people to wear brimmed hats with kilts.

It's the fair skin versus sun issue, just as you have in Australia.

Though around here the hats are more likely to be Tilleys or Stetsons.

(Dress at a California Highland Games)

**Steve Ashton** · 18th February 22, 12:45 PM

According to many style guides cocktail attire is built around a ladies Cocktail dress.
Usually a simple dress of mid calves to just above the knee worn with heels for parties indoors or outdoor in the afternoon to early evening.
Usually of lighter weight fabrics worn with a minimum of jewelry or accessories.
Dressier than jeans but not as dressy as for dinner. You are usually not seated around a table but standing and walking around. drinks, hors d'oeuvres or buffet.

Men in slacks and sport coats are often seen but there is a wide variety of regional differences in the meaning of cocktail attire.

Here are some guidelines that will always serve you well.
When in doubt ask the hostess.
Dress appropriately for the event. ie, what will others be wearing.
Don't overdress just because you can.
Don't underdress to make a statement.

**Hamish Ramsay** · 21st February 22, 04:54 AM

Well given that the wedding is at 3:30pm and goes into the evening I’ll stick with the Argyle and bow tie and leave the plaid in the closet. The lady has a good coat to wear so will be warm when necessary.

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. I’ll post some pics after the day.

**OC Richard** · 22nd February 22, 06:57 AM

For such events I probably would have worn something like this

which fits the Cocktail Attire guidelines I've looked at (suit or sportcoat, long tie, etc).

Add to that the fact that over the years, since the 1920s to today, people have advocated dark grey tweed jackets for Highland wedding attire for guests.

Though I probably would have worn a plain shirt and ordinary brogues.

**Rama4390** · 22nd February 22, 03:54 PM

I've worn this where cocktail dress has been specified. At this time of year, I'd go without the vest & wear a different tie though.

20200402_171312 (2).jpg

**Panache** · 22nd February 22, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

(Dress at a California Highland Games)

Richard,

This is such a great picture. It makes me smile every time it get's shared.

FYI, we all showed up at the games like this with no previous discussion

Cheers

Jamie

**Hamish Ramsay** · 15th March 22, 05:11 AM

Apologies for the delay folks. Photo of the Lady and myself at nephew's wedding. No jacket, no vest, no plaid. I have another nephew's wedding this weekend which is "formal" so likely pull on the jacket and ditch the belt.

Attachment 41326

**figheadair** · 15th March 22, 11:06 AM

Cocktail Dress seems to be an American semi-formal dress code for which there isn't really a direct British equivalent. The nearest would probably be Lounge Suit, something I understand which is not really translated into America English. 😊

What to wear rather depends on whose Cocktail Party it is. By way of comparison, I've been to 'supper' with various Brigadiers in my career; for some (infantry) the dress was casual, meaning Chinos and a Pullover; for others (cavalry) it was smart, meaning Black Tie. Always know your audience and dress accordingly.

**Jock Scot** · 16th March 22, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

....................... Always know your audience and dress accordingly.

Wise words Peter.

If we then add the word "experience" to your words, then you have the "Magic" formula. Unfortunately, experience is often hard earned. When we then add international interpretations, then attire decisions are, without that magic word "experience", heading towards wrong choices being made. It is not helped by one's hosts not knowing what they actually require from their guests in attire form, which seems to be the case more often these days. As Peter says we often use the words like , "smart", "casual", "supper", "Dinner" for example to guide the guest with their attire choices for an event. Its works well and has worked well for a very long time.

I think the answer is live long, go out to events often and keep the eyes and brain open. AND YES! You will not always get your attire choices exactly right! Well, at least not for a very long time------decades-------and then, if you do get it wrong, when you are very long in the tooth and your skin will be so thick that it won't matter!

One of our members(Liam, perhaps?) has at the bottom of his posts some very wise words about "experience". I will not try to quote them because I will get the words wrong, but those words apply so accurately to many things in life, including making attire choices.