There are quite a few threads already about kilted black tie events, giving me quite a good idea about what I would like to wear to on such occasions. But when it comes to which hose to wear, I could use some help deciding!

Of the House of Cheviot full Argyle hose, I think the Hunting Scott would go best with my kilt in the modern MacLaren tartan. Do you agree?

Alternatively, I could go for some diced hose, and for this I was considering the navy and 'tartan green' version.

I noticed House of Cheviot refers to the diced hose as 'full evening', and I've seen them mentioned as the most formal hose option elsewhere as well, if I recall correctly.
Does that mean they would be slightly over the top for a black tie outfit, especially when I intend to wear a black Argyll jacket, instead of a Prince Charlie?

I think those Argyll hose would go quite nicely with the MacLaren tartan. Though some here might think that Argyll or diced hose are "over the top" for black tie, I don't think that opinion is anywhere near universal. I am a fan of diced and Argyll hose with both black- and white-tie dress, and I don't see anything wrong with wearing either with a black, silver-buttoned Argyll jacket.

One thing that I am not a fan of, however, is the wearing of the high-buttoning (five-button) waistcoats with formal evening dress - unless a jabot is worn. If you choose to wear a black bow tie, which should be self-tied, you really ought to invest in a three-button waistcoat that shows more of your shirt front or wear a black belt with silver buckle and no waistcoat; my personal preference is for the former.

Once you have things settled, be sure to post some pictures!

When House of Cheviot refers to the diced hose as "full" evening hose, I believe it is meant to differentiate them from the diced hose tops (partial hose) they also offer.

In other words, "full evening" is not a level of formality (there is no such thing as "partial evening," "semi-evening," "full evening," etc.). So if you want to wear diced hose for any evening function, feel free. I, and many others, sometimes wear them with day wear and think they look just great!

But to answer your first question, yes the Hunting Scot argyle hose they offer will look just fine with your modern MacLaren tartan kilt.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

When House of Cheviot refers to the diced hose as "full" evening hose, I believe it is meant to differentiate them from the diced hose tops (partial hose) they also offer.

In other words, "full evening" is not a level of formality (there is no such thing as "partial evening," "semi-evening," "full evening," etc.).

---

Ah, I interpreted "full evening" as another way of saying "white tie", but your explanation makes sense too! :-)