I am not a big fan of the Prince Charlie coatee. The reasons I don't like them are to be found in the little book by MacKinnon of Dunakin, written in 1960. I'd like to quote them here, and see what sort of discussion ensues, although I can make a pretty good guess as to the general feeling amongst the rabble regarding this ubiquitous garment!

"For evening wear there are many styles. One of the most popular today is the Prince Charlie coatee, which, however, is rather like a tail-coat cut short behind, with a few silver buttons scattered about. Its popularity notwithstanding, it is spoiled by its "monkey-jacket" appearance in front, and it shows too much tartan. It is almost invariably worn with a bow tie and the general effect is Lowland rather than Highland. ...

I cannot help agreeing with the following passge from Clans, Septs & Regiments of the Scottish Highlands: --
"The tendency in recent years has been to keep abbreviating the doublet or coatee and waistcoat in nineteenth century 'mess dress' style, in order 'to show more tartan,' and disclosing the close-sewn parts around the waistline. The effect is (in my view) to unbalance the figure, making the upper part seem 'too small' and the kilt 'stiff looking.' One need only compare the effect with the older style of doublet and waistcoat to perceive that covering the 'tight belted' waist-portion of the kilt and allowing the tartan to appear when it commences to flow loosely, makes it catch the eye far better than the large area of 'motionless' tartan." "

Have at it!