Highland Casual?

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

My fair lass has us up for a fundraiser this weekend where dress is listed as "Highland casual".

Is this a prescribed kit or does that mean a kilt with any darn thing you want to put with it?

[Jdot84]

I'd say wear what you want.

[St. Amish]

There's a thread somewhere out there where McMurdo and Panache wore the same kilt with ten different looks. I can't find it right now to link it to you, but basically there are many definitions of "casual".

I take it to mean leave the prince charlie in the closet.

Wear something nice, but not too dressy. Pull on a nice complimentary sweater.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

The "kilt looks" thread is here.

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

[bricelythgoe]

Casual means casual.. Whatever you want!!!

[lethearen]

Casual means casual.. Whatever you want!!!

We Americans take the word "casual" too far, methinks

I guess it depends on what the fundraiser is for, and how it's presented, and what time of the day. Unless I knew there was a specific reason for being ultra casual (jeans & t-shirt type affair), I don't think I'd venture that route.

At least in the guise of a "Highland" event, I'd suggest looking more to what a Scotsman would call casual. Maybe Jock will chime in

But if he doesn't, what I understand as Highland casual would involve a day jacket and a button-down shirt with tie. If you get there and you find that you're too dressy, you can always ditch the jacket and even the tie. If you show up in a t-shirt and combat boots only to discover you are too underdressed, it'd be much more difficult to sharpen up your look.

[Jordan]

We Americans take the word "casual" too far, methinks

I guess it depends on what the fundraiser is for, and how it's presented, and what time of the day. Unless I knew there was a specific reason for being ultra casual (jeans & t-shirt type affair), I don't think I'd venture that route.

At least in the guise of a "Highland" event, I'd suggest looking more to what a Scotsman would call casual. Maybe Jock will chime in

But if he doesn't, what I understand as Highland casual would involve a day jacket and a button-down shirt with tie. If you get there and you find that you're too dressy, you can always ditch the jacket and even the tie. If you show up in a t-shirt and combat boots only to discover you are too underdressed, it'd be much more difficult to sharpen up your look.

While we are waiting for Jock I hope you don’t mind if I put my tuppence in?
I have found that there is a difference between the definition of casual between generations For example my idea of casual is a T-Shirt and boots where as someone of a not so recent generation’s idea of casual might be a shirt with no tie. That said if I’m going to an event where I need to look smart (not necessarily “dressed up”) then a shirt and tie never go amiss and if your too smart take the tie off which is easier than wishing you hadn’t left it at home.

Just my tuppence and it’s probably worth less than that

Jordan

[Zardoz]

Is the event night or day?, indoors or out? That would have a lot to do with how I'd dress.

[Brian K]

The best advice I ever had about what to do when perplexed about how to dress, is to dress a bit better than you think might be necessary. It's always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. As others have said, you can always shed the tie, and maybe even the jacket, but if you don't have them, and you wish you did, there's no remedy.

[Tobus]

For example my idea of casual is a T-Shirt and boots where as someone of a not so recent generation’s idea of casual might be a shirt with no tie.

In standard vernacular (and in certain circles), "casual" could very well mean a t-shirt. But the term "Highland casual" probably doesn't mean that, since (I'm guessing) t-shirts are not really as common there as they are in the USA. I could be wrong.

Invoking the term "Highland casual" probably refers to a more traditional sense of casual that's steeped in Highland history, and so that should probably be taken in context. Not knowing anything else about the organization or the people, I'd be inclined to wear a kilt with traditional hose and flashes/garters, comfortable dress shoes, and a buttoned/collared shirt at the very minimum. But since it's an evening event with a possible concert, I'd go with a tie and waistcoat as well... possibly a jacket too. Sort of the "day wear" look, even though it's an evening casual event (but with black shoes and belt).

That's actually a good question for the experts. In relation to the "10 looks" thread, would "evening casual" be perhaps somewhere around "smart day wear"? Or would it step up to "semi formal (suit equivalent)"?