How would it look?

[Benning Boy]

I have a black Argyle jacket with chrome lozenge shaped buttons, the usual thing, and also a dove gray waistcoat with the same buttons. To my eye they look well together viewed in the mirror, but I'm wondering what our Scotian fashionistas might think of this combination. Is it a combination the cognoscenti might respect, or would they get all elitist on me. I'm considering the combo to wear to a formal event. The fall back is both black jacket and waistcoat. However that is almost too much a uniform to me, and I'd rather work out my own look.

[Geoff Withnell]

Sounds like it could be quite dashing. Any chance of pics?

[Liam]

I too think it would be fine...

[Dughlas mor]

I`m not much of a fancy dresser, but that sounds like it could work pretty well.

[Tasty Rabbit]

Gray compliments black very well .

[StevieR]

I agree with Jock. Highland dress offers an enormous array of choices. It might be like colouring between the lines, but those lines are pretty broadly spaced. If the formal function is "black tie", then certainly in the UK that means dinner suit, bow tie, dress shirt and shiny black shoes. Those dressing like that are far more restricted in conveying a little individual flair (I've always been taught "understated", so this would likely only extend to some unusual cufflinks and maybe a fancy backed shirt) and so would appear far more "uniform" than those kilted at a similarly formal event.

Going back to your original question, it depends what you mean by formal. If black tie, then your black argyll with a three button waistcoat is your starting point. In my opinion the colour of the waistcoat does not necessarily have to match that of the jacket. If the event requires a lounge suit (or is even more casual) you may be a little overdressed but you could consider changing the buttons of your jacket and again - my opinion only of course- a contrasting waistcoat would look great.

As far as keeping up appearances goes, then yes, perhaps dress choices in the UK are a little more formal than the US, but surely conventions should still be followed? It still leaves plenty of room for personal flair, but just means you don't turn up to a job interview in a tee shirt and shorts and you don't go to a beach party in a lounge suit!

[plaid preacher]

Benning Boy, I think you plan sounds perfectly fine. As someone pointed out earlier, the dove grey vest is traditional with the morning suit, and thus should work well with the BBA.

At the risk of having the Dowager Grantham cluck her tongue at the following suggestion - as she did when Lord Grantham showed up for dinner in a dinner jacket and not the traditional tails - I suspect on this side of the Atlantic at least that you can probably get away with the BBA at a formal event (black tie) after 6 pm. In North America it is not uncommon to see gentlemen attired in tuxedos for afternoon weddings, and in all my years, the only morning suits I ever saw were either worn by funeral directors or myself and my best man at my morning wedding. (...and no I am not comparing my wedding to a funeral, in case you may wonder ). Indeed several sites I have referenced include the BBA within the range of acceptable dress for black tie events. As someone noted, a three button vest is preferable. Whatever you wear, I suspect you are more apt to be asked what you are wearing under your kilt than what you are wearing on top.

[Downunder Kilt]

I have a black Argyle jacket with chrome lozenge shaped buttons, the usual thing, and also a dove gray waistcoat with the same buttons. To my eye they look well together viewed in the mirror, but I'm wondering what our Scotian fashionistas might think of this combination. Is it a combination the cognoscenti might respect, or would they get all elitist on me. I'm considering the combo to wear to a formal event. The fall back is both black jacket and waistcoat. However that is almost too much a uniform to me, and I'd rather work out my own look.

the BBA is the daytime formal attire a la morning suit and the most common coloured waistcoat you see with a morning suit is dove grey and five button or double breasted If this is to be a nightime formal event I urge you to wear a 3 button waistcoat with theBBA

[Benning Boy]

I get what you're saying Downunder. Hadn't quite thought of it that way. Around here you'll never see a proper morning suit. It's either a dark business suit, or tuxedo and that's it. Except for the orchestra conductor, he wears white tie and tails sometimes. Heck, one of the most formal events I ever attended the host wore a Nudie Suit. For me, I'm just trying to work with what I have, and find a way to look formally dressed, but not look too much like I'm wearing a uniform. It's the gosh awful uniformity of TCHD that miffs me. (Of course, anyone in a kilt around here is out of uniform.) As long as I spiff myself up a bit, I could get by. No doubt there'll be some yokels, especially the students, there dressed like Slobovians. I'd just like to baffel and/or dazzel, and leave a good impression.

[Jock Scot]

.................. It's the gosh awful uniformity of TCHD that miffs me.................

I really do not understand how you think as you do. With a choice of some three thousand tartans to choose from and most in at least three hues,if you wish. A choice of many hundred(perhaps thousands) of tweed patterns to choose from, for day and some evening attire, if you wish. Multiple choices of hose colour.Multiple choices of pullover(sweater) colours and style. Multiple styles and colours of evening jackets.Multiple choices of coloured waistcoats and styles to choose from, multiple styles of shirts and colours and patterns to choose from. Many hundred tie styles and colour combinations to be had. More than enough sporran styles to suit most. Shoe styles and colours to keep most happy............and I could continue...............! No I really cannot understand where you get the "uniformity" bit from, particularly when each and every one of us adds personal choice to the equation.