I ran a drawstring into my four and a half yard great kilt and it seems to hold the pleats fairly well. It also allows me to adjust the pleats a bit once I stand up. My pleats are a bit loose though. As for making it a bit more formal, I wear a white silk or satin shirt and a nice vest or doublet. I tuck the ends into the kilt. I don't have any pics as of yet, but I'll post them when I do.