Talk me out of a fly plaid

[Highwayman]

In good part thanks to this forum, I've managed to assemble a very affordable Prince Charlie tuxedo set for the occasion of a yearly Tartan Ball up in Milwaukee which I'll be traveling to attend. I expect to be a yearly visitor as I have friends in the area who run the event, it may also be my only occasion to wear highland black tie thus I did not splurge too much on the outfit costs. Showing off my ebay'd vintage Prince Charlie to a friend, they reminded me that the shoulder cords are designed to hold a fly plaid and chuckled that 'I'm sure you'd like wearing a cape.'
He was right. Wearing a cape is a long term goal in my life. I need not explain myself in this day and age of tolerance and acceptance.

However, my needing a cape to be fulfilled in life does not mean I should barge into cultural traditions solely for the look. Reading into it, while many vendors would happily provide an affordable fly plaid in my matching tartan, it seems to be the one accessory that this forum finds simply silly and unnecessary. On a forum about kilts, that's saying something. At worst, I've heard it's unwieldly, dangerous, or uncomfortable. At best, I've heard it should only be for extremely special occasions rising above black or white tie, such as a man's wedding. It seems that wearing one implies you're trying to overshadow others, and at gatherings it should be reserved for those of honor or status. I will say I find this gesture of respect to be extremely interesting and unique in a world where men's formal wear is simply a uniform we don attempting to look the same as everyone else, and it's a gesture I respect as a non-Scottish individual.

But trust me I'm still shallow and want a cape. I've priced one from USA kilts to match my fabric, I've looked into a smaller, subtle brooch that is a simple Celtic knot rather than a clan or fraternal badge, and I can afford it comfortably if I behave this month and have a little left over in my entertainment budget.

What are your thoughts? Considering this would be a once-a-year outfit for a distinctly Scottish-themed (but not Scottish in heritage) gathering held by a Shriners pipe band, the finest tastes may not apply. However, making an effort to truly honor the tastes of the culture may be worth suppressing my truly disturbing desire for a cape.

[GrainReaper]

My advice is this, if you want a cape by all means buy a cape! I have a sweet batman cape that I wear a lot when playing with my young (4yr old) son, it's awesome to wear and does bring me back to my childhood. As for the fly plaid, I think they look overdone in the best case, and more often like you are wearing a picnic-table cloth. In a word, silly.

[Father Bill]

What do others at the event wear?

[HuDonald]

Despite what some on here thinks, I think the fly paid is a beautiful part of the black tie dress. But I do agree that it bump things up a notch in terms of apparent formality, and in "flash and style".

I wore my fly paid for my own wedding, and it was perfectly fitting. So did my father in-law. That said, we wore our plaids to a local ceilidh once, found ourselves "overdressed" and getting stares (from those who don't have plaids off their shoulders)... haven't worn it since. While I don't base all my actions on others, it still doesn't feel good to have judgmental looks from people who are too high on themselves to be polite.

That said, consider this: we are nested in a current culture that somehow suppresses the flavors of men's clothing, as if it's something wrong. But look beyond the English and American influences, and you'll find cultures that embrace colors, embroidery, and decorations in many cultures, especially in their traditional garments (since modern dress codes are heavily influenced by modern Caucasian culture). I see highland dress like I do other traditional cultural outfits, it's a traditional garment that is being continuously adapted to fit current taste and style. Fly plaid or not, I don't think it's a matter of right/wrong, but one that's more about personal preference and taste.

Confirm to current culture? Or wear it with pride and joy? Your choice.
If I were in your shoes, and my wife is into the annual ball, I'd be sporting my plaids. It's one a year, not a big deal.

Just my 2¢

[Dileasgubas]

In my opinion, a plaid does not work well with a Prince Charlie. The PC, which is cut short much in the manner of a dinner jacket, simply does not have the weight to counter-balance the plaid. It therefore ends up pulling the PC backwards, making the plaid look out of place on the outfit. Bigger men seem to be able to make it work, likely since their PCs contain more material.

A few of my military comrades wear fly plaids with their mess dress. Contrary to a PC, however, the mess jacket has the weight to hold the fly plaid in place and keep everything looking nice. However, since the plaid can be a real nuisance, most people, myself included, forego them.

I have been fortunate enough to have acquired a plaid which tends to get used for picnics or sitting on the lawn at highland games. I also bring it in the field since it makes a great blanket. Not sure how I feel about bringing it along to a formal function but it tends to stay at home.

That said, I do admire those who can pull off wearing a plaid without looking like they're in costume.

Just my thoughts.

[Tarheel]

I will adhere to the title of this thread and suggest, "just don't ... for now." There may come that day when you will require the extra pizazz, if not now, it can wait.

[Mikilt]

To my eyes, the kilt stands on its own. The fly plaid is too much. It borders on "Brigadoonery"

[JohntheBiker]

Clearly your choice, but I have only worn my fly plaid once - my wedding. My wife has gotten far more use out of it than I, using it as a shawl/wrap. I would use the funds to add something else to your highland wardrobe that you will get more use out of. Just one opinion.

[ctbuchanan]

I wore a fly plaid once to a formal black tie wedding. I was the only one kilted which was fine and well received and I was very comfortable. But I felt awkward in the plaid and just thought it was over the top so I took it off. I might wear it again some day to a very formal tartan event, but never again to a 'civilian' affair.
I agree with the advise of others - use the funds for a really nice sporran etc.

CTB

[Liam]

If you want to wear it, go for it. There aren't many opportunities to wear one so if you are so inclined do so. Is it over the top, yea, probably but so is wearing a kilt.