Over doing it

[Nathan]

I just browsed the photo galleries Nathan and failed to discriminate between the various events. Perhaps the hose was more varied at the last Burns Supper!

IMHO variety is the spice of life so while not overdoing it I would dare to be a wee bit different. There is a fine balance to be struck between conformity and originality; blending in and standing out; being sensitive to the expectations of others and not always going with the heard.

I may have missed it, but what does the invitation say about the dress code? If it is black tie, your doublet should be fine. If it needs to be dressed down then, as others have suggested, you could wear it partly unbuttoned or open. The chap with the jabot will look much more formal anyway.

This is how I wore mine recently.

But don't agonize too much and enjoy the event!

There's doublets and then there's doublets.

Your Balmoral, Nathan, is of the less ostentatious variety and effectively straddles different levels of formality. It is good ol' barathea, instead of velvet or silk; has a solid, subdued colour; and doesn't have lace cuffs sewn permanently into it, all of which combine to give you more wiggle room to dress it up or down for the event.

Has the Highland outfitter you wrote about actually seen your doublet? Speaking of Highland outfitters, have you read what Highland Clans has to say about the Balmoral? They are one of the few -- if not the only -- people who sell this style of doublet:

"The Balmoral Kilt Doublet is suitable for formal evening events, both black tie and white tie. It is traditionally made from Velvet, but is now also made in Barathea Wool.

...It is usually worn with a belt, and black bow tie (as shown but these items are not included).

...It can be worn less formally unbuttoned - in this case the belt would be worn round the kilt (under the jacket)."*

* my bold

Maybe give that a try and see how you like the look.

After giving this far too much thought and trying on a lot of combinations, I am leaning toward wearing the Balmoral doublet open with my plate belt buckle, seal sporran and either charcoal or bottle green hose.

Given that the doublet is barathea and that it is designed to be worn with a black bow tie rather than with a jabot, I'm pretty comfortable with the fact that it can be dressed down. After looking at the ensemble in the mirror and looking at MacRobert's fine photographic example, I think the solid coloured hose and plain polished dress shoes will keep it from going over the top.

I reserve the right to change my mind. ;)