Whatever the occasion, it’s always good to put some effort into your appearance. This can help show your hosts and companions that you were looking forward to spending time with them, and may help you feel a little special.

Dressy clothes can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget it’s good to have some items that are very versatile. For women, the little black dress is a great staple, and for men a dark suit can get you through many occasions.

Besides having a good wardrobe, another challenge can be interpreting suitable attire based on the invitation, as times and expectations are changing when it comes to dressing up. So here are a few guidelines and suggestions to help you pick the right attire.

White Tie
It is very rare to be invited to a White Tie event, unless it is a diplomatic event. For a White Tie event, men should wear a white bow tie, white waistcoat and black jacket with tails. Women should wear an elegant floor-length evening gown, gloves and jewelry. Historically “Formal” meant White Tie, but nowadays Formal generally refers to Black Tie.

Black Tie
For women, this historically would have required a long dress, but today a short dress or evening suit may do. For men, this requires a tuxedo. A tuxedo should be worn with a tuxedo shirt with matching studs and cufflinks, a bowtie (preferably hand-tied), patent leather shoes, and either a cummerbund or a waistcoat (never both). If you wear a cummerbund, it should be worn with the pleats facing up.

Black Tie Optional
For Black Tie Optional, you’ll have a little more selection in what you wear. You may simply dress the same as you would for a Black Tie event, or women may also wear dressy separates and men may wear a dark suit and tie.

Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie allows you to interpret Black Tie with a modern flair. Women may still wear a cocktail dress or gown, or evening suit, and men may wear a tux but with a bolo tie, black shirt without a tie, or something more daring but in keeping with the theme.


Excerpt from "Mr. Manners Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life"

I hope this helps. I'm sure you can take this and apply it to wearing a kilt to your event.