Dress Codes

[Lon Scot Reg Secretary]

Having read some of the first and last posts on this subject, I'd like to throw in my two pennies worth.

I come from a Scottish regimental background and have attended many formal events in my time with lots of specifically stated dress codes. Basically if a function has a stated dress code, then it is the invited duty to find out what that is and dress appropriately. If you don't have the correct dress, get it or politely decline the invitation.

In the forces it is made simple as we have dress regulations written down. Formal states of dress are varied and worn on a regular basis. No coloured ties or waistcoats, uniformity is the name of the game.

I like to carry this into civilian life, keep it simple. Someone mentioned the Royal Caledonian Ball; here the dress code is clearly stated and adhered to, to the point of expulsion for those who deviate. This is up the top end of the social events and so it sets a standard. Here dress is Highland evening wear, mess kit, or Hunts tails. White tie means White tie, that is 'Hunts tails' and a boiled starched stiff fronted shirt and a single ended white bow tie. There is no kilted version of this; White tie is white tie. Simple.

Black tie is a dinner jacket, black bow tie, white dress shirt, cummerbund or a waistcoat (of a suitable colour). Highly polished or patterned leather shoes. This can be supplemented with trews, which looks very smart and is my preferred version.

Highland eveningwear opens up a wider vista of variations of jackets, shirts, sporrans etc, but is based on Black tie. This is where individualism can be expressed and I've seen many variations, too many to list here.

Traditional Highland day wear is well documented. I feel that the main thing is to judge the events that you are attending or the activity you are doing, dress appropriately, and be comfortable. My only advise to those starting out to negotiating the minefield that is dress codes is, PLEASE don’t wear white kilt socks!

However when wearing the kilt, be proud and remember why you are wearing it!