What to wear for afternoon tea

[ThistleDown]

Just the cardboard tartan ones, Friday. In Scotland we usually wear tied garters, but there are elastic and velcro ones out there, too, and they're acceptable. Toss the tartan ones in the nearest bin.

RWM, think of what you will be wearing as a business suit. No silver buttons and no sporran with silver -- no bling. For your wife she should think elegantly casual. Preferably a dress or skirt and blouse, perhaps with a jacket. Played down accessories, too. No carryall for a handbag, no tartan sash and big broochie. You haven't said when this will be, but if there is a risk of coolness for her, the jacket may serve or even a woolen wrap.

[Standard]

Sounds like you are getting good advise here. As always make sure your shoes are polished. On another note, from their menu it looks like they have a very nice tea, and at a reasonable price. I'm sure you will enjoy the afternoon with your lady.

[Highlander31]

Just the cardboard tartan ones, Friday. In Scotland we usually wear tied garters, but there are elastic and velcro ones out there, too, and they're acceptable. Toss the tartan ones in the nearest bin....

I use one of my old tartan flashes as a material swatch. When shopping for a tie or a shirt, it is nice to be able to lay the flash over it, and get an idea of how it will look with the kilt. When suits were the order of the day, I would do the same thing with a small sample of the suit's material.

[ThistleDown]

I use one of my old tartan flashes as a material swatch. When shopping for a tie or a shirt, it is nice to be able to lay the flash over it, and get an idea of how it will look with the kilt. When suits were the order of the day, I would do the same thing with a small sample of the suit's material.

Good idea, Highlanders31. Maybe I'll see if I can retreive those ones I used to have from the scrap bin for the same purpose. On the issue of right or wrong, everything written on this forum is that author's opinion, even the best and the worst of advice. Always sort the offerings for those that fit your style just as you choose shoes that fit your feet.

[lukeyrobertson]

I like what Jock says about showing only an inch or slightly more of the garter/flash. I like solid garter ties and tartan flashes... I wear both. I like them to show a "flash" of colour and not have then flapping around. Have fun at the Scotsman! Sounds like an elegant place for a special time with your partner. Send us pics!

[Highlander31]

Good idea, Highlanders31. Maybe I'll see if I can retreive those ones I used to have from the scrap bin for the same purpose.

Thanks, ThistleDown. However, I can't take credit for that idea. When I was a young man and purchasing my first suit, an elderly gentleman was in the tailor's shop picking up a suit. He asked if I would like some advice on suits and dress in general. Fortunately, for me, I was smart enough to realize I could learn from his experience. In five minutes I learned how to test the material of a suit for its ability to resist wrinkles, the quality of the stitches and the attention to detail in the fitting of patterns (specifically pinstripe suits.) He suggested I wear only fitted shirts with simple elegant cuff links, and when I found a tie that worked with the sample swatch, to purchase two, and alternate wearing them, thus getting the most wear for the dollar. He also recommended when I could afford it, to get either Bally's or Allen Edmonds shoes. I've tried both, and prefer the Allen Edmonds (my last pair has lasted over twenty years.) I never did get the gentleman's name, but his advice has stayed with me for more than forty years. It seemed natural to carry that same advise over to kilt wear.

On the issue of right or wrong, everything written on this forum is that author's opinion, even the best and the worst of advice. Always sort the offerings for those that fit your style just as you choose shoes that fit your feet.

I agree, one must sort out their own style and preferences. I started out wearing white hose with the tartan flashes. Both faded from my dress as I discovered colored hose and the more comfortable self tie garters. One of the strengths of this forum, is the myriad of styles and opinions presented for examination.

[Lime]

who still dress like their grandparents and expect everyone else to do the same.

Many would be better dressed like their grandfather... but they seem to prefer dressing like their children!

[David Thorpe]

Many would be better dressed like their grandfather... but they seem to prefer dressing like their children!

Well said.

[ScotFree]

My grandfather dressed like he just stepped out of a 19th century Ukrainian shtetl (think Fiddler on the Roof). I'll pass.

[Peter Crowe]

Many would be better dressed like their grandfather... but they seem to prefer dressing like their children!

Indeed! ***