'Black tie' questions

[The Wizard of BC]

As I tend to dress in a bit more modern style I own no diced hose.

But I am asked, on occasion, to speak at events where the invitation states "Black Tie".

In the civilian world "Black Tie" means Tuxedo, so I take as my guidelines what would be appropriate for civilian Tuxedo.

In this photo I chose to wear my wing collar shirt but any tuxedo shirt would work just fine.

I also chose to wear charcoal hose. There is really nothing wrong with cream hose but I did not think they would be 'somber' enough for this particular event.

If you are catching a hint here. My general rule of thumb is to match my dress to the level of formality and to what others would be wearing to the event.
I very seldom attend events where "Scottish Highland Dress" is specified on the invitation.



We will probably never settle the hose color dilemma. Almost every Scottish based website you visit will show white or cream hose for tuxedo level events. Most people starting out wearing the kilt will use these as their guide so we cannot fault them. They would naturally think, "The Scots tell us this is what is expected".

This is also one, of only three times I have ever worn Ghillie Brogues. The only reason I even have a pair is that a customer came into the shop and handed me his pair. He stated he would never wear them again and they happen to be my perfect size.

[Phil]

Hello Jacobite Laddie and welcome to the Forum. I don't know who is likely to be at your 'black tie' event but if my experience is anything to go by everyone will be wearing PC's with white or off-white hose, ghillie brogues and wing collar shirts with pre-tied bow ties. They will look at anyone dressed differently with mild incomprehension so please don't get yourself tied in a knot about the niceties of Highland dress as pontificated by the likes of Lumsden of Cushnie or whoever. If you are on a budget then follow the herd and you will enjoy yourself. If money is no object go along to a good tailor and start competing with the likes of Lumsden of Cushnie if that is what you want to do. I wouldn't recommend Kinloch Anderson though as they stopped doing bespoke tailoring when they left George Street and moved down to Leith. Try Stewart Christie instead for a top class bespoke product. Get that velvet Montrose you always wanted, those full tartan hose you really must have, that sterling silver cantled sporan that is essential to the image, those patent buckle brogues to complete the 'authentic' look. But then will you enjoy yourself any more?

[John_Carrick]

Hello Jacobite Laddie and welcome to the Forum. I don't know who is likely to be at your 'black tie' event but if my experience is anything to go by everyone will be wearing PC's with white or off-white hose, ghillie brogues and wing collar shirts with pre-tied bow ties. They will look at anyone dressed differently with mild incomprehension so please don't get yourself tied in a knot about the niceties of Highland dress as pontificated by the likes of Lumsden of Cushnie or whoever. If you are on a budget then follow the herd and you will enjoy yourself. If money is no object go along to a good tailor and start competing with the likes of Lumsden of Cushnie if that is what you want to do. I wouldn't recommend Kinloch Anderson though as they stopped doing bespoke tailoring when they left George Street and moved down to Leith. Try Stewart Christie instead for a top class bespoke product. Get that velvet Montrose you always wanted, those full tartan hose you really must have, that sterling silver cantled sporan that is essential to the image, those patent buckle brogues to complete the 'authentic' look. But then will you enjoy yourself any more?

***

[Jacobite Laddie]

Now, as eloquently as you've put it, we have a fundamental difference of philosophy. It's not a matter of 'kilt snobbery' per se, but of getting it right. Because the majority of people get the niceties wrong, need we descend to that level? If you and I both know that something is wrong, forgive me, isn't it a little bit silly to 'go with the herd'? Surely the reason you and I are here at all is that we both care enough about highland dress not to make mistakes in wearing it? Perhaps all those glances of incomprehension will lead to people asking why and learning why they are wrong!

Nor is it really much more expensive to dress properly. I admit bespoke and so on is a luxury that things like having a professional background allow for some and not for others), but there are shops such as Hector Russell that sell Highland dress, you can get a stiff marcella shirt for just under seventy pounds, a collar for ten and a pair of properly coloured hose for twenty.

Forgive me for a spiel, but I really should defend my position politely.

Thank you to everyone who answered with all the suggestions and wonderful pictures.

[Chas]

snip ... but there are shops such as Hector Russell that sell Highland dress, you can get a stiff marcella shirt for just under seventy pounds, a collar for ten and a pair of properly coloured hose for twenty. ... snip

It can be done for a lot less -

http://www.clermontdirect.com/dress-...s-c-24_71.html

Regards

Chas

[Lime]

It's not a matter of 'kilt snobbery' per se, but of getting it right.

Indeed; I am always much happier when I know that I am right (and everyone else is wrong) than dressing incorrectly just to follow the fashion of the day.

[Lime]

I only wear a wing collar for white tie events. A fold down collar for black tie.

A good general rule although a stand up collar can be worn for Black Tie; but a fold down cannot be worn for White... and there are other subtle differences to a really good quality White Tie shirt; such as a high detachable collar and single cuffs fastened with cufflinks.

[creagdhubh]

I wouldn't recommend Kinloch Anderson though as they stopped doing bespoke tailoring when they left George Street and moved down to Leith.

I have had many bespoke items made for me by Kinloch Anderson, since they have been in Leith and the most recent garment was just last last year.

[Phil]

I have had many bespoke items made for me by Kinloch Anderson, since they have been in Leith and the most recent garment was just last last year.

You surprise me as they pointed me towards Messrs Dege & Skinner in London with whom they have an arrangement if I was seeking a proper bespoke garment. Perhaps they have reverted to their former abilities as bespoke tailors then.

[piperdbh]

Red hose will never let you down.