'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.