Over doing it

[Nathan]

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

[CMcG]

Great idea! When do you want to meet up to take my pictures?

How about when my dissertation is done The snow should be melted by then and we can get some good outdoor light without also getting frostbite I guess that means you're on your own with a self-timer for sorting out a panel of Burn's supper outfits...

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

If you are trying to dress down (still formal), then diced/tartan hose AND buckle brogues are probably too much. Maybe just one or t'other?

[Nathan]

How about when my dissertation is done The snow should be melted by then and we can get some good outdoor light without also getting frostbite I guess that means you're on your own with a self-timer for sorting out a panel of Burn's supper outfits...

I don't think my cell camera is that sophisticated but I suppose a Phd is a valid excuse...

If you are trying to dress down (still formal), then diced/tartan hose AND buckle brogues are probably too much. Maybe just one or t'other?

An interesting thought.

[TheOfficialBren]

Jock, great insight as always, my friend.
Re: kilted entertainers--yes---to a degree (unless you are Kanye West).
Colin, many congratulations. I hope to be there one day, too.
Nathan, darned good stuff. Great posts as always.

[creagdhubh]

How about when my dissertation is done The snow should be melted by then and we can get some good outdoor light without also getting frostbite I guess that means you're on your own with a self-timer for sorting out a panel of Burn's supper outfits...



If you are trying to dress down (still formal), then diced/tartan hose AND buckle brogues are probably too much. Maybe just one or t'other?

I agree. Personally, with the Argyll jacket in black Barathea, I'd opt for diced/tartan hose (or even solid coloured hose in claret, charcoal, navy or a dark/bottle/tartan green - based upon your tartan's colour scheme) and plain, black leather brogues with a high-polish. I'd save the bar and buckle brogues for the Balmoral doublet.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

So, what does everyone think; are diced or tartan hose too fancy to be paired with a dress Argyll for black tie? What about buckle brogues?

Nope. They are perfectly proper for black tie, whatever jacket is worn.

[Grizzly]

Nathan I am beginning to think that you are so overthinking this that you will not enjoy the event because you will be worried that you are wearing the wrong outfit or you could or should have worn something, brighter, duller, more shinny, less shiney. Most of us, and most Scots for that matter, see one of Jocks previous posts, do not have such an extensive wardrobe to choose from.

Wear what you want too not what you think that others should be wanting you to wear.

[Jock Scot]

Nathan.

I think Grizzly makes a very good point there and I really think that you are overthinking all this. As you have taken the time to hunt out one of my past threads, perhaps it might pay you to hunt out another of my old threads:- "The Tweed Argyll". Whilst I am not saying that everything I say and do is exactly right------ far from it--------but it and the following conversations within it, may give you some food for thought and might, eventually, make some room in your wardrobe!

[Nathan]

Nathan.

I think Grizzly makes a very good point there and I really think that you are overthinking all this. As you have taken the time to hunt out one of my past threads, perhaps it might pay you to hunt out another of my old threads:- "The Tweed Argyll". Whilst I am not saying that everything I say and do is exactly right------ far from it--------but it and the following conversations within it, may give you some food for thought and might, eventually, make some room in your wardrobe!

I've read your thread on the tweed Argyll previously and, having gotten by just fine with one tweed jacket and a Prince Charlie for years, I don't find fault with the idea that it is extremely versatile or that all you need is one, maybe two if you want a tatty one for outdoor pursuits.

The thing is, I like clothes and I get bored with wearing the same thing all the time. In my role as Commissioner of Clan Donald Southern Ontario, I have more occasions to wear the kilt than ever before and, as an ambassador of sorts, I have an incentive to look smart doing so. True, I used to wear it very casually on stage with my Celtic Rock group 3 + times a week, but that was a specific look for a specific kind of show.

Do I need three tweed jackets instead of one? Certainly not! Can I turn down the chance at having another "look" if the price is right? Not a chance. I take pleasure in a full wardrobe. Do I need my dark worsted wool Argyll with black buttons? Perhaps not but I'm very happy to have it because, while this may not concern your taste, I find that for reasons of climate, colour and culture, I'm very happy to have this option.

Similarly, unless you get a whole lot of white tie invitations, there's probably no reason why a man needs to own a dress Argyll, a PC and two doublets but if you can, what a pleasure! It is for me, anyway. Why show up in the same outfit next year if you don't have to?

I think it comes down to this. Some people's goal is to be dressed appropriately for an occasion and to blend in. That's perfectly admirable. They value an understated classiness and find standing out to be clownish. Whether or not I achieve it, I'll admit that my goal is to be the best dressed man in the room. Note that I didn't say the most overdressed or ornate man in the room. I also want to convey my identity and personality through my wardrobe choices.

To be sure, I find your sage advice to be most helpful and when I start a thread like this, I'm disappointed if you don't weigh in but ultimately, my goal is not just to "get it right", but to "knock it out of the park". I'm not looking for simplicity but something closer to sartorial bliss.

With such established traditions, it's very much a challenge to strike the balance of looking like you did it a little better than the other cookie cutter gents without looking like you just tried too hard. The idea is to look one's best AND to make it look effortless.

[Jock Scot]

Nathan

I suppose we are each trying to achieve what we want to achieve in our own way and in many ways we are probably attacking the situation from opposite ends.One the "less is more" and the other, well, errr, ummm, how about " theatrically loud"? My childhood training in Highland attire and still holds true for me today, was most certainly to be smartly dressed at all times,(we agree there!) not only that, at all times, in all occassions was brashness and loud attire to be avoided at all costs and it was easy to --and still is in my opinion--- to do so(stray) for those who do not know the form. Your mindset is quite foriegn to me, but I cannot honestly say its wrong, so each to their own, eh?