How would it look?

[Benning Boy]

I have a black Argyle jacket with chrome lozenge shaped buttons, the usual thing, and also a dove gray waistcoat with the same buttons. To my eye they look well together viewed in the mirror, but I'm wondering what our Scotian fashionistas might think of this combination. Is it a combination the cognoscenti might respect, or would they get all elitist on me. I'm considering the combo to wear to a formal event. The fall back is both black jacket and waistcoat. However that is almost too much a uniform to me, and I'd rather work out my own look.

[Geoff Withnell]

Sounds like it could be quite dashing. Any chance of pics?

[Liam]

I too think it would be fine...

[Dughlas mor]

I`m not much of a fancy dresser, but that sounds like it could work pretty well.

[Tasty Rabbit]

Gray compliments black very well .

[Downunder Kilt]

I have a black Argyle jacket with chrome lozenge shaped buttons, the usual thing, and also a dove gray waistcoat with the same buttons. To my eye they look well together viewed in the mirror, but I'm wondering what our Scotian fashionistas might think of this combination. Is it a combination the cognoscenti might respect, or would they get all elitist on me. I'm considering the combo to wear to a formal event. The fall back is both black jacket and waistcoat. However that is almost too much a uniform to me, and I'd rather work out my own look.

the BBA is the daytime formal attire a la morning suit and the most common coloured waistcoat you see with a morning suit is dove grey and five button or double breasted If this is to be a nightime formal event I urge you to wear a 3 button waistcoat with theBBA

[Benning Boy]

I get what you're saying Downunder. Hadn't quite thought of it that way. Around here you'll never see a proper morning suit. It's either a dark business suit, or tuxedo and that's it. Except for the orchestra conductor, he wears white tie and tails sometimes. Heck, one of the most formal events I ever attended the host wore a Nudie Suit. For me, I'm just trying to work with what I have, and find a way to look formally dressed, but not look too much like I'm wearing a uniform. It's the gosh awful uniformity of TCHD that miffs me. (Of course, anyone in a kilt around here is out of uniform.) As long as I spiff myself up a bit, I could get by. No doubt there'll be some yokels, especially the students, there dressed like Slobovians. I'd just like to baffel and/or dazzel, and leave a good impression.

[Jock Scot]

.................. It's the gosh awful uniformity of TCHD that miffs me.................

I really do not understand how you think as you do. With a choice of some three thousand tartans to choose from and most in at least three hues,if you wish. A choice of many hundred(perhaps thousands) of tweed patterns to choose from, for day and some evening attire, if you wish. Multiple choices of hose colour.Multiple choices of pullover(sweater) colours and style. Multiple styles and colours of evening jackets.Multiple choices of coloured waistcoats and styles to choose from, multiple styles of shirts and colours and patterns to choose from. Many hundred tie styles and colour combinations to be had. More than enough sporran styles to suit most. Shoe styles and colours to keep most happy............and I could continue...............! No I really cannot understand where you get the "uniformity" bit from, particularly when each and every one of us adds personal choice to the equation.

[tripod]

You say this is a 'formal' event in your first post, then later you say that at another formal event the host wore a Nudie suit. (I had to look this up and came away with the impression of East end Pearly king and queen costume). I think there is a misunderstanding as to what type event you are talking about.

To many English speakers a 'formal' event has a required standard of dress, black tie, white tie, morning suit. These are distinct modes of dress. If I turned up at an event here in England that required one of these and was incorrectly dressed I would not expect to be allowed in.

What type of event is it, a more detailed description would allow for more enlightened comments.

[OC Richard]

I have a black Argyll jacket with chrome lozenge shaped buttons, the usual thing

Interesting, I've seen thousands of the ordinary black Argyll jackets (pipers always have them) but I've never seen one with lozenge-shaped buttons.

I've seen those buttons, sure enough, but only on the velvet waistcoats of girls' Highland Dancing costumes, and once in a blue moon on very old vintage men's Highland costumes.

Here they are



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lozenge

The usual buttons on black Argylls are the same as on Prince Charlies: square.