formal evening dress: vest or no?

[JSFMACLJR]

I almost always wear a waistcoat with evening dress, and on those few occasions when I don't, I do not wear a belt. I dislike belts with the kilt; a personal thing. As I have shown, though, I am not alone in the sans waistcoat, sans belt look. Here is my chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart showing that it can be done. In hot climes ( and this pic was taken in Atlanta! ) it makes sense.



While Jock Scot and I seldom--if ever disagree--it is worth pointing out that jabots were not always worn solely at white tie events. In the Western Isles one did/does see them worn more often than in other parts of the world even at black tie events. Why wear "English" neckwear when a beautiful jabot can be worn instead? Still, though, Jock is pretty much spot on, in that nowadays jabots tend to be worn for white tie events only...but there is "wiggle room"!

Now, jabots can be worn quite effectively with PC coatees, if the latter are tailored correctly! In a well-made doublet, the waist is higher, as the top of the kilt is higher. If this is done, then there won't be much shirt exposed and jabots look splendid! Here is a picture (from an old catalogue albeit) to illustrate this look:



I'm afraid I do not agree that a cummerbund is suitable with the kilt; in fact I think it looks downright silly!