From "Normal" to "Formal" - the kilt's place as a Highland garment

[Jock Scot]

Good question.

I think before we get too deep into the discussion here, we all need to understand that "formal" does not mean the same in the UK as certainly in the USA and perhaps other countries too. For formal day wear in the UK, where a top hat and tails may be worn as Saxon wear. In kilt terms that would mean a black barathea silver buttoned argyll and four in hand tie. Formal evening wear in the UK, would be the black tie(bow)/white tie(bow) and an appropriate accompanying jacket.

"Formal" in the USA, I am reliably informed, starts at a suit and four in hand tie.

A suit is not regarded as formal in the UK.

I think we need to bare that subtle difference in mind ,or we could be talking at cross purposes very quickly.