Which outfit for graduation?

[lethearen]

Just curious... did you expect any of us to actually tell you to wear something other than the kilt ;)

The leather suit looks snazzy, but being in Texas I can't get over how how it would be!

The kilt outfit on the other hand is sharp and timeless. I wouldn't even have you change the tie, though perhaps some matching flashes would bring it into the overall look more smoothly.

[EagleJCS]

I voted for D just 'cause. I think the kilt looks pretty sharp, but you mentioned in another thread that your students have never seen you in a kilt, so they may not understand why you're wearing it now. You've worn the various leather articles separately, but not as an ensemble, so that may be more readily accepted.

It's ultimately your choice, and may come down to how you feel on Friday.

[ForresterModern]

Unless you plan on making a splash entrance astride a rice-burning crotch-rocket (japanese made racing motorcyle for those challenged by the vernacular), I would leave the leathers in the closet and go with the kilt outfit. Pretty much agree with all the suggestions as above re: tie choice and position, hose and kilt heights, and strongly agree with Jock on the consideration of either a day or semidress sporran rather than the dress white one, but if that is all you have go for it. Otherwise it looks great, and the IOS is a perfect choice. Pictures at the event with your happy students are a must for posting. Enjoy.



jeff

[skauwt]

i say B with A the leather jacket, waistcoat/vest ,orange tie with the kilt sporran and darker kilt hose?

[CDNSushi]

LOL! Thanks, everyone... I'm still going to run the options by some local people -- my supervisor, my wife, a couple friends... But it looks like the kilt outfit has got it by a landslide. And no, I don't suppose I SHOULD expect any different of a response on a kilt-wearers' forum.. heh. I think that's why I posted it in the "Off-topic" area, where *ahem* alternative wear might be more acceptable discussion.

Anyway, thanks to all those who gave tips on my kilt ensemble. For the record, I literally threw everything on in under 5 min., snapped the piccy, and immediately changed -- it was a very, very rush job, so kilt placement on my waist and tie length would surely be adjusted properly if I wear it "for real."

• As for the couple of other suggestions I received... Different tie? No problem. I have quite a tie collection but I'm not sure I have an appropriate one for IoS. I think I might start a separate thread for that specific purpose.
  
• Someone brought up flashes. My bad, but when I ordered my IoS, I never ordered any flashes to go with it... lol.
  
• Sporran: I certainly do have a couple of day sporrans I could use... However, I was thinking I would use the more formal sporran -- with a cantle... I expect that some of the lovely, young graduating lasses may have white (or light gray) highlights/accessories for their kimono, so I thought that the fur sporran might match the theme a little. But that's just conjecture on my part.

Oh, and to answer Dixiecat's question: you can find leather ANYTHING if you look hard enough.. That includes shirts, socks, and underwear. You just won't find them at your local JC Penny's or K-Mart. The kind of shop that sells leather underwear usually also sells far more "interesting" items too...

[CDNSushi]

UPDATE:

I just spoke with my supervisor. Unsurprisingly, he also chose "C" over the other two options. He didn't say (or react) on seeing the kilt outfit. The leather suit, however, he looked at intently (because it really does look a lot like what everyone else will be wearing -- a black suit) but when I told him it was all-leather, he kinda winced. (But didn't say not to wear it either)...

Anyway, my "which tie to wear" question has been resolved. White. Has to be white. My supervisor reminded me, that the de facto standard in Japan for weddings, graduations and all joyful occasions, is a white necktie. Inlaid/embroidered designs into the white fabric are acceptable (so it's not just a stark white), but I guess I gotta go shopping after work today and pick up a white tie for the ceremony. ith:

[Chas]

I voted for "A", but I have to say is a really cool cardboard box in "C".

Regards

Chas

[Lallans]

White? WHITE? I was more than once advised to avoid white anything because of its funerial associations in Japan- it's the traditional colour of mourning. So it just goes to show that there is no way to get it right on your own there, and to get even close to that one has to seek advice on most everything. Mind you, you get a lot of slack cut for you when you're a gaijin.

But I didn't get a sense of what your final decision is or will be?

[mbhandy]

I voted A but remember no matter what you wear ---You Stand Out Gaijin!

MrBill

[CDNSushi]

Well, it's true. "gaikokujin" do stand out no matter what, for the large part. (BTW, for many people the word "gaijin" is considered derogatory and is often used pejoratively. I wouldn't use it. Gaikokujin is the commonly acceptable term).

As far as the wearing of white versus black goes, a lot of it has to do with the fact that modern Japan has adapted many Western customs. E.g. all black at funerals, bride wears white at weddings, etc. But that refers also to the overall outfit.

For men, the difference between a wedding outfit and funeral outfit (if you're a guest) is the color of the tie. At weddings, it's a white tie, at funerals, it's a black tie.

At happy occasions, pastels are also acceptable -- light yellow, light pink, light blue.

Anyway, I'll try to get some photos from the event if I can.

Cheers again everyone for the advice.

Jim