what can be worn to a st Andrews ball?

[BAnderson]

I was wandering if would be inapropriate to wear a charchoal argyll jacket and vest to a st Andrews ball?

[David Thorpe]

Not all St. Andrew's Balls are the same. The dress code is up to the organizers. Your argyll might be appropriate and acceptable at some, but not at others. Best to check with the people in charge of the one you would like to attend.

And welcome to the rabble from cold, wet and windy northern Appalachia.

[MacRobert's Reply]

If the invitation says black tie, then you would normally turn up in a black barathea highland jacket or doublet with silver buttons. There are also coloured and velvet versions. Otherwise, your tweed jacket should be fine. In this part of the world "ball" usually implies formal evening dress.

[Chas]

One thing I would mention is the number of buttons on your waistcoat. A five button waistcoat suggests daytime wear, whereas three buttons is most definitely for evening wear.

Colour is not as important as material. Tweed suggests day-wear, but barathea is an evening cloth.

Find out what the dress code is and go and enjoy yourself.

Regards

Chas

[kiltedjoss]

DT is right, they are not all the same. However, even the formal ones have a variety of attendees and dress from decked out full kilt to tuxes and black suits. Take a look online for previous event pictures for ideas by searching Tartan ball or Burns Nichts.

Here are a few:
http://www.tartanball.org/photos.htm
http://www.bonnie-brae.org/photos_tartan11.asp
http://memphisscots.com/Gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=5594

[JohntheBiker]

The Toronto St. Andrews Ball is black tie (highland formal, mess dress or tux) pretty much without exception.

Here are a couple of links:
http://www.standrews-society.ca/event/charity-ball/
http://www.standrews-society.ca/gallery/

[CMcG]

One thing I would mention is the number of buttons on your waistcoat. A five button waistcoat suggests daytime wear, whereas three buttons is most definitely for evening wear.

Oops, I guess I'm messing with the program in my 4 button, formal, evening waistcoat

[David Thorpe]

And a splendid job of it, too!

[Chas]

Oops, I guess I'm messing with the program in my 4 button, formal, evening waistcoat

I suppose that is why Highland Dress is called a free dress.

Regards

Chas

[creagdhubh]

Not all St. Andrew's Balls are the same. The dress code is up to the organizers. Your argyll might be appropriate and acceptable at some, but not at others. Best to check with the people in charge of the one you would like to attend.

And welcome to the rabble from cold, wet and windy northern Appalachia.

I agree.