What to wear to formal event when you don't have a Prince Charlie or argyle?

[Macseobang]

Hi all,

I'm another kilt/forum newbie and I'm going to be attending my first kilted event next weekend in northern California. Problem is, I don't have a formal kilt jacket of any type. The event, which is a Clan Donald Glencoe memorial, consists of a daytime ceremony and a dinner. A dress code listed on the invitation says a "kilt with kilt shirt or day wear jacket" is appropriate for the ceremony, but for the dinner attire is say "kilt with Prince Charlie". I did recently purchase a tweed jacket and waistcoat which I am planning on wearing for the ceremony, but I figured it may be too casual for the dinner. I know I have a few options because it mentions you may wear slacks and a dress shirt if you "don't have a kilt", but since I do have a kilt I would like to wear it if possible.

So I feel like my options are:

1. Wear my kilt with a dress shirt and tie only
2. Wear my kilt with tweed waistcoat/jacket or perhaps only one of them
3. Give in a wear slacks and a dress shirt (I do have Macdonald tartan suspenders and tie to at least represent in the absence of a kilt)

Thanks ahead of time for any advice you may provide!

[Taskr]

Well, since the dress is "Kilt with Prince Charlie", the day jacket or shirt and tie over the kilt will not do for dinner.

Dress slacks and the tartan tie sounds like an appropriate option from the organizers. Don't over do it with the suspenders.

You might contact the organizers and ask if your tweed jacket is OK for dinner. Worst they can say is "no".

[Father Bill]

Once again, the question that is asked here so often: If the hosts set a dress code, can I break it? If so how?

The answer is "No. You can't."

[FossilHunter]

It seems odd to me that the ceremony and dinner have different dress codes but if you need a black tie jacket, I would rent for the night.

Father Bill had it right. If it doesn’t say “optional” you have to follow the code.

It does seem strange that PCs are required kilted but not tuxedos for the non kilted. Maybe call the organization to ask for clarification because it sounds like they have different dress codes for Saxon and Highland dress.

[Steve Ashton]

Yea, I agree. The Prince Charlie is the kilt equivalent of tuxedo. Black Tie. Always worn with tux shirt and black bow tie. So if the invitation does not specify tux for the non kilted perhaps you could ask the organizer for clarification.

But do what the invitation specifies and change into a rental Prince Charlie or dress in a tux for the dinner.

[Macseobang]

Thanks for your comments so far.

It does seem as though they want everyone to look their finest at the event, but not bar people from attending because they don't have the proper attire. So I doubt it's a true "black tie" event.

The invitation says "However, if you don’t have a kilt or kilt skirt please do not stay away. Casual attire is appropriate on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening ladies can wear a dress or slacks and men slacks and a nice shirt. Since this is a family event, your nicest attire is more than appropriate for dinner"

I just looked into PC rentals and it may be possible, but most online rentals want to send you the jacket 10 days before the event and I'm already past that time period. There is only one somewhat local kilt shop in San Francisco. I just called them and they do have PC and vest for $75 for only 3 days. I've seen as low as $40 online.