How to dress-up...

[pascs]

I'd also suggest taking a look at this thread of Prince Charles to give yourself a few ideas of how to create a fantastic look

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-photos-49608/

[Jock Scot]

Hello Jock,
No, the red MacLean tartan isn't a "dress" tartan as we know dress tartans. While most Macleans choose to wear the hunting tartan by day, no chief to my knowledge has "pronounced" upon the issue in any "authoritative" way. It's just one of those "understood" things!

Interestingly, when Allan Maclean of Dochgarroch ( a MacLean chieftain ) was in the Maritime provinces of Canada a year or two ago, he did wear a red kilt for an event. And he is usually seen wearing a hunting tartan at black tie events! My guess is that he wore the red because it is the main, principal tartan of the MacLeans and he was there in any official clan capacity.

Thank you Sandy, I rather thought it might be "one of those understood things"! A state of affairs which seems to completely mystify and confound those that insist that "rules" exist with Highland attire.

[Harold Cannon]

You will often notice old and battered sporrans, threadbare jackets and hose, darns in the kilt and so on, and not a soul worries one jot! The locals wear what they have, within certain fairly broad parameters and get on with enjoying themselves. Have fun.

This is a great way of thinking Jock!!!

[Meadcrafter]

Not very authoritative at all. I'm not an expert on the history of various tartans, but the bit about the MacLean hunting tartan being the oldest tartan really isn't true.

As for the hunting tartan used for "casual" events, I would have to disagree. It is worn for daytime events as well as evening events ( by some ) regardless of the formality of the event. Sir Lachlan Maclean of Duart wears the hunting tartan pretty much exclusively during the day.

Well that makes sense. I was wondering about Sean Connery wearing a MacLean Hunting Modern kilt to his appointment to be Knighted. A day event, but by no means "casual".

[JSFMACLJR]

Well that makes sense. I was wondering about Sean Connery wearing a MacLean Hunting Modern kilt to his appointment to be Knighted. A day event, but by no means "casual".

Oh no, you've seen that photo! I must say that Sir Sean is NOT the best example of what to wear to an Investiture!

[madmacs]

Oh no, you've seen that photo! I must say that Sir Sean is NOT the best example of what to wear to an Investiture!

At least he got the pleats the right way...

[Jock Scot]

Oh no, you've seen that photo! I must say that Sir Sean is NOT the best example of what to wear to an Investiture!

I note that you have made a successful study in understatement, Sandy.

[Meadcrafter]

I'd also suggest taking a look at this thread of Prince Charles to give yourself a few ideas of how to create a fantastic look

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-photos-49608/

As they say, " A picture is worth a thousand words." Thanks for pointing me towards a great resource.

I really like this look:



I think it will suit my needs well.

Thanks for all your help. I will update this tread as I start to pull it together.

-M-

[pascs]

He makes it look so easy. The dark jacket and waistcoat is smart but still casual enough for daytime. The subtle colours of the hose, the military tie, even the pocket watch, all work very well together.
I notice also that he normally wears his leather sporrans on a chain instead of a leather strap which i think gives a slightly more formal look. Also the black shoes matching other colours in the outfit instead of the sporran.
As an overall package it suits him very well

[Bob C]

You've gotten excellent advice here and seem to be on track. As for shopping, Ebay is your friend. I bought both my Prince Charlie and my Argyll jackets there at a considerable savings from Scottish goods retailers. Both were lightly used. Just be sure the seller has good reputation and you confirm measurements.