Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
Well, I've decided to wear this black mess jacket but not to alter it permanently. Which means I'll keep the shoulder loops but temporarily replace the buttons with something more civilian (if I have time). It might be kind of cool to try making simple braided epaulettes out of black ribbon that could attach to the loops on the shoulder temporarily and be removable. But I don't know if I'll have time for that either.

I'm definitely going to go with the horse hair sporran and pretty much everything else as you see them in the photos. I'm going this afternoon to try to find a formal shirt, studs, cuff links, and a bowtie.
You might try your local Penny's Store for formal shirts at a modest price....