Fly Plaid - When?!

[usonian]

The consensus that I have gleaned from many fly plaid-related threads here is that they are best worn at very special events ("Your own wedding" is one that has been used a few times) and even then they can be over the top, in addition to being hard to manage for all the aforementioned reasons.

After attending a few functions kilted I find myself leaning towards understatement; Earlier this summer at a reception for the Duke of Atholl (here in the U.S.) there were a few other kilted folks: I saw another gent in what looked like a converted jacket, subtle and tasteful. If I recall correctly our own Tulloch was dressed for the rainy weather, with a sweater and raincoat. I was making a presentation to His Grace, and while I wanted to look presentable the reception was really for The Duke and his men, and I didn't want to call undue attention to myself; I opted to tone it down with just a necktie and dark converted sports jacket. Finally, there was one other kilted gentleman there who was totally blinged out, with ghillie brogues, white hose, waistcoat, Prince Charlie, fly plaid, and even a dirk on a belt. It really was a bit much for an event where most people were wearing jeans and sneakers.

I attended a gala dinner and charity auction in September, and because the level of dress was not specified I again opted to err on the side of less formal, and was glad of it; I think a lot of people hear the word "gala" and immediately think black tie but perhaps the word has evolved/devolved a bit in the U.S.... most of the men were wearing ties and jackets and most of the women were wearing dresses, but I don't think I saw a single dinner jacket in the crowd. I stood out quite enough as it was in a kilt and matching tartan waistcoat. My spencer jacket, much less a fly plaid, would have been overkill.

All of that being said, I think fly plaids look smart when pinned securely and worn with confidence, and I totally understand the appeal of them. I have enough leftover tartan from my kilt to make one, and I'll probably do that as soon as a suitably "over the top" occasion presents itself. And as frustratingly vague as this discussion almost always ends up being, I still agree with what most everyone else says: Ultimately, wear what you like.