Planopiper: I'm going back to the ad for this event where there is no mention of formal dress. I'm suggesting that somebody is overstating the requirements with loaded words. Otherwise, of course, you are right. (Ad: http://www.rotary5020.org/stephenlewis/)

Suggestion: you've still got a few days. Talk to your contact. Put your outfit together today and post a pic. By now, you know whose opinions you can respect, Hamish, for example. See what they say.

My feeling is that Lewis will be more appreciative of youth in a kilt than the "establishment", but you've still got to get through the door they're guarding. (Hmmn, there's another lesson from my parents.)