tie with a prince charlie?

[davidg]

I'm 100% with both McMurdo and Matt on this one. I simply dislike the look

If you have to do it then ruche tie is the better option and perhaps black ruche tie with black shirt is the most common way

[McClef]

Just to be awkward I don't dislike the look of a Ruche tie with a PC and have worn one on occasions.

But I still think a Bow looks better!

[Sgt Lucky]

Like Tobus, I picked up a plain black mess jacket - haven't worn it out yet (waiting for plainer buttons to replace the gold naval ones) but trying it on in the mirror, I was surprised that aesthetically it didn't look too out of place with a long tie. So if you're breaking the rules intelligently and with a good eye, cool beans. Problem is, I think the mess jacket works because the lapels are self-faced; not sure my sense of black tie tradition would let me pair satin lapels and a long tie, but I do have my pet rules I get hung up on while breaking others.

[Tobus]

Like Tobus, I picked up a plain black mess jacket - haven't worn it out yet (waiting for plainer buttons to replace the gold naval ones) but trying it on in the mirror, I was surprised that aesthetically it didn't look too out of place with a long tie. So if you're breaking the rules intelligently and with a good eye, cool beans. Problem is, I think the mess jacket works because the lapels are self-faced; not sure my sense of black tie tradition would let me pair satin lapels and a long tie, but I do have my pet rules I get hung up on while breaking others.

While it may not be 'traditional', I thought it worked just fine, wearing a tie with a mess jacket. Aesthetically, it works for me because the kilt is worn higher than trousers, and so the tie is tied shorter. This is just my personal opinion, of course, but even with the short mess jacket (or a PC for that matter), a regular tie can work, sans waistcoat, if it's tied so that it stops at the buckle.

The lapels on my mess jacket are not self-faced, though. They are satin, or some other material that's shinier than the jacket itself.

(edit: note the presence of exposed knees, lol)

[Ryan Ross]

(edit: note the presence of exposed knees, lol)

Ah yes- Exposed knees, and you're looking sharp. Everyone see the pattern at work?

[rondo]

While it may not be 'traditional', I thought it worked just fine, wearing a tie with a mess jacket. Aesthetically, it works for me because the kilt is worn higher than trousers, and so the tie is tied shorter. This is just my personal opinion, of course, but even with the short mess jacket (or a PC for that matter), a regular tie can work, sans waistcoat, if it's tied so that it stops at the buckle.

I agree...looks fine for a formal non-black tie event.

Rondo

[rondo]

I might even go for a grey turtleneck with the dark kilt and the PC...ducking now to keep from being pelted by the kilt police...lol

[Sgt Lucky]

While it may not be 'traditional', I thought it worked just fine, wearing a tie with a mess jacket. Aesthetically, it works for me because the kilt is worn higher than trousers, and so the tie is tied shorter. This is just my personal opinion, of course, but even with the short mess jacket (or a PC for that matter), a regular tie can work, sans waistcoat, if it's tied so that it stops at the buckle.

The lapels on my mess jacket are not self-faced, though. They are satin, or some other material that's shinier than the jacket itself.

(edit: note the presence of exposed knees, lol)

I rescind my statement about the lapels, Tobus - admirably done! I'll feel much more comfortable donning the mess jacket as an informal piece after seeing that.