sartorial assistance please

[sailortats]

Hey all, I am trying to think out my day wear for tartan day on Friday. I am thinking of this:
open necked pale blue shirt (no tie)
pale yellow V-neck sweater
Lovat blue argyll jacket
kilt belt with day sporran (black)
celtic nations kilt
lovat blue hose
black casual loafers
The problem I am having is that I have never not worn a tie when wearing my argyll jacket. And also the V-neck sweater is new to my wardrobe.
Does this sound reasonable to you or should I plan to keep myself locked in a closet for the day?

[MacMillans son]

Well Sailortats, I would consider keeping the tie and loosing the kilt belt. You may find, as I have, that the sweater comes down over the front of the kilt to the point that it will likely cover the buckle creating an unnecessary bulge and making the belt essentially invisible. In addition, I am not a fan of wearing a jacket without a tie, but that is just me. Seems the jacket is upscale enough to warrant it, and without one looks too casual to me.

Here is a photo of me with a similar combination.




Of course, my opinion is worth exactly what you've paid for it.

Have a good time, are you planning on attending Ardenwood on the 14th? If so I look forward to meeting you then!

[RAF]

While MacMillan's Son looks very well put together, and I too tend to lean towards ties these days (but more so with a waistcoat), I think a jacket/sweater vest/no tie look can also look nice. And, be a nice change if your norm is to wear a tie. I don't know what event you're attending (if any) so I think that might dictate tie or no. I find that a tie under a sweater vest creates a bit of a lump right where we don't want one. If you go without a tie try a "frat tuck" with the vest carefully and discreetly tucked under the belt buckle creating a fold of sorts. It's easier if the vest has a ribbed waist band, you can then fold this under all the way around. This helps define the waist and shows your buckle. One other thing I would add, a brand new whiter than white crew neck tee - ironically it'll make the look less casual. Whatever you decide, have a great day!

[Chas]

From a UK perspective.

Wearing no tie with a jacket is very much a late fifty's early sixty's look. And frankly it is not a look that works for everybody. Too often it looks scruffy. Unfinished is the word that springs to mind.

Some form of roll-neck jumper or maybe even a shirt with a mandarin collar would work.

Regards

Chas

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Here in the US, you'll find people are ok with or without the tie. The lack of the tie just makes the outfit more casual, so if casual is what you are looking for, you'll be fine.

I'd agree with Brooke about not bothering with a belt if you are wearing a pullover (sweater vest). You wouldn't see it anyway.

[sailortats]

Thanks guys, you hve been a big help. Like MacMillan's son I feel uncomfortable about not wearing a tie with a jacket. But as there are no events to go to here in SF I want to be as informal as possible. And it will be cold enough that I will need the jacket.
So, tomorrow I shall walk the streets of SF without the tie and without the belt. I would wear my balmoral from Chris but it isn't here yet. I don't understand, I ordered it 36 hours ago.