Marcello shirt and clerical collar?

[MacRobert's Reply]

Originally Posted by davidg

So, what is the definition of clerical dress? Just the collar, or the black shirt that goes with it?

I don’t have a definitive answer to that but in my experience kilted clergy in Scotland tend to wear the same day, morning and evening dress as kilted laity. On occasion, and when appropriate, they wear a clerical shirt and collar of the same level of formality as the kilt outfit.

[davidg]

I don’t have a definitive answer to that but in my experience kilted clergy in Scotland tend to wear the same day, morning and evening dress as kilted laity. On occasion, and when appropriate, they wear a clerical shirt and collar of the same level of formality as the kilt outfit.

If they wear a standard clerical shirt and collar (I assume black either tonsure, tab or tunic) do they then wear the 3 button waistcoat? Remember I'm wearing a PC

My options at the moment are between the marcella shirt, studs and clerical collar with black 3 button waistcoat or a black, double cuff tab collar clerical shirt with black 3 button waistcoat

[Peter Crowe]

My memory could be playing tricks on me but I am sure that I recall seeing clerics of either/both the Church of Scotland and the Scottish Episcopal Church wearing a white shirt with the full (i.e. not Roman style) clerical collar. I am no expert on clerical dress but I think the Marcella dress shirt with clerical collar would look fine with a black PC and three buttoned vest.

[MacRobert's Reply]

If they wear a standard clerical shirt and collar (I assume black either tonsure, tab or tunic) do they then wear the 3 button waistcoat? Remember I'm wearing a PC

Hard to remember but I think I have seen a black three-button waistcoat with a black clerical shirt and PC ... black-on-black-on-black ... and a purple clerical shirt or vestock (retired Pisky bishop) with no waistcoat.

[Father Bill]

One of the things we're wrestling with here is that there is fashion which comes and goes in clerical wear as much as there is with the laity. Further, there are different interpretations of both style and tradition within a given denomination, and then a whole different array and panoply in other lands.

Leaves you with a lot of choice now, doesn't it!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

This is from memory, but I think I've got it right.

To the best of my recollection I have never seen members of the Roman clergy in Scotland kilted at a formal event; to a man they wore a black suit and clerical collar or cassock and pellegrina (the exception being my Dominican friends who wore their habit).

My friend ordained in the Episcopal Church of Scotland, when kilted at a formal event, wore a black barathea full cut Argyll jacket with high buttoned waistcoat, and clerical collar. The buttons on the jacket and waistcoat were fabric covered; the cuffs and lapels were of black silk faille, as was the waistcoat.

Those members of the Presbyterian clergy I used to see in formal Highland attire tended to be in Prince Charlie coatees (or full cut Argyll jackets) with three button waistcoats, with shiny buttons just like everyone else.

[davidg]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed. I still haven't made my mind up but I still tend to think this will be either the white dress shirt, studs and clerical collar or black tab clerical shirt. Both seem to fit the bill

[davidg]

For anyone interested here is a picture of me ready to attend the dinner:

[Standard]

To me it looks like you have made a good choice David. One would right away know you are of the clergy, and you are still dressed for the event.