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.

[Cygnus]

I tend to agree with Jock and Chas. However, if you do decide to wear one with your Highland attire, please restrict its use to black tie events.

Cheers,

I would say that it's best only with white tie or if a groom wants to stand out more from the rest of the wedding party. Even for white tie events I would probably leave the plaid at home most of the time.

[TheOfficialBren]

Personally, I'm not a fan. They get to be one of those accessories that seem a bit "costumey," with all due respect. The kilt with a smart dinner ensemble looks infinately better in my humble opinion than with everything but the kitchen sink but wear what you like.

Jock's and Tobus' advice, as usual, are spot-on.

[creagdhubh]

I would say that it's best only with white tie or if a groom wants to stand out more from the rest of the wedding party. Even for white tie events I would probably leave the plaid at home most of the time.

White or black tie events, mate. It really doesn't matter and the colour of bow tie is irrelevant. Fly plaids, in my opinion, are specifically designed for formal functions. And whether to choose to wear it or not is completely subjective.

Cheers,

[HuDonald]

Thanks for everyone that replied! I knew I could count on all of you to point me in the right direction!

That said... I guess I won't be wearing a plaid to the benefit gala. It is a "Formal" event, and black-tie is specified on the invitation, but as most suggested, it's not my event, and it's definitely not white-tie formal. Most men there will be in tuxes, and women in gowns.

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

[Chas]

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

I think the simple answer is, people just don't know. The lines between white tie and black tie are clearly defined, but often men don't have a white tie outfit so they try and stretch their black tie outfit. I have seen dirks, swords, sashes, piper's plaids and full sized medals all worn with a PC - at noon.

Knowledge is a weapon. Once a man arms himself with the knowledge he is unbeatable.

Regards

Chas

[Tobus]

Some food for thought/conversation (not to start an argument):
If the PC/coatee is considered appropriate black-tie attire, and doublets are usually more for white-tie, then why do we see so many images of fly-plaids worn with PCs?

I think it's just because people (mostly Americans) like the way it looks. They think it's what Highland black-tie attire should be. This is pushed by vendors and hire shops who can make a few extra bucks by selling fly plaids and convincing people that it completes the look. The trend is even growing with younger generations in Scotland, from what I've seen.

Honestly, I think the whole concept of fly plaids pretty much took off on its own (despite my obvious tongue-in-cheek description earlier in this thread). A few people did it, others copied them, and then more people started copying the look, and now it has become ubiquitous. In fact, the backlash against fly plaids seems to be a relatively new (and growing) thing, with only a small following of people who want to remain true to actual Highland tradition. But for the most part, fly plaids remain wildly popular amongst those who have only a passing knowledge of traditional Highland attire, or those who simply like the way a fly plaid looks whether it's 'proper' or not.

[HuDonald]

Thanks, Chaz and Tobus!

See? I didn't know it was just a "new trend" thing to have fly plaids... and I have fallen prey to the evil propaganda (pictures online) brought on by money loving companies trying make an extra sale.

Most of the time, I would rather follow tradition than trends and fads. This is certainly one of those times.

This is why you guys are so great! Empowering the minds of newcomers like me with knowledge! (woohoo!)

P.S. - thanks, Tobus, for the good laugh from your earlier post!

[Cygnus]

There's also the fact that black bow ties are generally considered acceptable for white-tie dress codes when wearing Highland dress. I think this adds a great deal to the confusion about what is or isn't appropriate in any given situation.

It makes me wish people still used "informal evening dress" and "formal evening dress" rather than black and white tie (respectively).

[TheBrus]

One secondary application of the fly plaid I've seen is to a Christening. It was used to wrap the baby in. I think I've seen that on XMarks, too. Kind of full circle--wedding then baby's Christening.