1st Post--Opinions about neckwear and the Sheriffmuir Doublet

[CeilidhDoc]

I wear a off-white cravat with my sheriffmuir for white tie events. No one has ever said it was not proper. There are always one or two other men in TCHD at the events as well, and they didn't find any thing improper with my choice of neckwear either. I feel that you may be over thinking this a bit, I can't imagine anyone stopping you at the door because you are not wearing a jabot and cuffs. Any "kilt cops" at the event may be told that as an adult you get to pick your own style of neckwear.

Thanks! That is helpful. I appreciate hearing about your personal experience with this combo at white tie events.

[MacLowlife]

CD, I am of two distinct minds on this. My white tie experience ( which has been lengthy enough to wear out a pair of gloves ) is purely Saxon. My kilt experience is pretty varied. Here is the problem: Saxon white tie is pretty darned narrow. The only room for variation is maybe in choice of footwear and whether or not to wear a watch. ( My crowd are not given to sash wearing, probably because we don't have any.) OTOH, the Free Dress aspect of Highland Dress gets full expression from me. SO, I am not sure what to recommend. I'd recommend ( well, maybe I AM sure) that you view as many pictures and films, etc, as you can, of events like the Caledonian ball.

I think much of the advice above is good. I think you may well find yourself at the adventurous end of the spectrum one night whilst everyone else is slightly less so. That is called cutting a dashing figure. Just keep your eyes peeled and resolve to hew a little closer to the center the next time.

Specifically, I agree about the jabot without cuffs and a less lacy jabot or other white neck-gear. And I also think you would be in very good company if you chose to wear a white marcella/ pique waistcoat and white tie with your Sherrifmuir.

[CeilidhDoc]

Thank you MacLowlife. Much appreciated.

[madmacs]

If you would prefer a white bow tie, and it sounds as though you would, you might want to consider a regulation doublet in velvet rather than the sheriffmuir...

The sheriffmuir always strikes me as being more designed for someone who is more rotund... The front being designed to gap rather than being stretched apart...

[Father Bill]

I wear mine with either my clerical collar or the jabot, the latter being in effect a very old-fashioned and fancy clerical collar with lace flowing therefrom.

[MacLowlife]

If you would prefer a white bow tie, and it sounds as though you would, you might want to consider a regulation doublet in velvet rather than the sheriffmuir...

The sheriffmuir always strikes me as being more designed for someone who is more rotund... The front being designed to gap rather than being stretched apart...

A man was on an airline flight, seated next to a Baptist preacher. When the flight attendant came around, the first man ordered a glass of wine. When the flight attendant asked the preacher if he wanted a drink, he replied "I'd just as soon have sex with you right here in the aisle as take a drink."

The first man tugged at the flight attendant's sleeve and said, "I'd like to change my order. I didn't know we had a choice."

I am in agreement with MadMacs- a velvet regulation doublet would be very nice with white tie, as would a velvet jacket in the Argyll style. I just didn't realize we were being offered a choice of jackets

[CeilidhDoc]

The question is specific to the sheriffmuir but if others have related comments about the other jacket options they are welcome also. I appreciate all the input. As for the white bow tie, I'm not in love with it. But I'm trying to figure out all the equivalent options for the sheriffmuir for white tie events. You have all been very helpful so far.

Slainte

[MacRobert's Reply]

I have a Sheriffmuir doublet in black velvet. For white tie this is worn with a lace jabot or a white cravat tied with a coachman knot. The latter can be worn tucked in to the high-cut waistcoat (to keep it out the soup) or, preferably, outside the waistcoat. Since it is fringed with lace on the two narrow ends the appearance is then very similar to the lace jabot but much less frilly. Jabots can also be made very plain or with only lace edging.

[CeilidhDoc]

Thank you much for that MacRobert. And I like your taste.

Slainte

[Father Bill]

I'd love to see a photo of that. Please?

I have a Sheriffmuir doublet in black velvet. For white tie this is worn with a lace jabot or a white cravat tied with a coachman knot. The latter can be worn tucked in to the high-cut waistcoat (to keep it out the soup) or, preferably, outside the waistcoat. Since it is fringed with lace on the two narrow ends the appearance is then very similar to the lace jabot but much less frilly. Jabots can also be made very plain or with only lace edging.