Over doing it

[Nathan]

In addition to the Burns Pub Night I will be performing at this year, I'm also scheduled to attend the Burns Dinner being hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto. Upon perusing the photos from last year and speaking to one of their board members who runs a local Highland outfitter and hire shop, I've been given the impression that my Balmoral doublet may be over the top for the occasion.

This made me think that it would be worthwhile to discuss the subject of overdoing it. I've seen it mentioned on xmarks that doublets are acceptable for black tie or white tie occasions but, especially given the way the ladies are attired, I'd say this event seems to be on the less formal end of black tie. Is it fair to say that there are black tie occasions for which a doublet would be overdressed or are these folks just playing it too safe? I have a good quality Prince Charlie and waistcoat but I just find them to be quite generic looking. I've been wearing the PC since highschool and it still fits nicely, so that's something to celebrate, but I'm trying to balance my desire to stand out a little among a herd of Prince Charlies without standing out as an overdressed lemon. The wisdom of the rabble would be much appreciated as it relates to this specific occasion as well as the subject of overdoing it in general.

For context, here is a link to a photo gallery from last year's event:
http://www.standrews-society.ca/proj...urns-dinner-2/

and the year before:
http://www.standrews-society.ca/proj...-burns-dinner/

[creagdhubh]

Nathan,

Based upon the contextual factors that are in play here, as well as your supportive photos, I believe that your Balmoral doublet will be perfectly fine for the Burns Dinner hosted by the St. Andrew's Society of Toronto. It is in my opinon that many folks are simply content with wearing a Prince Charlie Coatee or an Argyll style jacket in black Barathea wool for black tie affairs such as Burns Nicht, since it has kind of become the overall "standard" through the years, and there is nothing wrong with that...each to their own. However, you do own a rather beautiful, Balmoral doublet, so why not blossom forth wearing it with Macdonald of Clanranald pride and sartorial confidence?! I really don't think you'd be overdoing it at all, mate. As for the Burns Pub Night, you may wish to forego the Balmoral doublet in lieu of something less formal, since you will actually be performing and the doublet could possibly be quite restrictive whilst doing so.

Best wishes,

[ASinclair]

Nathan,

Wow. Almost as if black tie, white shirt, black PC was the uniform! I did see a couple of jabots and a cleric in blue. One young lady was even wearing pants. I think, if you had a solid color waistcoat (red, maybe) to wear with your black PC, then you could stand-out, but not like a sore thumb.

[cable scot]

I say wear your doublet and your best sporran. You will stand out from the crowd, but that can be a good thing. I would not worry about looking like a lemon.

[JohntheBiker]

From what I can gather, the Toronto St. Andrew's Society Burns Dinner is not quite as formal as the Charity Ball. Take a look at the women's outfits for clues. The Balmoral wouldn't be inappropriate, but I suggest that you will likely be on the dressy end of the spectrum.

I am only going on comments I have heard from friends who go to this function. I usually attended the Burns function at the Granite Club, which, as it happens, is not being held this year.

[plaid preacher]

Yes, the black PC does seem to be the "uniform"; I don't think I even saw a tartan vest! I did see a jabot and caught a glimpse of what appears to be a mess uniform in the corner of one of the photos. I would say wear your doublet, I agree with the above post that you only see the PC because that's all people see...and so it does become a uniform. As for the bonnet, a gentleman always uncovers indoors and so it really would not be an issue one way or another.

[Nathan]

As for the bonnet, a gentleman always uncovers indoors and so it really would not be an issue one way or another.

I think perhaps you may have misunderstood a reference to my Balmoral Doublet as a reference to a Balmoral Bonnet. It's understandable. I don't think anyone mentioned anything about bonnets in this thread so far.

For clarification, I'm wearing the Balmoral Doublet in green barathea on the far left:

[plaid preacher]

Oops! Completetly my mistake; reading too fast... or should I say not reading too fast. I say go for it. IT's a great doublet.

[MacRobert's Reply]

I would wear the doublet with a black bow tie and turn-down collar. Given the photographs, I would also wear hose that breaks with the apparent convention at this event!

[MacCathmhaoil]

Nathan, I have a black velvet Balmoral as well, in the event I feel a bit overdressed I just unbutton the top two buttons as this seems to lessen the formality of the Balmoral but I doubt I'd worry. I first noticed John Macleod of Macleod, the late Chief, doing this when he wore his and it seemed to work well to "soften" the look. You can get a look at a photo of him here.
http://www.clan-macleod-scotland.org.uk/tartans