Weathered Formal?

[Tobus]

I see no reason why one should not wear weathered tartan formally, the only considerations that I would entertain would be the aesthetic one and that probably depends on the particular tartan and one's own judgement. I think there is a danger here of inventing rules/conventions where none exist.

It may not be a rule or convention, but I have heard people say that even the "ancient" colour schemes are inappropriate for formal wear. I don't subscribe to it, but it's apparently one of the many myths out there (likely started by a colonial, LOL). Some people truly do believe that the "modern" colours are the only palettes suitable for formal. Some even go further and claim that the "dress" tartans with all the white in them are the only ones suitable for formal wear.

Personally, I find my own clan tartan in the modern colourway to be so dark that it's uninteresting and lame. So I won't be investing in a kilt from that palette. I'm perfectly fine with the "ancient" colours which would be my preference for formal, but I wouldn't be ashed to wear the "weathered/reproduction" colours either.