Black Tie Combinations

[Taskr]

I echo Steve and add that it is possible to be "too formal".

Except for one or two quite special events, my go-to for black tie has been a BBSBA. A cut down, so to speak, from a Prince Charlie yet with matching vest (3 or 5 button) and bow tie absolutely acceptable for where I've been. Plain dark hose and dress shoes highly shone.

Steve, to me, illustrates black tie attire nicely. Incidentally, while I've worn tanker gloves for decades I didn't know Marines did also. Though I don't have that option while kilted - yet.

[230Ball]

Gentlemen,
Many thanks for your responses!
Steve, I couldn't agree with you more and I greatly appreciate you sorting this out for me. I have white tie/tails reserved for those specific event and plan to wear my kilt for black tie only... primarily military-oriented affairs, as I'm retired military. Your kit looks perfect and exactly what I'm looking for!

[Mike S]

I didn't know that you served in the Canadian military Steve. What regiment was is, if you don't mind sharing?

I'm a huge military history devotee and militaria collector, which is why I asked.

[Steve Ashton]

I served in the US Marine Corps back during Viet Nam and then switched over to the US Army and served until Desert Storm.
I flew CH-53's in the USMC and then OH-58's, Cobra's and Apache's for the Army.

No, the US Military does not have Kilts as part of their uniform except for Pipe Bands. The kilt I am wearing is civilian wear in the Victoria, City of Gardens Tartan. I was invited to be keynote speaker at this civilian event hosted by the 78th Fraser Highlanders hence the miniatures as per the invitation which stated "Black Tie - Full Ribbons and Medals".

[230Ball]

Thanks, Steve, for your service to our nation! I recognized your miniatures and rating, but of course, could not discern your branch of service. I'm also retired military, which is why I'm obsessing over such attention-to-detail, which I know you understand. Although we may be the one guy at a formal event in Highland attire and everyone else being totally clueless, we still don't want to run the risk of being "that guy"!

[Mike S]

Yes indeed, many thanks for your service Steve. I didn't know that you originally hailed from the U.S. either. You are one of those rare birds who served in multiple branches. Especially unusual for someone who started their service in the USMC.

[Tarheel]

I like that there are the finite points of Steve's sporran described. It reminds me of a group of gear heads discussing how to tighten a knucklehead's (1948 Indian motorcycle) motor bolts (without a torque wrench available). I love this site for that.

I believe the new reader and future member can learn from these specific points.

[Friday]

my go-to for black tie has been a BBSBA.

What is "BBSBA"? Big Bertha's Sporran Attachment?

[FossilHunter]

What is "BBSBA"? Big Bertha's Sporran Attachment?

I’m actually really surprised that this one isn’t in the faq along with tank and PC.

It’s “black barathea silver button argyle.”