help on jacket and bow tie color for Robbie Burns suppers

[Patty Logan]

Hi everyone, i’m planning to go to a Robbie Burns supper. I just got a green argyle jacket and a tartan bow tie to go with my kilt. since it’s a black tie event, should I wear the new argyle and bow tie or should i stick with the black argyle and black bow tie I previously owned? thanks

[revdpatience]

If you can find a website for the organization hosting your Burns Supper, you might get a clue about what most attendees are wearing.

In Milwaukee, where I plan to attend, the prevailing pattern is definitely black jacket, so I'll be wearing my black Argyll and waistcoat.

If I were to wear my lovat green Argyll jacket and waistcoat to an event, I'd wear a necktie instead of a bowtie, but that's my preference.

Either way, enjoy!

[Dr Bee]

since it’s a black tie event

If it's a black-tie event I'd opt for a black bow-tie.

That still leaves you scope for choice with the jacket, but a black Argyle always looks good.

Hope it goes well.

[FossilHunter]

Hi everyone, i’m planning to go to a Robbie Burns supper. I just got a green argyle jacket and a tartan bow tie to go with my kilt. since it’s a black tie event, should I wear the new argyle and bow tie or should i stick with the black argyle and black bow tie I previously owned? thanks

Is the green argyle barathea or tweed?

I’d go with a black bow tie in any case and a black barathea argyle is always a good choice if the other men will be wearing black jackets like prince charlies (common at an American burns night).

[Patty Logan]

Is the green argyle barathea or tweed?

I’d go with a black bow tie in any case and a black barathea argyle is always a good choice if the other men will be wearing black jackets like prince charlies (common at an American burns night).

it’s tweed

[FossilHunter]

it’s tweed

I’d probably go black then since most other guys are likely to wear the same.

Seeing if the event has a dress code would make it even more straight forward.

The problem I find is that most people either ignore or are unaware of the dress code. My last highland event (“full dress” recommended on the website) had men in PCs, tweed argyles, doublets, business suits, and I think one tuxedo. Just all over the place. The unclear dress code didn’t help but I imagine most just wore whatever kilt outfit they owned.

[McMurdo]

Wear the black argyll and black bow tie.

[Jock Scot]

Tweed is not usually worn at formal events, so assuming your black argyle is not tweed then wear it with your black bow tie.

At a push, if it’s a choice between tweed green or tweed black then the black is going to get you by, but in truth it’s not very satisfactory.

Tartan ties of any sort worn with the kilt are best avoided from a traditional point of view. Very few manage to marry the two items together successfully.

[Panache]

You answer your own question here

Black jacket, black tie.

Cheers

Jamie

[kingandrew]

The Burns Night events I have attended have always been "black tie" events, so I've worn my black tie and Prince Charlie jacket.

Your black Argyll and tie should work fine. If you wanted to add color, a velvet doublet of some sort might work, too, although it doesn't sound like you have one of those lying around.

Andrew