Cocktail Kilt attire

**Lady Grey** · 18th February 22, 01:53 AM

Actually a nice Akubra or Barmah hat would also be perfectly appropriate with a kilt if it’s outside
Nice means not the hat worn fishing, working, riding

Ever noticed in summer we have good going out hats & work/leisure hats in Australia?

**OC Richard** · 18th February 22, 05:36 AM

Being in the 20s I myself would forgo the jacket and wear longsleeved shirt, long tie, and waistcoat with my kilt.

And possibly bring the jacket as well, and wear when the temps allow.

Having never seen "cocktail attire" on an invitation, I looked it up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpatTlttPAo

and what's indicated, when translated into Highland Dress terms, is ordinary traditional Highland Day Dress:

tweed Day jacket
long tie
ordinary plain shirt
kilt
leather Day sporran
plain Day hose
ordinary brogues

Seems that anything formal, anything smacking of Evening Dress, would be out of place.

Also seemingly out of place would be overly outdoorsy/country things like a check country shirt and perhaps a check kilt jacket.

**Steve Ashton** · 18th February 22, 12:45 PM

According to many style guides cocktail attire is built around a ladies Cocktail dress.
Usually a simple dress of mid calves to just above the knee worn with heels for parties indoors or outdoor in the afternoon to early evening.
Usually of lighter weight fabrics worn with a minimum of jewelry or accessories.
Dressier than jeans but not as dressy as for dinner. You are usually not seated around a table but standing and walking around. drinks, hors d'oeuvres or buffet.

Men in slacks and sport coats are often seen but there is a wide variety of regional differences in the meaning of cocktail attire.

Here are some guidelines that will always serve you well.
When in doubt ask the hostess.
Dress appropriately for the event. ie, what will others be wearing.
Don't overdress just because you can.
Don't underdress to make a statement.

**Hamish Ramsay** · 21st February 22, 04:54 AM

Well given that the wedding is at 3:30pm and goes into the evening I’ll stick with the Argyle and bow tie and leave the plaid in the closet. The lady has a good coat to wear so will be warm when necessary.

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. I’ll post some pics after the day.

**OC Richard** · 22nd February 22, 06:57 AM

For such events I probably would have worn something like this

which fits the Cocktail Attire guidelines I've looked at (suit or sportcoat, long tie, etc).

Add to that the fact that over the years, since the 1920s to today, people have advocated dark grey tweed jackets for Highland wedding attire for guests.

Though I probably would have worn a plain shirt and ordinary brogues.

**Rama4390** · 22nd February 22, 03:54 PM

I've worn this where cocktail dress has been specified. At this time of year, I'd go without the vest & wear a different tie though.

20200402_171312 (2).jpg

**OC Richard** · 18th February 22, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by Lady Grey

A nice Akubra would also be perfectly appropriate with a kilt...

Interesting to know. As it happens I have a nice Akubra

It's common, at a Highland Games here in the US Southwest, where temps can be in the 20s or 30s, for people to wear brimmed hats with kilts.

It's the fair skin versus sun issue, just as you have in Australia.

Though around here the hats are more likely to be Tilleys or Stetsons.

(Dress at a California Highland Games)

**Panache** · 22nd February 22, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

(Dress at a California Highland Games)

Richard,

This is such a great picture. It makes me smile every time it get's shared.

FYI, we all showed up at the games like this with no previous discussion

Cheers

Jamie

**Hamish Ramsay** · 15th March 22, 05:11 AM

Apologies for the delay folks. Photo of the Lady and myself at nephew's wedding. No jacket, no vest, no plaid. I have another nephew's wedding this weekend which is "formal" so likely pull on the jacket and ditch the belt.

Attachment 41326

**figheadair** · 15th March 22, 11:06 AM

Cocktail Dress seems to be an American semi-formal dress code for which there isn't really a direct British equivalent. The nearest would probably be Lounge Suit, something I understand which is not really translated into America English. 😊

What to wear rather depends on whose Cocktail Party it is. By way of comparison, I've been to 'supper' with various Brigadiers in my career; for some (infantry) the dress was casual, meaning Chinos and a Pullover; for others (cavalry) it was smart, meaning Black Tie. Always know your audience and dress accordingly.