semi-formal, what did it cost me?

[GMan]

That's a very dapper outfit, rivaling Sean Connery for coolness! And the price was right! I don't see where you couldn't go wearing an outfit like that. I agree, though, a green tie would go well with it. Or, perhaps a wool tie in matching tartan?

Is the X-Marks kilt pin still available anywhere, or did I miss out as a latecomer?

Someones got a sharp eye! I guess I am at present memory challenged.

Check with Hank about the Xmark Kilt pin, he may have a few left.

[NancyMan]

Now that I look at this picture, I think I want a dark green tie.

I couldn't agree with you more. Here's the thing- since I became kilted, I was surprised to find that most of my wardrobe was adaptable. But my tie collection will need a complete overhaul. Shiny ties don't go with kilts, unfortunately. So out my collection goes!

I love the precise way your jacket alteration shows off your belt buckle. Well done! (And by the by, I admire frugality. That is my second name.)

Vincent

[MacMullen]

I admire frugality. That is my second name.

Kilt - $75
Sporran - $35
Tweed Jacket - $7.50

Going to the symphony with no pants on? Priceless.

[mudd]

Well, the part I like is the hat. Can that be considered to be part of a traditional Kilt outfit? I've got a bunch of 'em like that.

[Hamish]

That's a very dapper outfit, rivaling Sean Connery for coolness! And the price was right! I don't see where you couldn't go wearing an outfit like that. I agree, though, a green tie would go well with it. Or, perhaps a wool tie in matching tartan?

Is the X-Marks kilt pin still available anywhere, or did I miss out as a latecomer?

I am sorry, Joel, but I could never describe Sir Sean as having "coolness", at least, not where his dress sense is concerned! He actually makes more faux pas with his Highland garb than any other celebrity I can think of - especially Scottish ones who should know better! The most memorable of his bloomers involve his ties: he is often seen wearing an ordinary coloured neck-tie, usually woollen, with his Prince Charlie. That is mixing an informal day wear item with Evening Dress - ugggggh! Still worse, and I apologise to you because you have just suggested this, that woollen tie has known to be in a tartan matching his kilt! Sorry, but that is something no well-dressed Scot would ever do, not even with a day-wear tweed jacket. We all know that there are no 'Rules' as such, but a tartan tie worn with a tartan kilt (even the identical tartan) just offends the eye - it looks terrible. With a tartan kilt and tweed jacket for day-wear, the tie should be woollen not silk, and its colour should ideally match one of the minor colours in the tartan of the kilt - in Alan's case, a dark (bottle) green woollen tie would be ideal.

Silk, or shiny, neck-ties can be worn with a tartan kilt, but these should be limited to plain grey or silver ones when coupled with black barathea Argyll or Crail jackets for wear at a day-time wedding.

Tartan ties do, indeed, have their place too but, in the kilt-wearing world, are most effective when worn with a plain coloured kilt. I frequently wear my clan tartan tie (Gunn) when wearing a black kilt, or with one of my TFCK kilt suits. I would never wear it with any of my Gunn tartan kilts.

You don't have to take my word for any of this, but if you doubt me, just try it for yourself and look closely at the results. It's a visual thing!

[MacMullen]

But, Sean is cool, you can't deny that. Some people can carry off a faux pas with aplomb. It's more about attitude than the way you're dressed or what you're doing. Look at Tom Sawyer - how did he convince all of those kids to help him paint the fence? Because he acted like it was the coolest thing you could do.

My comment wasn't on the proper or improper dress of Mr. Connery - it was on his coolness factor.

I think the same would apply with the tie. If you follow the rules religiously, and get a reputation for that, then you can start to take liberties with the old standards, because people will assume that you know what you're doing. Again, IMO it's attitude.

Now, having said all of that, I'm so new to kilts, I can only claim ignorance if I don't follow the rules. I'll have to try the tartan tie combo and see what happens. Of course, I'd have to acquire a tartan tie first...so I'll probably just take your word for it. :mrgreen:

[Alan H]

All I know is that I'm gonna put a plain, green wool tie on my Christmas list this year. It'll go well with the MacNaughton clan kilt as well, though I have a red silk (not very shiny, though) tie for that.

As for the hat, of course it's "not done" to wear a hat inside, but this reception was split between inside the Aquarium and outside on the deck overlooking the Bay, and I just happened to still have the hat on when the picture was taken. Oh, the hats tweed is not the same as the jackets, though you can't tell that from the picture.

[Alan H]

Alan,

Your frugaliity is to be commended! I love that.

Now one question, did you get a deal on the sporran also?

Thanks, G-Man!!

Yup, the sporran was an e-bay special. I bought it before I had a clue about day vs. semi-formal sporrans, and that was the first sporran I bought. It's got to be a Pakistani knock-off of a Scottish design.

It's kind of an odd job, in that really a sporran of this sort of design should have a metal cantle, I think. Obviously, this one doesn't. However, not one person in five hundred will know that and I just wear it for my "dress up" and call it good enough.

Here's the thing about this get-up. It's fine and I enjoy wearing it. The whole thing is dressy enough to wear to many occasions and people like it and I feel good in it. But wearing it has made me realize that I want a really nice wool kilt (can't wait to finish off the X Marks kilt) and that I might, someday, splurge on a charcoal Argyll and waistcoat.

Before owning this, I'd NEVER have even CONSIDERED spending that sort of money.

[HeathBar]

Hey Alan,

That's a great looking semi-formal outfit. I really like the jacket you transformed. Do you have any tips for the do-it-yourselfer when altering
a jacket for kilt-wearing. You mentioned the dificulties of altering the lapels.
Would some styles of sportcoats be easier to alter?
Any tips would be helpful.

[Alan H]

Hey Alan,

That's a great looking semi-formal outfit. I really like the jacket you transformed. Do you have any tips for the do-it-yourselfer when altering
a jacket for kilt-wearing. You mentioned the dificulties of altering the lapels.
Would some styles of sportcoats be easier to alter?
Any tips would be helpful.

Thanks for the kind words. You know, this topic has garnered some interest, so I think I will write up something right now. The information is on the board here, but it's spread out over anumber of threads. I think I will condense it into one long post.....good idea.