Formal Kilt Oufit - Help!

**Pour1Malt** · 2nd December 06, 04:30 AM

ootfit #1 matches the whisky best...

an does anything else really matter?

**Rex_Tremende** · 2nd December 06, 05:18 AM

I think you should get invited to more parties.
Why settle on one combination?

R.

**Canadian_Kilt** · 2nd December 06, 07:15 AM

I think I share the same sentiment as the others. Admittedly, I'm not really a fan of solid color kilts in general, but especially for formal wear. I'm also not a fan of tartan bowties, or cumberbunds. I think a belt looks much better - but that's a matter of personal taste.

While I generally like white or off-white hose better, I think the ones you're wearing look good .. but I'm color-blind .. so I'm not sured I'd take that too seriously ..

Jacket looks great by the way.

**turpin** · 2nd December 06, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I believe in Matt Newsome's advice about a vest or cumberbund to be better than just a belt (see here)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...093#post291093

If you read Matt's post carefully you'll se that he doesn't say a vest or cumberbund is better than just a belt. He says you don't wear a belt with a vest or cumberbund. I think your best bet is a PC vest. Have you checked out Burnetts and Struth? PC vest for $45

http://www.burnetts-struth.com/sale_items.asp

Barring that, try a fancy belt and buckle with no cumberbund.

**Chef** · 2nd December 06, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

Everyone seems agreed that off white hose are better than the lovat blue ones. I have off white hose, but I think that it would be better to match the shirt and wear white hose (which I also have).

Logically you would think that would be correct but the off-white hose are the way to go. They look more subtle.

Originally Posted by Panache

I believe in Matt Newsome's advice about a vest or cumberbund to be better than just a belt

I value his opinion as well so I had to go back and stare at the picture for a while to see if maybe I don't like it just because it's something I am not used to. Tried it...didn't work. What I did see is why it bothers me so much. What bothers me is that it does just the opposite of what a cumberbund is supposed to do and so it neither compliments your kilt nor the jacket you worked so hard on.

A cumberbund is supposed to create a longer leaner look making the overall appearance more elegant. Very few can get away with a cumberbund in a different colour and shade than their trousers, why...because it accentuates what we don't want to. Now you don't have to worry about accentuateing the middle (must be nice to be thin) but the cumberbund's contrasting colour (to the kilt) put too much emphasis on the area. Additionally since the cumberbund is the same colour as the jacket it spoils the line of the jacket. The eye is pulled to the bottom of the cumberbund because of the colour contrast.

Now here is a thought, if you really want to wear the cumberbund did you try the black cumberbund with the black kilt? Just a thought.

Personally I would wear the belt (although a bit higher than you do in your other pics) or get one of the waistcoats Turpin suggested.

Good luck.

**Captain** · 2nd December 06, 09:04 AM

I like the first outfit as well, and maybe it's me... but I like the kilt hose... sure "traditionally" you're supposed to wear off-white, but I think the hose you have match the kilt and the whole outfit really well. I do think you should loose the cumberbund and opt for the vest... it would look a gabillion times better. If you had the black vest, the tartan tie would look fine I think, but a black one wouldn't look too bad either...

**David Dalglish** · 2nd December 06, 09:12 AM

I must say that your Jacket conversion is great, but I would go with the belt, with a dress buckle, rather that the cumberbund & would wear the tartan kilt with a black bow tie & off white hose, that would look the part, in my opinion.

**beerbecue** · 2nd December 06, 09:29 AM

Burnett's and Struth has PC vests on sale for $45 CDN. Just make sure to save me a 44R........

http://www.burnetts-struth.com/sale_items.asp

That is around $40 US I think. Not much more than the vest from uniformalwearhouse. I bought one of those one-size fits all vests, and I just need to remember to send it back (if it is within the 30 days).... I agree with you, I just don't like those cheap vests.....

**Panache** · 2nd December 06, 09:36 AM

I just sent an email to Burnett's and Struth with a couple questions about those vests. Perhaps I can convince the Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess that I deserve one more present under the Christmas tree.

Cheers

**mbhandy** · 2nd December 06, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Panache

I just sent an email to Burnett's and Struth with a couple questions about those vests. Perhaps I can convince the Flame-Haired Celtic Amazon Goddess that I deserve one more present under the Christmas tree.

Cheers

Panache,

I like your second outfit. After all "One must have a Little Colour"

If I was not expecting everyone to be formal. It does stand out and If there is no pipe major there who will know???

My wife is trying to talk me out of wearing the vest to her Christmas party because it is informal. I got one of Burnett's vest this summer and it is great and for the money, excelent.

In the in go with what you like.

MrBill