I see lots of pics of guys wearing a PC jacket and 3-button vest with a standard neck tie. So it is done. But it's just wrong, fashion-wise.

The Prince Charlie jacket and vest are for black-tie affairs. The cut and style of the jacket require a level of formality that the standard long neck tie just does not carry with it.

Now, I think that an elegant cravat, like McClef is weariing in the post above looks alright, because the cravat, though it resembles a neck tie, carries with it a higher level of formality. So I think that works.

But a normal neck tie is just out. Sure, people do it, and if you do it no one will probably complain. But something more formal will just look so much better.

You also see people wearing a formal kilt belt with a Prince Charlie and vest, and even sometimes with an Argyle and 5-button vest. This is another example of people commonly wearing something that is incorrect (again, speaking of fashion). The vest and the belt conflict with each other, with the vest typically covering the top half of the belt. To me, it says, "I have all these Scottish accessories and I'm going to wear them all, gosh darn it!"

Any time you wear a vest, leave the belt at home.

This thread is also the first time I've seen the PC jacket being worn with a 5-button Argyle style vest. I don't think it looks bad, just a bit unusual. I think that look would work best with a cravat of some sort, so maintain the level of formality that a PC is cut for.

Aye,
Matt