What Makes a Kilt Formal?

[fluter]

McMurdo, I hope that I did not give offense! If you don't know it by now, I am prone to indulge in pedantry for humorous effect. Where I said "traditionally" it has almost become "historically" --- and of interest only to a few old fogies & Miss Manners. However I believe Miss M. would back me on the categories.

Well sorry Fluter but we are talking Formal kilt/Formal kilt outfit,

I wasn't quite sure what Kent meant by formal: possibly a continuum of degrees of formality? I know what you meant by semi-formal, I was just (a) teasing you (b) pointing out that the terminology is not as simple as it may seem (c) in short, playing with words. If you were not amused, I apologize.

1.that a formal outfit should not include a Sportkilt.

No argument here! at least, not unless substantial wagers are involved. I had a feeling the original disputants may have been thinking "No Utilikilts in a dressy setting." Which would be fair enough, until you showed them the UK "tuxedo" kilt.

2. None of us were formally dressed in the photo Grant posted, we were in Semi-Formal kilt outfits.

...or allowing for pedantry, you were all in informal kilt outfits. Traditionally speaking.

why then do we as kiltwwearers have semi formal sporrans,

Search me! IMO they are somewhat useless, but I'd buy one if I liked it.

BTW I was always taught that Black Tie was Formal not Semi Formal.

I was pointing out that it was not "always" so. Formal (was) white tie or that stuff you wear for diplomatic receptions; semi-formal, black tie or a daytime formal (of the morning coat ilk); informal, business suit.

[Kent Frazier]

I had a feeling the original disputants may have been thinking "No Utilikilts in a dressy setting."

This has been a great discussion and I'm learning quite a lot from it. To the best of my knowledge, neither my wife for our friend had even heard of a Utilikilt. I know I hadn't until I joined these forums.

The discussion was about a character in the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon wearing a "formal kilt". I said I didn't think there was a "formal" kilt, but that the accessories determined the formality. I'm not sure exactly the time period she was referring to, but the books are about a woman who travels back in time in Scotland. The "modern" time period in the books is just after World War II.

[ccga3359]

This has been a great discussion and I'm learning quite a lot from it. To the best of my knowledge, neither my wife for our friend had even heard of a Utilikilt. I know I hadn't until I joined these forums.

The discussion was about a character in the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon wearing a "formal kilt". I said I didn't think there was a "formal" kilt, but that the accessories determined the formality. I'm not sure exactly the time period she was referring to, but the books are about a woman who travels back in time in Scotland. The "modern" time period in the books is just after World War II.

Perhaps it is because back then people tended to dress more formally. It seemed every man in North America wore a suit and tie, every man wore a fedora. Casual just was not known, no child went to school wearing jeans unless he was the child of dirt poor farmers. That was similar to the UK. In England, I know in the 70's every child wore a school uniform in wool, the shorts were cold in the winter but I'm talking blazer, waistcoat and beanie cap and that was public school. I was dressed up to see the doctor or if flying on an airplane or such. It's rare now to see someone wear a shirt and tie in casual setting and that is a shame. In Scotland, in that time frame I'm sure they dressed in a more formal way than they do now and I'm not talking Prince charlie or plaid. I'm sure casual was just not known back then. Here or there.

[Riverkilt]

During my recent "kilt prohibition" period at work, when I was required to wear pants, I bought a pair of Orvis tartan pants and told them I liked kilts so well I was wearing one on each leg. Messed with their minds.

I think "formal" has a lot to do with the venue. Big difference between New York City/Manhatten "formal" and Phoenix, Arizona "formal."

Local museum is having a big fund raising auction this weekend. Theme is Denim and Diamonds. The wealthy few in the area are encouraged to wear their best denim and all the bling they can load on themselves. The "formal" is in the bling.

Now wondering if bling would go with kilts for wealthy kilties.....??

Ron

[Cawdorian]

Take a look at the series of photographs in the thread entitled "Formal Wear" they will give you a good idea of the correct formal wear with a kilt.

IMHO formal is ........

An 8 yard wool tartan tank or a 4 yard wool tartan kilt or a box pleat kilt with...

Either a Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat or an Argyll jacket with or without a waistcoat.

If a waistcoat is not worn wear a black leather belt with a waist plate.

A fur sporran worn with a chain.

A white pleated tux shirt with studs with either a wing collar or spread collar and a black bowtie.

A pair of black wingtip, cap toe shoes or ghillies.

A plaid and a brooch is optional, the color of the hose and flashes are at the discretion of the wearer and should be determined by the color of the tartan in the kilt. However all leathers should be black. A black handled or jeweled sighan dhu may also be worn in the top of the hose.