Cheap formal wear?

[Panache]

Here is my thought on formal jackets (one I developed with conversations with Alan H.)

If you want a perfect Prince Charlie, buy a real Prince Charlie. Trying to make another kind of jacket into one is never going to work.

However I have a converted tux with tails that is pretty close to a PC jacket. I don't feel the least like a posser. Because it isn't a PC jacket. It is a formal kilt jacket though. There are many different styles of tuxedos out there, why does there only have to be two formal kilt jackets?

Cheers

Jamie

[James MacMillan]

dollar by dollar

You answered the question, and you already know it.

Some of us just can't afford to buy or even rent a $600 Armani jacket.... We'd like one, but the money must go to other uses.

We still feel pretty elegant.

[McMurdo]

Here is something that I found on Matt's blog, I think it speaks directly to this thread. It is also something I must remind myself of from time to time.

Advice for every kilt wearer
"The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed." -- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.

[James MacMillan]

Advice for every kilt wearer
"The Highland dress is essentially a 'free' dress -- that is to say, a man's taste and circumstances must alone be permitted to decide when and where and how he should wear it... I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed." -- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.

I don't have that book, and I can't find it on Amazon..... But I love the quote!

That pretty much says it all.

Thanks

[ccga3359]

I don't have that book, and I can't find it on Amazon..... But I love the quote!

That pretty much says it all.

Thanks

Jay our very own Matt Newsome carries it. Please don't tie him up too long ordering it. He has my Ancient MacLachlan 4 yard box to compleat.

[macwilkin]

Gents,

Please remember though, that some of us who do own "tailor-made" Highland attire saved long & hard for it. I sometimes think people assume that because someone owns "the best", we are all "moneybags". That's simply not the case; I know I'm certainly not.

My first PC was a converted tail jacket. I wore it until I had saved enough money to buy a "proper" one, and I passed my conversion along to someone else who needed it. That's a little trick I learned in CW reenacting, btw. Other items were presents from my parents, my mother-in-law and most especially, my wife. They're not hand-made, but they have just as much sentimental value to me because of who gave them to me as the items that were crafted by something.

I don't need instant gratification all of the time -- the anticipation is just as exciting. Besides, as my grandmother always said, true frugality is owning the "best" so you don't have to keep replacing it!

Regards,

Todd

[Amoskeag]

Dude,
Vow of poverty = cash flow problem!!

Amen to that Good for you! Sister

[ccga3359]

Dude,
Vow of poverty = cash flow problem!!

Second collection plate?

[Chef]

In my hypothetical case---what you have is a respectable dark suit---that is the "proper" thing to do; that's why it's a "trick question." Don't take my word for it: ask Judith Martin (Miss Manners) who I'm sure you will agree is the antithesis of whatever-you-like.

I was actually aware to what you were referring. However the idea behind wearing a respectable dark suit in lieu of a dinner jacket is meant for those who find themselves without and who don't have time to get one. It is not meant as "green light" for someone who chooses not to get one. With the cost of inexpensive tuxes or rentals it is unlikely that someone with a suitable dark suit would be unable to afford some sort of tux. The only time a dark suit is considered fully acceptable next to a dinner jacket is if the dress is listed as black tie optional and even then you should wear a dinner jacket if you have one.

An example, dinner jackets are required at our lodge for certain functions. A member would not be allowed entrance if not properly attired. The rules are bent (in the way you suggest) for a visiting Brother who may not be from a lodge with the same rules.

But being well dressed and thrifty is always a good thing. As a working musician, the tux I wore for about 30 years was acquired for less than the pleated shirt I wore with it. Theres a nice sale on tux separates at Jos. A. Bank.

A perfect example of why an inexpensive dinner jacket is a better choice than a cheap waiter's coat for formal wear while you are saving for your formal kilt attire.

[ChromeScholar]

The way I see it, every penny I don't have to spend on a formal jacket that I may only wear a couple of times a year is one more penny I can spend on kilts that I will wear a couple times a week (at least). Yes, I could rent when I needed a formal outfit, but for the cost of a single rental, I have a jacket that I can hang in the closet until it's needed. I avoid the p.i.t.a. of having to rent a jacket, and my conversion jacket is more than acceptable to all but the clothing snobs, and them I don't care about.