2008 Army Signal Ball Manhattan Kansas

[Rogerson785]

I am trying to get my kilt together for the 2008 Army Signal Ball which is in April and was wondering which company to go with? USA Kilts or Sport Kilt. I like the Works Kilt in U.S. Army Tartan mainly because it looks well-designed with the fringed front panel and leather strap and buckle closures.

I will also buy the PC jacket because I only have one year and nines months before I retire and don’t see myself wearing a Mess Dress Blue coat out in public but can justify the PC jacket for future formal events. I will be wearing miniature medals too.

I purchased my black dress sporran in black rabbit fur from E-bay to match my PC Jacket, Chukka dress boots and belt.

Any other suggestions?
Chris

[McMurdo]

First off from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

If you are wearing the kilt to a formal event, I would strongly recommend against the sport kilt, while they are fine for what they are, they are not formal kilts, or even a reasonable facsimile, the USA Kilt Semi Trad. would to my mind work better for that kind of situation, and it would work for other events as well.

As to the belt, if you are wearing a P.C. Jacket and waistcoat, then the belt is not needed the problem is that if you wear a waistcoat with a belt then the belt tends to make the bottom of the waistcoat jut out and you don't want that.

I'm also not sure about the boots you are referring to but I don't think any boot would look right with a P.C. you would be better off with dress shoes.

I know that sounds like a lot, but really it isn't best of luck with it let us know how it goes.

[macwilkin]

I'm also not sure about the boots you are referring to but I don't think any boot would look right with a P.C. you would be better off with dress shoes.

Agreed. "Chukka boots" are really more suited for tartan trews than a kilt. A good pair of dress shoes would be much better.

T.

[Chase]

Welcome Chris from Houston, Texas

[James MacMillan]

For some pretty good examples of what good evening attire looks like, try going ...here...

This should give you the ideas of what to set up.

[Chef]

I would suggest the USA semi-traditional over the Sportkilt. The Sportkilt isn't really cut properly for formal wear.

I also will agree that a pair of dress shoes is much better than the Chukka boots.

[TheSp8]

If you're that close to retirement you should have the nice ever shiny low quarters. They look good for a formal look. I would 2nd USA kilts over the sport kilt.

YMOS,
Tony

[Livingston]

First from the highlands of Colorado.

I agree with what has been said above, USAKilt over the Sport Kilt for formal. And for footwear, either you're low quarters which should be nice and shiney or a pair of wingtips.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Go with the low quarter shoes, and BLACK KILT HOSE. Have seen guys in kilts at Army events, and the "white socks" look draws some odd glances (and the occasional adverse comment) from some of the men in mess dress. Other than that, sounds like you'll have a great evening.

[billmcc]

I will also buy the PC jacket because I only have one year and nines months before I retire and don’t see myself wearing a Mess Dress Blue coat out in public but can justify the PC jacket for future formal events.Chris

The mess jacket will work just fine after you retire if you remove the rank insignia and change the buttons. Use the money you were going to spend on a PC to buy a nice kilt like a USAK semi-traditional.

Also, Alexis Malcolm (who designed the Army tartan) can make you a wool 5-yard kilt for around $315.
See here: http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigste...generic24.html