Burns Night

[pipesndrumsnun]

Will my suit jacket and a collared shirt with a tie that matches the colors in my kilt work? If not, I'm going to end up wearing a suit, I think. I'd much rather wear my kilt, but I don't want to look completely out of place or anything. I also don't want to violate some dress code. Thoughts? And thank you.

OR...if you or your wife are handy with needle and thread, you have plenty of time to turn a regular suit jacket into a kilt jacket. You'll find LOTS of helps and how-tos right here at X-Marks...many folks have done this, with great results!

[Taliesin]

I may read these how-to's, but I don't think that's going to happen for this outing. I can't alter my existing suit jacket, and we're definitely not handy with needle and thread! lol

The other thing I'm concerned about is how the argyll-style jacket will look with a low-waistband casual kilt? Anyone wore this?

[Panache]

I may read these how-to's, but I don't think that's going to happen for this outing. I can't alter my existing suit jacket, and we're definitely not handy with needle and thread! lol

The other thing I'm concerned about is how the argyll-style jacket will look with a low-waistband casual kilt? Anyone wore this?

Taiesin,

Argyll and other kilt jackets are cut short to emphasis the pleats of the kilt. I'm trying to picture low casual kilt with such a jacket and truly think that it won't work. Either the kilt will look to low or the jacket cut too high. If a 24" length would work for you I might take a look at Stillwater kilts and see what tartans they have in your size (a heavyweight would be best). Failing that or renting a traditional kilt I would say that Todd gave some great advice. Wear the suit! It is better to wear a suit well than a kilted outfit poorly. Especially at a Burns Supper where you are going to be standing next to a lot of well put together kilt outfits.

By the by, Burns never wore a kilt, he was a lowlander! An interest and appreciation for Burns' poetry and song is far more important than a kilt for a Burns Nigh Supper (liking scotch helps too )

Cheers

Jamie

[macwilkin]

Failing that or renting a traditional kilt I would say that Todd gave some great advice. Wear the suit! It is better to wear a suit well than a kilted outfit poorly. Especially at a Burns Supper where you are going to be standing next to a lot of well put together kilt outfits.

By the by, Burns never wore a kilt, he was a lowlander! An interest and appreciation for Burns' poetry and song is far more important than a kilt for a Burns Nigh Supper (liking scotch helps too)

Well said, Jamie.

Take a look at these photos from a Burns Club in Scotland:

http://www.robertburns.org.uk/burnssupper_2007.htm

Quite a mixture of suits, kilts and trews, and these are serious Burnsians.

Cheers,

Todd

[Taliesin]

Thank you all for your help.

As I said in the title of my post, I was afraid I knew the answer to my query. I figured the casual kilt would be way too low for an argyll jacket, which was why I figured that was pretty much a closed door to me.

In any event I only got the kilt for wearing to Highland Games...casually. lol. I never even thought about the Burns Night until I got the tickets as a Christmas present this year. lol. Just trying to wear the kilt whenever possible.

I'll wear the suit though. Thank you again, everyone, for your input!

[Alan H]

Taliesin....first of all, I like your handle!

Secondly, look at the various Scottish Vendors on-line. Also, check ebay. You may very well be able to purchase a tartan necktie for the occasion and get it in time, if you hustle it up! Team that up with your regular sportcoat/slacks or suit and go have a good time.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

BREAKING THE CODE
This has probably been covered before, but as Burn's Night approaches it might be worth repeating:

FORMAL: Strictly speaking this means white tie; however in common usage it now refers to black tie as well.
SEMI-FORMAL: Rarely used these days, but means black tie.
INFORMAL: Argyll jacket, white shirt, four-in-hand tie; or a dark suit with white shirt and tie.
CASUAL: Tweed day wear jacket and necktie; or suit/sports coat, and tie.

If the invitation says "White Tie", then that's what it means-- absolutely formal and no messing about. If it says "Black Tie" it means Prince Charlie Coatee, doublet, or Argyll jacket with a black bow tie and white shirt.

If the invitation doesn't state the preferred dress, then it's permissable to wear either an Agryll or a tweed jacket with a regular necktie.

And a couple of easy to remember social conventions: After six o'clock in the evening a gentleman wears a white shirt. Bow ties should be either black or white, unless you are stand up comic with a rubber nose. Tartan ties are fine with informal or casual dress.

Unless the invitation specifically states "miniatures" medals are not worn.

The above courtesy of Emily Post, Amy Vanderbuilt, Miss Manners, and Edgar, Butler of Blessed Memory.

[Phil]

I don't remember any Burns suppers being all that formal here in Scotland. The speakers may dress up a bit but the audience even at big corporate events usually just wear lounge suits. And remember Robert Burns himself would have been a stranger to the kilt. So saying why pass up an opportunity to dress up if you have the right gear but if it is just a casual kilt then I would stick to a suit.

[macwilkin]

I don't remember any Burns suppers being all that formal here in Scotland. The speakers may dress up a bit but the audience even at big corporate events usually just wear lounge suits. And remember Robert Burns himself would have been a stranger to the kilt. So saying why pass up an opportunity to dress up if you have the right gear but if it is just a casual kilt then I would stick to a suit.

Exactly, Phil -- you summed it up quite nicely.

T.

[Taliesin]

I've been meaning to get a tartan tie anyway, but I may go with black and white.

I'd never heard that definition of semi-formal, so that's odd. I'm not a complete stranger to evening wear, since I used to play in a symphonic ensemble at various formal and semi-formal events.

I don't even know if my white shirt fits me anymore.