Opinions Please

**McMathTX** · 19th February 08, 03:59 PM

I've been reading and learning from this site for awhile now. I think that I now know what attire combination is appropriate, inappropriate, and what is up to my sense of discretion and style. Nevertheless, I want everyone's candid opinion about the outfit in the photo below. I plan to wear this to formal functions if it passes muster. I'm wearing my Matheson Modern Red with fly plaid (I've read the recent thread on fly plaids.) and my Knights of Columbus mess jacket. I don't have a waistcoat, so I'm wearing my kilt belt. Would you recommend a waistcoat? If so, what color? Again, any thoughts, comments and/or recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Dean

**McMathTX** · 19th February 08, 04:00 PM

OK, why didn't the photo come through?
Dean

**Colin** · 19th February 08, 04:05 PM

Is this the one you wanted? In future, just copy the IMG code for forums and bulletins from the righthand side of the photobucket page. That's the easiest way.

**McMathTX** · 19th February 08, 04:10 PM

Thanks Colin, this was also my first venture with photobucket!
Dean

**JS Sanders** · 19th February 08, 04:13 PM

A burghundy colored waistcoat would really set that off nicely.

Slainte,
steve

**Colin** · 19th February 08, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by McMathTX

Thanks Colin, this was also my first venture with photobucket!
Dean

No problem. Photobucket seems like the easiest place to get pics from and soon you'll be a pro.

I am not crazy about the white coat, but that is just me (I'm a clutz though). If you wear the white jacket, I would skip the waistcoat as it will mix it all up too much. I have never been a huge fan of the jacket and waistcoat being different colours. All it all it looks sharp. The fly plaid and the other shoulder deal may be a bit overboard, but it really depends on the level of formality of the event and the other patrons. Sometimes simple is best. Try it with out the plaid and other shoulder decoration and see how you like that.

All it all, it's you wearing it, so wear what feels right to you.

**McMurdo** · 19th February 08, 04:23 PM

There are a few things I would suggest, firstly though I think you could wear what you have here, in my opinion a dress sporran would be far superior to the semi dress that you have on. I am also puzzled by what looks like the absence of a sgian dubh, not sure if it is just on the side not shown. If you don't have one I would suggest picking one up as it is a part of formal highland dress. Given the level of formality perhaps a pair of buckle brogues or ghillie brogues would be in order, if it were me I would wear buckle brogues with the mess dress jacket and fly plaid.

One other thing that I would be remiss in not mentioning is that your mess jacket sleeves look to be a tad too long, I know that is fairly picky however as you have asked for a candid opinion I thought it worth noting.

**Arlen** · 19th February 08, 04:29 PM

I think that actually looks really, really good.
I'm not a fan of white coats but you pull it off very well.
I'd also vote for buckle shoes and a full-dress sporran but other than that you look fantastic.

**Marcel** · 19th February 08, 05:00 PM

Coming from a guy who wears black all the time, I must say you look great in the white jacket. I usually agree with the "less is more" comment, but in this case I love everything on the jacket. I would agree though, that a full dress sporran would be best.

**ccga3359** · 19th February 08, 05:03 PM

I like the look. Dressier sporran yes, and a little higher. The shoulder braid balances the plaid although is probably more for a military function. Appreciate the white jacket as I can't wear one (dirt magnet). At the end of the day it's you wearing it.