First off, thanks for everyone's help. Your comments weren't as harsh as I feared, and I really needed and appreciated a learned eye.

I'll definitely get a formal sporran. I knew in my heart that I should get one, but needed some encouragement to jump off the cliff! I'll also raise it up a bit. The strap is on the last hole now, so I'll punch a new one.

I agree that the shoulder braid and the plaid are a little much. I have 3 options. Go without either, wear only the braid, or wear only the plaid. I think that I'll gauge the function to see which of the 3 options I'll choose.

I'm wearing a sgian dubh, but for some reason it worked around my calf a little so you couldn't see it. Stag horn, hmmmm....

The hose suggestion was great. I've just got to decide among a deep red, forest green or navy blue. How about all three?

I just don't go formal enough to justify buckle shoes, much less ghillie brogues. Is it too much of a faux pas to buy ghillies laces and add them to wingtips?

I'll have to go look at the jacket and see if the buttons are easily changed, but I have to have the gold for my KofC functions. Otherwise, I'm thinking of going sans belt to avoid the clash.

Cajunscot, as you know from living in Louisiana for a time, it gets hot in the summer down here! I've posted honor guard at funerals in July/August in my cape, and thought I was suffocating. To that end, our Assembly has adopted a white mess jacket for use from Easter to Labor Day. The shoulder boards have the 4th Degree emblem on them. The color of the shoulder braid signifies rank within the 4th Degree.

Ruanaidh, there'll definitely be no plumed chapeau! I've been thinking about getting a balmoral however.

Riverkilt, I'll ask where we get our jackets from, but I do remember that they sell to anyone - even pagans!

Thanks again for everyone's help. It's really going to help me fine tune my kit. Like I said earlier, I have a sense of style that is right for me, but I don't won't to look like a dork either!

Dean