White Tie

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 23rd November 08, 02:20 PM

Having looked at scores (maybe even hundreds) of pre-WWII photographs of kilted men, I can't recall seeing any of them in the white/creme hose that seem to have proliferated post-war, especially in the 1960's and later.

Since one wouldn't, or at least shouldn't, wear white socks with a tuxedo or dinner jacket the same rules apply to the kilt on formal occasions. Tartan, diced, or black are to be preferred for white tie events. With black tie there is a bit more lee-way, and hose the same colour as the darkest colour or primary colour of the kilt may also be worn.

To me, creme coloured socks always look like white socks that have "yellowed" in the laundry.

**scotchmaster** · 23rd November 08, 02:41 PM

I have been to several White Tie Dinner Events in Scotland. I have never seen anyone wearing anything other that Tartan or Diced Hose. On occasion White or cream. Black hose just look like old man knee socks to me. If you wish to wear anything other than White Tie apparel than you are not dressed for the occasion.That is all I have left to say on the subject.

**Fougasse** · 23rd November 08, 02:59 PM

This is a photo of myself and my good lady at the 2007 Navy Ball Okinawa. Also below is a link to an excellent, well-researched site on Black/White Tie which you should find a useful resource.

http://www.blacktieguide.com/

**scotchmaster** · 23rd November 08, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by Fougasse

This is a photo of myself and my good lady at the 2007 Navy Ball Okinawa. Also below is a link to an excellent, well-researched site on Black/White Tie which you should find a useful resource.

http://www.blacktieguide.com/

That's what I'm talking about. You look great...

**Fougasse** · 23rd November 08, 04:15 PM

Thanks Scotchmaster, it doesn't hurt to have a Sailor on your arm either!

**English Bloke** · 23rd November 08, 04:34 PM

I personally would go with your black bowtie, black socks and everything else you have listed, exactly as is. After putting everything on I would check myself in the mirror to make sure the tie was straight then give meeself a wink and a grin before I walked out the door. It doesn't sound like your friends and collegues would appreciate all the subtle differences and therefore in my opinion, it's not worth the added expence. I think so long as you look suitably smart and don't wear a pair of tatty converse, I'm sure you will achieve the effect you seek.

**gilmore** · 23rd November 08, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

...
Since one wouldn't, or at least shouldn't, wear white socks with a tuxedo or dinner jacket the same rules apply to the kilt on formal occasions. Tartan, diced, or black are to be preferred for white tie events. With black tie there is a bit more lee-way, and hose the same colour as the darkest colour or primary colour of the kilt may also be worn.

To me, creme coloured socks always look like white socks that have "yellowed" in the laundry.

I agree with this, but for the suggestion of black hose. For those of us who are excessively Caucasian, it can bring out the paleness of one's gams. It's not too troublesome to have at least one pair of diced hose on hand for formal ocassions.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 23rd November 08, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by gilmore

I agree with this, but for the suggestion of black hose. For those of us who are excessively Caucasian, it can bring out the paleness of one's gams. It's not too troublesome to have at least one pair of diced hose on hand for formal ocassions.

Oh, I agree with you. It's just that in a pinch, black is a far more acceptable alternative than white/creme hose.

I tend, when ordering a kilt, to also order tartan hose at the same time. They usually arrive in the same package and when needed, there they are. I am always surprised to find out others don't do this, and trust to luck that they will find "something" down stream.

**Bugbear** · 23rd November 08, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by gilmore

I agree with this, but for the suggestion of black hose. For those of us who are excessively Caucasian, it can bring out the paleness of one's gams. It's not too troublesome to have at least one pair of diced hose on hand for formal ocassions.

Would these hose top things that are diced or a different color from the hose be acceptable with the formal attire?

I ask because something like that would buffer the black hose from the paleness of the knees just like the white shirt is doing between your face/hands and the black jacket you would wear. Just a thought.