Marine Corps League

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Here is what I have now.

This is "dress" but not formal.

This from the side.

Showing the belt without the sporran or kilt belt.

Without jacket...I know the kilt is crooked and too high.

I would suggest the following changes:

1) I would go with an Argyll jacket. If you are "stuck" with a red jacket then have the cuffs and collar (but not lapels) in blue. If possible I would go with an Argyll in the same shade of blue as USMC blues but with red cuffs and a red collar (but not lapels).
2) On "dress occasions" I would add a low-cut 4 button waistcoat (opposite colour of the jacket-- either red or blue) and black bow tie. (with a 4 button waistcoat you will have a total of 13 buttons-- same as USMC Mess Dress)
3) I would wear hose the same colour blue as USMC blues trousers, with red flashes.
4) Loose the patch on the kilt; get a kilt belt and EGA kilt belt buckle.
5) Keep the military shoes, avoid ghillies.
6) Go with a plain black military style sporran. Place the EGA on the flap.
7) Go with a plain black sgian dubh-- no clan badges or stones in the top.

I would assemble the entire prototype uniform before putting in an appearance. Most people lack any sort of visual sense, and will make their decision to approve or disapprove the uniform based only on what they see.

It is of paramount importance that the uniform says "MARINE" the moment someone lays eyes on it. That being the case you should take all of your styling cues from USMC Mess Dress and Dress Blues.

[Derek Conley]

I would suggest the following changes:

1) I would go with an Argyll jacket. If you are "stuck" with a red jacket then have the cuffs and collar (but not lapels) in blue. If possible I would go with an Argyll in the same shade of blue as USMC blues but with red cuffs and a red collar (but not lapels).
2) On "dress occasions" I would add a low-cut 4 button waistcoat (opposite colour of the jacket-- either red or blue) and black bow tie. (with a 4 button waistcoat you will have a total of 13 buttons-- same as USMC Mess Dress)
3) I would wear hose the same colour blue as USMC blues trousers, with red flashes.
4) Loose the patch on the kilt; get a kilt belt and EGA kilt belt buckle.
5) Keep the military shoes, avoid ghillies.
6) Go with a plain black military style sporran. Place the EGA on the flap.
7) Go with a plain black sgian dubh-- no clan badges or stones in the top.

I would assemble the entire prototype uniform before putting in an appearance. Most people lack any sort of visual sense, and will make their decision to approve or disapprove the uniform based only on what they see.

It is of paramount importance that the uniform says "MARINE" the moment someone lays eyes on it. That being the case you should take all of your styling cues from USMC Mess Dress and Dress Blues.

You, sir, have come up with an excellent series of ideas. As a veteran Marine myself, may I say:

1. I think the MCL's red jackets look horrible. I applaud your idea of "an Argyll in the same shade of blue as USMC blues but with red cuffs and a red collar (but not lapels). ".

2. Phenomenal idea to tie this into the 13-button layout of Mess Dress.

3. Again, excellent; I like how this then (with the Argyll above) follows the same color scheme as the standard Dress Blue uniform and emulates the trousers.

4. SWK has a very cool EGA belt buckle.

5. I agree; no ghillies.

6. I hesitate here; would the EGA on the sporran be too much with the EGA on the belt buckle as well? I would lean towards one or the other.

7. Plain is best. Someone earlier mentioned a kabar sgian dubh and I think that'd be slightly "gimmicky" for a uniform.

May I also suggest simply using the Leatherneck tartan.

[Scully]

I love the suggestions.
I agree that an argyle style jacket would be better. Currently red is the only option but I may have one like suggested made to test the concept.

Where would I get "dress blue" hose?

I have the kilt belt and sporran ordered. (from our sponsers of course)

I have only the red flashes now but I will get several other colors.

I would prefer to use the Leatherneck tartan. (working on funds)

The standard trousers are black, how about a black shadow tartan with black hose and red flashes. (the conformity option)

The mess style jacket is available in red. I will have to find a waistcoat in dress blue. I think that it will look very sharp.

I will go to the meeting but not in presentation form. I think that I will go without the jacket (looks terrible). I will have the kilt belt, buckle (SWK-EGA) and sporran by Tuesday. I think I can get the patch off without trouble (sorry Rocky). On second thought, I may go kilted but not uniform at all. I have several "golf" shirts with the EGA on them that will go with the kilt I have.

I guess I will dress and undress all weekend until I find the proper look.

Thanks again,
I will post more pics when I get more "parts" in.