Wearing a PC in the Daytime??

[Alan H]

BTW, I'm surprised that nobody has chimed in with this....that the Prince Charlie is supposed to be the equivalent of Black Tie, but a doublet, such as the Sherriffmuir or Montrose, with Jabot and cuffs is supposed to be the equivalent of white tie.


In my 52 years I have never been to a white tie event, though I've played in a dance band where we wore dinner jackets while we played for dinner (white jackets) and changed to tuxedos for after-dinner dancing. That's not really the same thing at all, though.

I don't know about you, but I'm a humble working jock and white tie events just kind of aren't on my social calendar. So I won't be buying a doublet any time soon.

[Bugbear]

I would gladly wear a Sherriffmuir doublet, with a lacey jabot and cuffs, to a black tie event, but only with tartan hose.
It isn't exactly important to me what others are wearing; I might not even know So... no big deal.

This really isn't my realm or bone to pick because I'm just a long haired country boy, alone out here in the desert.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

BTW, I'm surprised that nobody has chimed in with this....that the Prince Charlie is supposed to be the equivalent of Black Tie, but a doublet, such as the Sherriffmuir or Montrose, with Jabot and cuffs is supposed to be the equivalent of white tie.

Well, actually, early adverts showing the "Prince Charlie" coatee show it being worn with -- GASP!!! Rathdown nearly swoons to write it-- WHITE TIE! After WWII the king relaxed the regulations for wearing white tie in the presence of Royals giving gentlemen who did not possess "evening dress" permission to wear black tie in it's stead. While doublets are certainly more formal than coatees, they are not strictly reserved for "white tie" events.

I don't know about you, but I'm a humble working jock and white tie events just kind of aren't on my social calendar. So I won't be buying a doublet any time soon.

Sadly very few of us have any whie tie events on our calendars these days. That said, a standard doublet is far dressier than a coatee, and is perfectly acceptable for black tie wear. As, of course, is a well tailored Dress Argyll!

[pastorsteve]

I also see tuxedos at almost every wedding I do from morning to evening. I would much rather see someone arrive at a daytime event overdressed than underdressed. As I was taught years ago about "rules" in many situations - "Rules are for fools, guidelines are for wise minds". I appreciate anyone's attempt to present themselves "properly attired" rather than arriving slovenly dressed when they should have at least tried. Very few people, even herein, can justify having numerous semi-formal, formal, and numerous coats to be ready for every event in accorance with Emily Post's ideal attire.

[Bugbear]

Aye, but being aware of the conventions and guidelines is probably a good thing when bending and breaking them.

The last wedding I went to was a costume wedding, and I was dressed as the grizzled hurmit. Not sure what the next will be like...

[pastorsteve]

Aye.

[McClef]

John Smeaton, the Glasgow Airport hero, received his Queen's Gallantry Medal from Her Majesty the Queen wearing a PC.

I did not see one word of criticism about his attire being inappropriate for the time of day.

[davedove]

... Very few people, even herein, can justify having numerous semi-formal, formal, and numerous coats to be ready for every event in accorance with Emily Post's ideal attire.

And I believe this is why these "conventions" are slowly changing. We all have to remember that all these "rules" were developed by the upper crust of society, who could afford to have multiple outfits (or at least they would never admit that they couldn't).

There will be some who will argue that if one doesn't have all the different outfits, then one shouldn't attend the event. That just smacks of elitism to me. One can follow the conventions, but one shouldn't be a slave to them.

For many these days, their tuxedo is their formal outfit, and they wear it to whatever formal occasion they attend, no matter what time of day. The times and rules do change, no matter how much people might complain about how it's not "proper."

[macwilkin]

I don't know about you, but I'm a humble working jock and white tie events just kind of aren't on my social calendar. So I won't be buying a doublet any time soon.

Alan: As Rathdown mentioned, doublets are not necessarily reserved for white-tie affiars only. This humble working jock does own a doublet, and attends 3-4 formal events a year. I see no contradiction in being the son of a warehouseman and the grandson of an Iowa farmer and what jacket hangs in my in closet.

The poster asked a simple question as to what was appropriate to wear in the daytime in terms of Highland attire. Answers were given accordingly as to tradition and custom, and then the usual "don't tell me what to wear!" comments begin.

As davedove so respectfully pointed out -- yes, the custom is changing. I think we can all acknowledge this fact that the pragmatic and the ideal are not always the same, especially in sartorial matters. Yet recently around here, whenever someone does offer a viewpoint from the traditional customs of Highland attire, other folks feel they are being personally attacked, which I saw nothing to indicate that in the posts from the traditionalists.

Regards,

Todd

[Friday]

Sadly very few of us have any whie tie events on our calendars these days.

I propose that in the future every third kilt night, starting after 6PM, be declared a White Tie event and that the appropriate attire be worn. -


Can you imagine the look on the local rabbles faces at the local watering hole as a group of kilted men enter in White Tie attire with beautiful women in gowns walk in. (OK the women would look beautiful in jeans as well as gowns).