Black tie event.....help?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

For what it's worth, in Scotland all of my high church Anglican buddies tend to wear "civvies" to most events, and only wear clericals to civic events-- that being the case I'd suggest that you go with the black Argyll jacket, three button waistcoat, dress shirt and black bow tie. I think the flashes in the appropriate liturgical colour is a brilliant conceit, and I'd endorse it 100%! (I have a friend who is a retired Admiral who always wears one red and one green flash...). Incidentally, they all wear their family tartan and matching argyle hose.

[MacLowlife]

I vote for diced or argyle hose. If you are feeling flush, commission some to match that tartan. Black and white would be far superior to solid black, IMHO. Lavender and black would be very tasty. Check out the custom diced hose from the STM.

Please wear a white shirt to the party. I'd shine the shoes I already have.

You could easily wear a jabot, though it might look best with a 5 button vest or some other jacket than the Argyll. I do not know what church you belong to, or what that church's traditions are, but many priests I know are mildly uncomfortable/unfamiliar with a long necktie. If you can't bring yourself to sport the jabot, by all means consider a bow tie, as it is at least horizontal like your dog collar. And this is a black tie event.

[Bugbear]

... If you can't bring yourself to sport the jabot, by all means consider a bow tie, as it is at least horizontal like your dog collar. And this is a black tie event.

[MacBean]

For what it's worth, in Scotland all of my high church Anglican buddies tend to wear "civvies" to most events, and only wear clericals to civic events-- that being the case I'd suggest that you go with the black Argyll jacket, three button waistcoat, dress shirt and black bow tie. I think the flashes in the appropriate liturgical colour is a brilliant conceit, and I'd endorse it 100%! (I have a friend who is a retired Admiral who always wears one red and one green flash...). Incidentally, they all wear their family tartan and matching argyle hose.

I'm with him on this one. The Very Rev. Allan MacLean of Dochgarroch, President of the Highland Clan Chattan Association last year during the Band of Union Celebrations in Inverness, was dressed in this fashion, never in clericals.

[JSFMACLJR]

I'm with him on this one. The Very Rev. Allan MacLean of Dochgarroch, President of the Highland Clan Chattan Association last year during the Band of Union Celebrations in Inverness, was dressed in this fashion, never in clericals.

Yes, Dochgarroch is a perfect example, although at last years Heraldry Society of Scotland St. Andrew's Dinner, he wore a tartan dinner jacket, rabat, and clerical collar.

Now here is what the well-dressed cleric wears in the evening:

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Now here is what the well-dressed cleric wears in the evening:

Great photos Sandy-- they remind me somewhat of my friend Major the Reverend Keith Gordon Barry, a serving chaplain in HM Forces. I have spoken with Keith (and other clergy not in the military) on this subject in the past, and the feeling I get is that civilian attire is worn unless they are taking part in a religious ceremony, or are specifically representing their parish or diocese at some event. (In this regard clericals are somewhat akin to military or naval mess dress uniforms. Unless the invitation specifically states "black tie, uniforms" most officers of my acquaintance would leave the mess dress in the wardrobe and attend the event in civilian attire; the same attitude seems to apply to clergy.)

Referring to the Reverend Gentleman in the photos for just a moment, he is, I believe, attending an event of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, in which --according to the badge worn at his neck-- he holds the rank of Chaplain. Gentlemen members of the Order (including clergy) are required to attend these events in either the uniform of the Order or the appropriate level of civilian attire, hence the formal clericals seen in the photo.

[Jock Scot]

For what it's worth, in Scotland all of my high church Anglican buddies tend to wear "civvies" to most events, and only wear clericals to civic events-- that being the case I'd suggest that you go with the black Argyll jacket, three button waistcoat, dress shirt and black bow tie. I think the flashes in the appropriate liturgical colour is a brilliant conceit, and I'd endorse it 100%! (I have a friend who is a retired Admiral who always wears one red and one green flash...). Incidentally, they all wear their family tartan and matching argyle hose.

Sage advice there, although you could consider solid colour hose(not white) as an option.

[fluter]

I like the idea of diced or tartan hose to complement the kilt. Blue and white is a neglected combination for dicing, but that might be a bit too much blue. If solid color hose, then I'd say not blue or black (or white--unless they are hand-knitted by a close relative).

The jabot idea is intriguing, and would work with your existing 5-button waistcoat. One of STM's hand-knitted jabots from a historical lace pattern would be an interesting touch. They are made by Mrs. Matt.

I think bow-tie looks good with a 3-button, PC style waistcoat.

This would be a good opportunity to add one accessory, carefully chosen and possibly made to order, that will complement your Argyll and give you pleasure for many many days to come: such as a jabot, some nice custom hose, or one of the clerical waistcoats that have been suggested, among other possibilities.

[MacRobert's Reply]

What you already have Vicar sounds entirely appropriate. Wear it with a clerical collar if you are attending as a chaplain or will be contributing to the event as a clergyman (eg saying the grace or giving a benediction). If you do not have a specifically clerical role at the event, replace the clerical collar and shirt with a white dress shirt and black bow tie.

A jabot or white cravat is also ideal but best worn with a doublet. I favor the Sheriffmuir which also works well with a clerical collar.

I am a Scottish Episcopalian priest but this should work for clergy of most denominations.

PS Garters according to the season is a novel idea but a bit subtle for their significance to be recognised by others.