What do I NEED?

[CMcG]

<snip>
And having noticed that Steve Ashton (the owner of X Marks and known as the Wizard of BC) never wears anything dressier than a suit jacket cut down in similar fashion, I plan to take my new charcoal suit jacket and have it cut down also.

The pictures you've seen of Steve are more likely to be one of his "kilt kut" jackets, rather than a cut down one:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-dressy-46606/

[artificer]

The pictures you've seen of Steve are more likely to be one of his "kilt kut" jackets, rather than a cut down one:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-dressy-46606/

THAT is a nice, contemporary jacket.

Steve, if you're out there right now, are you still making these? Your website has this area blocked out.

[azwildcat96]

Hmm, he didn't mention anything about a belt. So, 2nd to One, how are you fixed for a belt? Do you have a kilt belt, or are you using a regular trouser belt?

+2 on a proper belt and buckle. Not necessary to have a huge buckle, like a rodeo cowboy, but a wide belt will look better than a typical “skinny” belt worn with your p@nts.

[azwildcat96]

For more dressy events, ... dress shoes (I recommend a cap toe as opposed to the wing tips, but that's just me),

I also prefer a plain black cap toe. Nothing wrong with wing tips, but cap toes are more versatile. Black Docs work well for a casual look too.

[azwildcat96]

I would also look at slowly adding accessories that you like, as you can afford them, or have the need for them. Think about a kilt pin, sgian dubh, flask, other flashes and hose, alternate sporrans, caps, etc.

[Danwell]

THAT is a nice, contemporary jacket.

Steve, if you're out there right now, are you still making these? Your website has this area blocked out.

Can I just second that this is a very attractive jacket and waistcoat combination! That looks brilliant, and is cheap as chips too!!

[2nd to One]

Hmm, he didn't mention anything about a belt. So, 2nd to One, how are you fixed for a belt? Do you have a kilt belt, or are you using a regular trouser belt?

At this point, I just have trouser belts, I want to at least get a couple more nice belts (I've only got the one I'm wearing in my pictures at this point), and hopefully, an actual kilt belt. Do you have any suggestions on a good place to get a kilt belt?

one thing i'd say as one beginner to another is take your time, it's very easy to get carried away and spend an awful lot of money in a very short period when you don't really need to

Very true, and wise advice. I'm trying very hard to restrain myself, there is sooo much out there.

For more dressy events, you will definitely want a nice sporran, dress shoes (I recommend a cap toe as opposed to the wing tips, but that's just me),

and a jacket will eventually be needed unless you really never go dressed up. (I also recommend that you save up for shell cordovan shoes; they'll outlast you.)

Cool! I have shoes similar to the one you posted the picture of (black, cap-toed), that I was planning to wear for more formal occasions.
Yes, a jacket is pretty high on my list of things I'd like to acquire. I think I will probably try altering a jacket to begin with, just to have something nice for more dressy occasions. I don't really attend a whole lot of white-tie affairs at this point in my life, but I do enjoy dressing up a bit.

But if you want to go the whole hog (and your wife will tolerate it), you are welcome to do just that.

Well, at this point, I just have my parents to think of...

I would also look at slowly adding accessories that you like, as you can afford them, or have the need for them. Think about a kilt pin, sgian dubh, flask, other flashes and hose, alternate sporrans, caps, etc.

Thanks for the tip! Your suggested approach is how I'm moving forward at this point, slowly, weighing my options. A Jacket and a cap (Glengarry) are at the top of my list right now, though a Sgian Dubh is definitely up there, too.

Good luck, take your time, and buy for quality.

Great advice. Thank you all very much for your time and suggestions! I really appreciate it!

For the most part, I have been (and will probably be) wearing my kilt in mostly casual settings, (going shopping, family functions). Eventually, I would like to be able to wear it a little more formally, though.
One question I have is whether it would be appropriate to wear a shirt that I made for my Regency costume with my kilt. Judging by the photos I've seen of Ghillie shirts, mine is similar, except that it has a ruffle on the cuffs, and it just has a tie at the collar as opposed to lacing up the placket. I'm considering making another shirt with the same pattern, but adding laces to the placket, and losing the ruffle...what do you think? It's more of a costume shirt, but I'm interested in the historical kilted look as well, so would it work?

Also, are there already established threads in this board or elsewhere for asking "Should I buy this?", or can I use this discussion to do that? I've got my eye n a Glengarry, and I want some second opinions...

Thanks again!

[Jock Scot]

2nd to One.

As you have asked for advice on a glengarry, I feel safe to offer some. In short, don't bother! They are the most useless bit of attire that any one could think up. They offer no protection from the weather and are the very devil to wear properly. Mine was consigned to the bin at the earliest opportunity.In my humble opinion you would be better, by far, to consider a balmoral.

[Dale Seago]

2nd to One.

As you have asked for advice on a glengarry, I feel safe to offer some. In short, don't bother! They are the most useless bit of attire that any one could think up. They offer no protection from the weather and are the very devil to wear properly. Mine was consigned to the bin at the earliest opportunity.In my humble opinion you would be better, by far, to consider a balmoral.

Hear, hear!!

[Micric]

You beat me to it Jock!

Balmoral, yes.