There can be only one...jacket that is.

[The Barry]

The above posters are correct. A nice (black or gray) Argyll is the way to go. Pick up the matching waistcoat, that will go a long ways towards making the jacket ensemble "dressier". Also, as stated above, avoid the tweed for your first jacket, as it is really not the right jacket for more formal events. Tweeds are nice, but less flexible.

I wanted a nice formal jacket, but not a PC. I ended up with a really nice black Argyll with Braemer cuffs with a matching waistcoat. It's perfect, all the way to black tie; but I can also wear a normal dress shirt, lose the waistcoat, and be much less formal with it.

Don't underestimate how much the sporran can affect the ensemble, a jacket will take on two very different looks with two different sporrans.

[Jock Scot]

The above posters are correct. A nice (black or gray) Argyll is the way to go. Pick up the matching waistcoat, that will go a long ways towards making the jacket ensemble "dressier". Also, as stated above, avoid the tweed for your first jacket, as it is really not the right jacket for more formal events. Tweeds are nice, but less flexible.

I wanted a nice formal jacket, but not a PC. I ended up with a really nice black Argyll with Braemer cuffs with a matching waistcoat. It's perfect, all the way to black tie; but I can also wear a normal dress shirt, lose the waistcoat, and be much less formal with it.

Don't underestimate how much the sporran can affect the ensemble, a jacket will take on two very different looks with two different sporrans.

With the greatest of respect that is not quite what I said. To be clear when I said "NON black" I was not thinking of grey. I was thinking Greens and browns and mixtures thereof.

[Zardoz]

I find myself both agreeing and dis-agreeing with most of the posts in this thread..I think if you can initially only afford one jacket, I feel like a charcoal tweed jacket and waistcoat set is a more versatile way to go.

I agree that the typical black barathea shiny button Argyll jacket and/or waistcoat set is quite versatile, it can go from daywear to semi-formal with the right accessories etc... But honestly I really feel like the shiny buttons (which could be changed out) make it look a little 'fancy' for some settings.
I feel like a charcoal colored tweed set is really more versatile overall. It won't cut it for black-tie, but it can go from more casual daywear to evening events where a dark suit or 'business formal' is expected. And the color goes well with most things.

I have both styles, and I wear the charcoal tweed quite often. But since I got a mess jacket for more formal stuff, maybe 3 events per year, I hardly wear the black Argyll at all.
I guess it depends on how often you are going to attend the more formal events.

[SlackerDrummer]

Jeremy,

I feel like people are chiming in having read the responses in the thread, but not your original post. You have stated that you'd like to have something that can potentially be worn to formal events, but something that won't get you laughed out of town at less formal occasions. The best choice for you is a black barathea Argyle jacket. Period. Even the vest (waistcoat) is not necessary. This jacket can be worn with black tie for evening events, with a regular necktie for semi-formal daywear, or with a colored and collared shirt for even less formal occasions. This is currently the jacket of choice of pipe bands the world over and, as such, will fit in at any highland games. And, given that you live in Oklahoma, it will be a suitable year-round jacket, which a tweed may not.

[Tim Little]

I guess it depends on how often you are going to attend the more formal events.

I believe this is indeed the crux of the matter.

If you'll be frequenting black-tie events and can only afford one jacket, go w. the black argyll.

If you won't be in black-tie, then go with something more versatile (e.g., charcoal tweed).

[Spartan Tartan]

Thanks for all the responses.

Seriously, I think all your answers (each addressing it from different angles) only makes me want ALL the possible jackets!! Of course, my lovely wife may not like that as much as I would...

I do appreciate your taking the time to respond to my question.