Burns Night

[pipesndrumsnun]

Will my suit jacket and a collared shirt with a tie that matches the colors in my kilt work? If not, I'm going to end up wearing a suit, I think. I'd much rather wear my kilt, but I don't want to look completely out of place or anything. I also don't want to violate some dress code. Thoughts? And thank you.

OR...if you or your wife are handy with needle and thread, you have plenty of time to turn a regular suit jacket into a kilt jacket. You'll find LOTS of helps and how-tos right here at X-Marks...many folks have done this, with great results!

[Taliesin]

Thank you all for your help.

As I said in the title of my post, I was afraid I knew the answer to my query. I figured the casual kilt would be way too low for an argyll jacket, which was why I figured that was pretty much a closed door to me.

In any event I only got the kilt for wearing to Highland Games...casually. lol. I never even thought about the Burns Night until I got the tickets as a Christmas present this year. lol. Just trying to wear the kilt whenever possible.

I'll wear the suit though. Thank you again, everyone, for your input!

[Alan H]

Taliesin....first of all, I like your handle!

Secondly, look at the various Scottish Vendors on-line. Also, check ebay. You may very well be able to purchase a tartan necktie for the occasion and get it in time, if you hustle it up! Team that up with your regular sportcoat/slacks or suit and go have a good time.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

BREAKING THE CODE
This has probably been covered before, but as Burn's Night approaches it might be worth repeating:

FORMAL: Strictly speaking this means white tie; however in common usage it now refers to black tie as well.
SEMI-FORMAL: Rarely used these days, but means black tie.
INFORMAL: Argyll jacket, white shirt, four-in-hand tie; or a dark suit with white shirt and tie.
CASUAL: Tweed day wear jacket and necktie; or suit/sports coat, and tie.

If the invitation says "White Tie", then that's what it means-- absolutely formal and no messing about. If it says "Black Tie" it means Prince Charlie Coatee, doublet, or Argyll jacket with a black bow tie and white shirt.

If the invitation doesn't state the preferred dress, then it's permissable to wear either an Agryll or a tweed jacket with a regular necktie.

And a couple of easy to remember social conventions: After six o'clock in the evening a gentleman wears a white shirt. Bow ties should be either black or white, unless you are stand up comic with a rubber nose. Tartan ties are fine with informal or casual dress.

Unless the invitation specifically states "miniatures" medals are not worn.

The above courtesy of Emily Post, Amy Vanderbuilt, Miss Manners, and Edgar, Butler of Blessed Memory.

[Phil]

I don't remember any Burns suppers being all that formal here in Scotland. The speakers may dress up a bit but the audience even at big corporate events usually just wear lounge suits. And remember Robert Burns himself would have been a stranger to the kilt. So saying why pass up an opportunity to dress up if you have the right gear but if it is just a casual kilt then I would stick to a suit.

[macwilkin]

I don't remember any Burns suppers being all that formal here in Scotland. The speakers may dress up a bit but the audience even at big corporate events usually just wear lounge suits. And remember Robert Burns himself would have been a stranger to the kilt. So saying why pass up an opportunity to dress up if you have the right gear but if it is just a casual kilt then I would stick to a suit.

Exactly, Phil -- you summed it up quite nicely.

T.

[Taliesin]

I've been meaning to get a tartan tie anyway, but I may go with black and white.

I'd never heard that definition of semi-formal, so that's odd. I'm not a complete stranger to evening wear, since I used to play in a symphonic ensemble at various formal and semi-formal events.

I don't even know if my white shirt fits me anymore.

[CameronTaylor]

Here's a thought - put all your gear together and "test drive" it. You may just find that it looks good. On me the difference between "proper" kilt level and jeans level is about 2 inches. Give it a shot, besides this is supposed to be fun for all, I don't recall mention of a catwalk or Mr. Blackwell being in attendance.

CT - and Chris will be there, 'nough said.

[Jack Daw]

Since I've only been wearing a kilt since August of last year (I will have 10 in my collection within the next 4 weeks), I need to ask you gentlemen about formal outings. Am I correct that Burns night, or Burns supper is considered a formal event?

And, for a formal event the correct attire would be: (is this right?)

1. A traditional kilt - tartan or solid (would a Stillwater standard or heavyweight pass muster? I'm thinking it would)
2. White shirt
3. Tie (long or bow)
4. Off-white or cream colored hose
5. Flashes (conservative)
6. Dress sporran
7. Dress shoes
8. Sgians Dubh (on order from Scottish Tartans Museum)
9. Jacket (Prince Charlie or Argyll)

If my list above is correct and a Stillwater standard or heavyweight makes the cut, the only thing I need is the jacket.

What about the women folk who attend these events? Should they wear a kilted skirt? Any type of jacket needed?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Darrell

I agree with everything on your list, but for the ultimate in formal: in place of the off-white or cream colored hose, it's either white or tartan hose. Also, the white shirt should be a tuxedo shirt with studs and cuff-links. Moreover, you could add a fly plaid (that matches the kilt in tartan and weight) and a plaid brooch.

[Chef]

I agree with everything on your list, but for the ultimate in formal: in place of the off-white or cream colored hose, it's either white or tartan hose.

Correct on the tartan hose, but white hose are for pipe bands.