Black tie event.....help?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

You might want to read this article about clerical attire for black tie events.
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Clerical.htm

Just one man's opinion, but it's a good starting point.

If it were me, I'd wear the black Argyle jacket with with a white French cuff shirt, and this style waistcoat with my Roman collar.

I believe this style is called a gilet. Many of the priests in my diocese wear them and they look quite nice.

[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.

[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.

[Zardoz]

You might want to read this article about clerical attire for black tie events.
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Clerical.htm

Just one man's opinion, but it's a good starting point.

I'd wear the black Argyle jacket with with a white French cuff shirt, and this style waistcoat with my Roman collar.

I believe this style is called a gilet. Many of the priests in my diocese wear them and they look quite nice.

Matt beat me to it recommending the sound advice from the Black-Tie guide.
Since I don't have the luxury of being an expert on everything, I have often used blacktieguide.com as a guide in developing my personal formal dress style.
If it were me, I would go with this same look.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Matt beat me to it recommending the sound advice from the Black-Tie guide, I would go with this same look.

As useful as the Black Tie guide may be, it's comments on clerical attire are limited to the mode of dress of the Roman Catholic clergy. That said, the advice give may be of little or no value to Anglicans, Lutherans, or the clergy of other denominations.

[The Vicar]

Greetings All,

Thank you all for your assistance.

The Mrs. and I are joining the Order of St. Lazarus in Canada. The cost of my cassock (RC style) with the Order's trim and cincture, my mozetta and the Mrs. Mantle are already dipping into the saving quite a lot! I am Rev. and plan to attend as a Rev. because that is what I am and I will be invested as a clergyman.

The Very Rev. Allan is Church of England? I am a Ev. Lutheran so leaning more towards the RC side.

I have been warned there will be many in kilts at the event so I better know my stuff. You can understand why I want to get this right.

In the end I have little left to spend on new items for the event, so I am still hoping to go with clergy kilt?

Keep the options coming I appreciate it!

Robert

[MacBean]

The Very Rev. Allan is Church of England?

I would be interested in the answer to this question myself. Clan Chattan was historically Scottish Episcopalean, though individuals would probably have altered there allegiance in years since the early 1700s. As I understand it from Wikipedia, this church, though Anglican and recognizing the Archbishop of Canterbury, sees itself as continuous with the ancient Celtic Church of Ninian and Columba before it realilgned with Rome. The first American Episcopalean bishop after the War of Independence was ordained by the Scottish Episcopal bishops, not the English. The Wikipedia article makes interesting reading for those interested in the Jacobite Rebellion, the American Episcopal Church, or the Clan Chattan Confederation. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Episcopal_Church

[Mike_Oettle]

Well, Vicar, for my tuppence worth I would recommend that you stay with the kilt and the seasonal flashes (a brilliant idea in my eyes).
I don’t see that black socks would be entirely out of place, although blue, or blue and black, might go better with the tartan.
To my mind the clerical collar goes hand in hand with the breeches (don’t know how that garb was ever thought appropriate for the clergy to wear!).
I would suggest a white shirt with a bow tie, or perhaps a jabot.
Regards,
Mike

[JSFMACLJR]

Greetings All,

The Very Rev. Allan is Church of England? I am a Ev. Lutheran so leaning more towards the RC side.Robert

Dochgarroch is a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church. He is (or rather was ) Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. John, in Oban.