What to wear to a Ceilidh?

**Bugbear** · 26th August 09, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

... In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn...

Now Jock, just remember that jeans are the American national dress.

You all need to be sure that you are wearing them in what ever way you want to wear them, or it might be considered an insult over here.

**Jock Scot** · 26th August 09, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Now Jock, just remember that jeans are the American national dress.

You all need to be sure that you are wearing them in what ever way you want to wear them, or it might be considered an insult over here.

Oh rest assured Ted, that no one gives a thought to how your national attire should be worn.

**BoldHighlander** · 26th August 09, 12:56 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn and anyone who dressed any more formally would feel overdressed,but most would assume that the overdressed person would have "come on" from some function or other,and not worry about it.

Jock, this sounds like a general description of the ceilidh's I've attended here in the States

**Sir William** · 26th August 09, 03:48 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I wonder? Was the actual event advertised as a ceilidh?Was it held in "the big house" or a marquee,or village hall? If it was at "the big house" then dress would be slightly more formal and tweed could be worn as a compliment to the host. It certainly sounds as though the natives "pushed the boat out". A compliment to their visitors perhaps? Nevertheless,going on the informal nature of a ceilidh, I don't suppose anyone lost any sleep over who wore what.

This was a much advertised ceilidh and held at the village hall.

I don't think anyone was overly concerned about who wore what though some of the ladies considered themselves "underdressed" after the Chief arrived. We were all having a great time and I think that is all that really mattered to anyone.

But I did wonder if there was a different perception between Scots, Americans, Canadians and Australians as to how formal or casual a ceilidh was supposed to be. I've always assumed a ceilidh was informal as opposed to a dance. I was also checking out kilt lengths, kilt belts, sporrans, hose, etc and saw considerable differences though these appeared to be more personal choices rather than "national" distinctions.

**Sir William** · 26th August 09, 03:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

...In the highlands the general attire for a ceilidh would be jeans, shirt and pullover and a few kilts being worn ....

So...just HOW MANY kilts are worn with jeans to a ceilidh? I think I would find even just one kilt over my jeans to be a bit much.

**Jock Scot** · 26th August 09, 03:56 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

So...just HOW MANY kilts are worn with jeans to a ceilidh? I think I would find even just one kilt over my jeans to be a bit much.

Sigh. There is always one comedian in the group and lo and behold we now know who it is! Take that man's name Sarn't Major!

**Sir William** · 27th August 09, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by jock scot

sigh. There is always one comedian in the group and lo and behold we now know who it is! Take that man's name sarn't major!

Sah!!!

You miserable article! Ten'shun! About turn. At the double - left, right, left, right, left, right...

**Nighthawk** · 27th August 09, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by Sir William

Sah!!!

You miserable article! Ten'shun! About turn. At the double - left, right, left, right, left, right...

Which one of those is hay, and which is straw?

**Arlen** · 26th August 09, 10:23 AM

It really depends on whether it is a genuine Ceilidh, a semi-formal dance or a ball.
For a ceilidh back in Scotland I would assume it was a bit of fun but would dress semi-formal. (Tweed or black Argyle jacket, shirt and tie with my Kilt.)
If it was a semi-formal dance, the same. If it were a ball I'd be sure to be in my best.
If I were to be assured that it was just a fun Ceilidh and nothing more then I'd probably wear a shirt with no tie.

Over here, even if it is just advertised as a Ceilidh I try to be at the very least semi-formal because there seems to be a completely different idea here of what a Ceilidh is. (There's often hardly any dancing!!!) And it can range from an informal talent show to a formal ball.