Cheap formal wear?

[JakobT]

I've read this thread with some interest, and it seems to me that what is being discussed is etiquette on one hand, and manners on the other, and sometimes the two are confused. In this connection, I'd like to share with you all a quote from Quentin Crisp's excellent book "Manners From Heaven":

"Etiquette...is a form of exclusion, a system designed to make people (especially those not of one's "class") feel ill at ease and out of place. Manners, on the other hand...are a technique of inclusion, a way of ensuring that in our company no one will ever be made to feel that he is a outcast by reason of his birth, education or occupation. To drink from your fingerbowl may be a breach of etiquette, but if a host, seeing his guest make this mistake, did the same, it would be a sign of good manners."

[BEEDEE]

Wow! What a diversity of views we have here as Xmarkers. Here's my 2cents worth. Using a waiters tux might be a costume. But I would argue, as others have, that it is possible to convert a tail coat into a close replica of a PC. Yes it takes time, effort and a pattern and an accomplished seamstress (got one of those). I've worn my conversion to many formal functions and not had any questions asked and been complimented on the total look.

Here's some pics:
The total look


The Jacket


The epauletes


Another finished photo


All together, I spent about $100 for the PC and vest. The $300 I saved goes a long way towards another kilt or other accessories.

Brian

[Caddy One]

Chef.........You have my vote on this matter....could not agree more...

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Since I happen to like dressing up and doing so on the cheap, my time to weigh in.

Most highland formal wasn't too set until recently. Case in point the doublets. Now it's pretty much black barathea, but in olden times there were variations in colour. There have been enough what type of doublet posts here to get the idea that the cut hasn't been uniform either. Some doublets come from military styling (e.g., the regulation) and others from formal wear (the prince charlie).

So, there are loads of ways to go for cheap formal wear: buy ex-hire, find plain-off second hand, convert, or make your own.

I agree that it's better to build an outfit than go splash out on a complete ensemble. In fact, that's one of the reasons I don't rag on the inexpensive sporrans on eBay. Start with something you can afford and work up to something better, especially if you are going to wear the outfit once a year.

In fact, if you are doing it once or twice a year, rental makes sense. For those of us with unusual tartans, buy the tartan items and rent the rest.

Some people get lucky when it comes to formal wear, especially if they are an "average" size. Otherwise, there are tailors who can alter the clothes.

I guess the question I would ask is how are you going to dress? If you are going to do a lot of formal occasions, then it makes sense to buy. It makes even more sense to buy the best you can afford. Otherwise, rental works.

Or buy something like a Barathea Argyll jacket. they are fairly versatile. That was what was suggested to me when I started getting into the kilt. It is advise that works.

I dress in doublets because I enjoy that, but not everyone needs one.

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

I should have linked to McKenzie-Frain's evening wear section for a wide variety of formal options.

[Brewboy]

I'm just waiting for someone to come out with a Prince Charlie T-shirt.

[James MacMillan]

Dukeof Kircaldy - I agree totally! That is the type of very laudable and commendable thriftiness that should be native to every Scot and it should be promoted and encouraged!

[brendillon]

99.9% of the people you meet won't know the difference between a USA kilt and a tank, just like 99.9% of the people won't know the difference between your off the rack tux from Sears, and a hand-sewn suit from Oscar de la Renta. Of those who do know the difference, I'd bet most of them wouldn't care. Those that know the difference and care, are probably people I wouldn't want to associate with, anyway.

After reading through this whole thread, I have to second Chromescholar's sentiment here. A formal occasion is about showing respect and dignity by looking your best, not about how much money you spend or how much the outfit is worth.

[sharpdressedscot]

I'm just waiting for someone to come out with a Prince Charlie T-shirt.

[DWFII]

I think I'm gonna be a bit of the "odd man out" here and although I am not advocating expense or any kind of snobbery, I think there is a certain amount of effort and study (and yes, maybe money) that goes into making an outfit "work."

For thirty-five years I have made cowboys boots, only recently discovering my Scots/Irish roots. Some years ago, among the bootmakers, silversmiths, saddlers and western artists I got to hang around with, there was a "re-discovery" of late 19th century men's wear. Frock coats and period shirts and as well as late 19c. styled boots, became very popular.

But really very few could pull off the "look." The reason? They were mixing modern, pointed toed boots with frock coats; or button down shirts with cravats; 20th century vests with shirts and coats. Most folks did that because they couldn't afford to invest in the entire look...but I'm here to tell you that the result was worse than if they had never tried.

And almost at a tangent, I'll tell you another story that makes the same point in a round about way...I used to teach fly casting. I would give the students a list of good (not necessarily top dollar) equipment before the class began. I could always tell the folks who would never succeed in learning to cast--they were the ones who came in with the fly/spin combos and the Eagle Claw rods...all to save a buck. Which, because they didn't have adequate equipment, in the first place, meant that they couldn't learn. And that meant...penny-wise and pound foolish...that the money they had spent was wasted.

The moral of both of these stories...don't do something unless you are ready to commit, whole-heartedly, to it...you'll only (and almost always ) end up frustrated. [And before someone jumps me on that...note that I did not say what the focus of your commitment should or shouldn't be...only that you do commit. ]