What to wear to formal event when you don't have a Prince Charlie or argyle?

[Macseobang]

Hi all,

I'm another kilt/forum newbie and I'm going to be attending my first kilted event next weekend in northern California. Problem is, I don't have a formal kilt jacket of any type. The event, which is a Clan Donald Glencoe memorial, consists of a daytime ceremony and a dinner. A dress code listed on the invitation says a "kilt with kilt shirt or day wear jacket" is appropriate for the ceremony, but for the dinner attire is say "kilt with Prince Charlie". I did recently purchase a tweed jacket and waistcoat which I am planning on wearing for the ceremony, but I figured it may be too casual for the dinner. I know I have a few options because it mentions you may wear slacks and a dress shirt if you "don't have a kilt", but since I do have a kilt I would like to wear it if possible.

So I feel like my options are:

1. Wear my kilt with a dress shirt and tie only
2. Wear my kilt with tweed waistcoat/jacket or perhaps only one of them
3. Give in a wear slacks and a dress shirt (I do have Macdonald tartan suspenders and tie to at least represent in the absence of a kilt)

Thanks ahead of time for any advice you may provide!

[Taskr]

Well, since the dress is "Kilt with Prince Charlie", the day jacket or shirt and tie over the kilt will not do for dinner.

Dress slacks and the tartan tie sounds like an appropriate option from the organizers. Don't over do it with the suspenders.

You might contact the organizers and ask if your tweed jacket is OK for dinner. Worst they can say is "no".

[Father Bill]

Once again, the question that is asked here so often: If the hosts set a dress code, can I break it? If so how?

The answer is "No. You can't."

[FossilHunter]

It seems odd to me that the ceremony and dinner have different dress codes but if you need a black tie jacket, I would rent for the night.

Father Bill had it right. If it doesn’t say “optional” you have to follow the code.

It does seem strange that PCs are required kilted but not tuxedos for the non kilted. Maybe call the organization to ask for clarification because it sounds like they have different dress codes for Saxon and Highland dress.

[Steve Ashton]

Yea, I agree. The Prince Charlie is the kilt equivalent of tuxedo. Black Tie. Always worn with tux shirt and black bow tie. So if the invitation does not specify tux for the non kilted perhaps you could ask the organizer for clarification.

But do what the invitation specifies and change into a rental Prince Charlie or dress in a tux for the dinner.

[Macseobang]

Thanks for your comments so far.

It does seem as though they want everyone to look their finest at the event, but not bar people from attending because they don't have the proper attire. So I doubt it's a true "black tie" event.

The invitation says "However, if you don’t have a kilt or kilt skirt please do not stay away. Casual attire is appropriate on Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening ladies can wear a dress or slacks and men slacks and a nice shirt. Since this is a family event, your nicest attire is more than appropriate for dinner"

I just looked into PC rentals and it may be possible, but most online rentals want to send you the jacket 10 days before the event and I'm already past that time period. There is only one somewhat local kilt shop in San Francisco. I just called them and they do have PC and vest for $75 for only 3 days. I've seen as low as $40 online.

[gealach]

...Since this is a family event, your nicest attire is more than appropriate for dinner...

Well then that surely goes for highland dress as well. Turning up in highland daywear should be more important than level of formality in this case.

I don't advise you to break the code! However, in this instance it seems the hosts haven't made the dress code very clear because they weren't sure how to put it, so there's no harm in asking them.

[kingandrew]

Several years ago, I had a similar situation, where I unexpectedly had a sudden need for a Prince Charlie. I ordered one from Sport Kilt: https://sportkilt.com/product/1641/P...ie-Jacket.html

The pros: I had the jacket within a couple of days. I had followed the directions on the site and ordered a size larger than I normally wear and the jacket fits perfectly. The quality is good, if somewhat no-frills (it is 100% wool). And the price was quite affordable at the time.

Cons: I'm sure there are much finer jackets out there from many makers. The price today seems to be $199, so not as competitive with renting as it was when I ordered. And it will still take a couple of days to reach you.

I can say that I still use this jacket and it looks just fine. No one has ever looked askance at it, even though it is a "basic" model.

I don't know if you wish to spend the money now, especially since you just got a tweed jacket. But if you expect to wear it more than once a year, the cost of purchasing will be less than renting.

I do agree with Steve that you will need a tuxedo shirt, black tie (do tie your own), and studs. But it really does look smashing when you put it all together.

Welcome to the fold and enjoy your upcoming event.

Andrew

[Liam]

“Slacks with a dress shirt” is very different from “prince Charlie”. I would call to seek their advice. I suspect your tweed jacket and vest with a proper bow tie would be adequate, but best to check in advance.

[FossilHunter]

“Slacks with a dress shirt” is very different from “prince Charlie”. I would call to seek their advice. I suspect your tweed jacket and vest with a proper bow tie would be adequate, but best to check in advance.

This. It seems unlikely that they would be inclusive enough to include unkilted men in nothing but slacks and a shirt but turn away kilted men dressed in a higher level of kilted dress.

Best to ask but I get the impression that they want you dressed in the best you have, and many don’t have anything but a PC for their kilt anyway.