Kilt outfits or regional variants on black and white tie.

[Kilted]

While I understand that this is the LondonLounge I was still hoping somebody would be able to help me out with some questions relating to kilts and their use at various functions/times of the day.

Born in the wilderness north of Hadrian's Wall I chose to wear a kilt whenever some form of "formal" dress is required. There are numerous styles of coat / waistcoat to go with a kilt, but the version which I had tailored some years ago is a Prince Charlie. To go with the kilt there are tongueless brogues with long laces which are wound up the leg before tying off. White knee length socks and garters with a flash of tartan colour attached which peep out from under the turned over sock. A black, barathea wool single breasted, low, three buttoned waistcoat and a coat which stops at the waist but has short tails at the back. The coat does not button up, although there are many square, silver buttons, on the cuff, tails and front, giving it a vaguely military look. The coat lapels below the "notch" are covered with satin and have no button holes. The shoulders have epaulettes which are formed from braided cord. This ensemble forms the standard and popular Scotman's national costume.

The thing is of course that this costume is a farily recent invention dating from the time when Queen Victoria had her love affair with the Highlands of Scotland. As a result I personally believe it to be a variation on the English form of dress at the time (a lynching offence if my kinsmen find out).

So I was wondering what people here think this form of dress equates to in English terminology? I currently plan to be using it in Scandinavia for my wedding which will start in the afternoon (3pm) and which will have various festivities running on into the late evening. Should I wear a black tie with this because of the start time of the wedding or a white tie because the coat has tails, or am I missing the point completely? Any points of guidance, ideas or general chit chat on this subject would be much appreciated.

On a secondary note, I was going to replace my old wing collar shirt to go with the above, but have found all the jacquard fabrics for non-stiffened shirts appear to be very thin, giving a vaguely see through, "pink" appearance to the shirt front. Are the shirt fronts normally like that, or is there a second layer of cloth behind?

Thanks in advance for your help, it is very much appreciated,

RC

[Huzir]

The kiltmakers Kinloch Anderson maintain an informative website. You will probably find the answer to your question here:

http://www.kinlochanderson.com/highland ... t-to-wear/

Congratulations and best wishes for your wedding.

Cheers,

Huzir