http://montse-englisharoundtheworld.blogspot.com/2010/01/scottish-national-dress.

html

In Scotland it is quite cold in autumn and winter so people wear scarves, coats, boots, hats, gloves and
jumpers.

But traditionally clothes were much more different. They wear traditional clothes in many events, such
as weddings, festivals, etc. Traditional clothes for men are a kilt, a white shirt and a waistcoat. They also
wear stocking shoes, a bonnet and a sporran.

It is very important, don´t call the kilt skirt, bacuse it isn´t.

On the ather hand, women do not wear kilts, they wear dresses or skirts and a blouse, a bonnet and a
waistcoat.

For Scottish people their traditional clothes are very important because they love their culture and
traditions, taking care of them seriously.

https://www.bustle.com/p/all-the-outfit-rules-the-royal-family-has-to-follow-for-christmas-mass-
15511241

Hats Are Worn To Royal Functions & Church

The royal family is known for their hats. Think back to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's headwear to
Kate Middleton and Prince William's wedding. According toInStyle, it's a tradition that women do not
appear in public without a hat, and while the Queen continues the tradition, the women in the family
simply seem to wear hats just to official royal family events and church. Kate Middleton, however, did
go without headwear in 2016 proving that this rule isn't hard and fast.

No Black Attire

While Cosmopolitan reports that royals often travel with black ensembles in case of a family death,
black is typically not worn to royal functions that occur during the day according to InStyle. That means
you probably won't be seeing any of the royal family wearing black to Christmas Mass.

No Colorful Nail Polish

This is a rule that's fairly well known thanks to the two royal weddings this year. Queen Elizabeth has
long been a fan of Essie's Ballet Slippers, and it's encouraged for royal women not to wear dark or bright
polish but stick to neutrals. Recently, however, Meghan Markle broke this rule, but in general, it's
followed pretty closely.

No Pants
While royal family members like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle will break this rule at more casual
events (like Markle at the Invictus Games), for formal events like church, pants are a no-go. Don't expect
a great pair of trousers for Christmas Mass.

Panty Hose Are Encouraged

While it can be difficult to tell when the royal women are wearing panty house, according
to Cosmopolitan, it's highly encouraged that the ladies wear them to royal functions.

Coats Remain On In Public

At royal events and functions, the Queen and Duchesses will leave their coats on in public. Apparently,
removing a coat is seen as unladylike.

British Designers Are Favored

While not required, British designers are apparently encouraged. Princess Eugenie and Meghan Markle
both chose designers with British roots. Peter Pilotto, the designer behind Princess Eugenie's dress, is
based in the UK, and while Meghan Markle's dress was Givenchy, it was by designer Clare Waight Keller
who is British. Then, of course, there's Kate Middleton's love of designer Jenny Packham.

While there are other rules such as not going sleeveless, it's unlikely that any member of the royal family
really wants to rock bare arms in late December. These royal family fashion rules are what you'll more
than likely see being followed at Christmas Mass, but hey, there's always hope for some rebellion.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g19643527/royal-family-fashion-rules/

16 Unexpected Fashion Rules That the Royal Family Follows

Being a part of the royal family is an amazing privilege, but it comes with a lot of traditions and rules,
some of which affect even their fashion choices. Here are 16 style protocols that they follow.

1Royal women usually hold bags in their left hand.

KARWAI TANGGETTY IMAGES

Handbags are a common accessory during royal outings where a lot of meeting and greeting takes
place. According to royal expert Myka Meier of Beaumont Etiquette, you can spot Meghan Markle and
Kate Middleton holding purses in their left hands simply so their right hand is free to wave, shake hands,
and greet the public.

2Queen Elizabeth prefers dresses and skirts over pants.

GETTY IMAGES

Meghan is quite fond of pantsuits—like the black Givenchy blazer and trouser set she wore while visiting
Ireland in July—but apparently the Queen prefers skirts and dresses to trousers.
Even though Meghan has worn pants numerous times before, according to the Daily Mail, Prince Harry
may have nixed her plans to pack a formal suitby Stella McCartney for their upcoming royal tour of
Australia.

That being said, Princess Diana was known for wearing tuxedo suits to events, so while Her Majesty
doesn't prefer the style, it may not be completely prohibited.

3Wedding dresses need the Queen's approval.

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It's a tradition that the Queen needs to approve the final version of a royal wedding dress. Apparently,
Queen Elizabeth had to approve of Kate Middleton's Alexander McQueen gown in 2011, and she did the
same with Meghan Markle's dress for her wedding to Prince Harry.

4Colorful nail polish isn't allowed.

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Every time you see Queen Elizabeth or Kate Middleton step out, you might notice their nail color is
always neutral. They either wear subtle pinks or clear polish when on official business because only
natural-looking nails are allowed at royal events. To illustrate this point, please see the Duchess' natural
nails while she's taking a swig of beer.

The Queen's been wearing Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” shade for 28 years.

No Colored Nail Polish

Unless you're eagle-eyeing the royal family's hands, you might not notice that the women are never
spotted with colored nail polish. According to OK! magazine, the royal family—particularly women
like Kate Middleton, Queen Elizabeth, and now, Meghan Markle—are prohibited from wearing non-
natural-looking nail polish, which is why they often stick to nude and taupe colors. In fact, according
to Refinery29, the royal women swear by Essie's $9 nude nail polish. Middleton's favorite shade
is Allure, while The Queen is known to sport Ballet Slippers. Only time will tell what Markle's go-to shade
will be.

5Not just anyone can wear a tiara.

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Tiaras are worn only to the fanciest of royal events, and typically, they’re worn for the first time by
brides. Kate Middleton borrowed Queen Elizabeth's Cartier Halo tiara for her wedding to Prince William
in 2011, and she’s even worn Princess Diana’s tiara on several occasions.
This is a privilege reserved for married women only—single women and children never wear them. "It
signals the crowning of love and the loss of innocence to marriage,” Geoffrey Munn, author of Tiaras - A
History of Splendour, said in an interview with Forbes. "The family tiara was worn by the bride, and from
that moment onwards it was the groom’s jewelry she was expected to wear. It was a subliminal message
that she had moved from her own family to another.”

6The Queen uses her handbags to send secret messages.

GETTY IMAGES

You may notice that the Queen is never without a handbag, and that’s because she uses it to send
signals. For example, when she wants to leave dinner, simply setting her bag on top of the table lets her
aides know that the party is ending shortly and that she wants to leave.

Also, when she’s in conversation and switches her purse to her other hand, it means that she would like
to politely wrap it up. "It would be very worrying if you were talking to the Queen and saw the handbag
move from one hand to the other," royal historian Hugo Vickers told People.

7Clutches had another purpose—such as hiding cleavage.

GETTY IMAGES

Princess Diana’s handbag designer Anya Hindmarch famously called her clutches “cleavage bags.”

"We used to laugh when we designed what she called her 'cleavage bags,' little satin clutches which she
would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars,” Hindmarch said in an interview with
the Telegraph. And in photos, every time Princess Diana got out of a car, her clutch was right there to
shield her chest from prying photographers. So clever!

8Clutches are also used to avoid shaking hands.

GETTY IMAGES

Clutches are also used to avoid hand shakes. Kate Middleton often holds her bags in front of her with
both hands when shaking hands might be awkward, etiquette expert Myka Meier told Good
Housekeeping. This is why Meghan Markle’s bags, which usually have a shoulder strap or top handle,
seem out of the ordinary when it comes to protocol.

However, according to Meier, the type of bag worn depends on the occasion. "As we see Meghan
attending more formal events," she said, "we are likely to see her accessorizing with more clutches."

9The Queen wears bright clothing — but not because she loves color.
GETTY IMAGES

You'd be hard-pressed to find a photo of Queen Elizabeth NOT wearing bold colors—and for good
reason. In the documentary The Queen at 90, Sophie, Countess of Wessex (the Queen’s daughter-in-
law) said, "She needs to stand out for people to be able to say 'I saw the Queen.’”

If she's wearing one of her brightly-hued monochromatic outfits, the public can easily catch a glimpse of
her in a large crowd. According to the Queen’s biographer, Robert Hardman, she was quoted as saying,
"I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am."

Why The Queen Always Wears Bright-Colored Outfits in Public

Other than living life on the vibrant side, there's a reason The Queen is frequently seen in bright-colored
outfits. According to Harrold's interview with BBC, The Queen wears vibrant articles of clothing to stand
out in crowds when she's in public. The expert credits the move to The Queen's personal
assistant, Angela Kelley, who recommended bright colors to differentiate The Queen from commoners.
After all, The Queen did reportedly say, "If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am."

10The Queen wears hats due to an old tradition.

GETTY IMAGES

For basically every formal occasion, the Queen wears a hat that perfectly matches her bright outfits.
Apparently it comes from a very old tradition that women should keep their hair covered. "Up until the
1950s, ladies were very seldom seen without a hat as it was not considered 'the thing' for ladies to show
their hair in public,” Diana Mather from The English Manner etiquette consultancy told BBC. "But all that
has changed, and hats are now reserved for more formal occasions.”
On the rare occasions when the Queen isn't sporting a hat, you might see her wearing a crown or a
headscarf instead.

The Reason The Queen Always Wears Hats

Queen Elizabeth is a trendsetter with the fabulous, colorful hats she sports on the daily. But there
actually might be a reason behind her extravagant fashion fixation. According to Diana Mather, a scholar
of English etiquette, The Queen is frequently seen in hats because of an old tradition prohibiting women
from showing their hair—thus the purpose of hats.

Though the rule is now clearly outdated (as proven with Kate Middleton's drool-worthy locks), The
Queen—for the most part—still stays true to it, choosing to wear hats for formal occasions.

"Up until the 1950s ladies were very seldom seen without a hat as it was not considered 'the thing' for
ladies to show their hair in public," Mather told BBC. "But all that has changed and hats are now
reserved for more formal occasions."

11Royals are expected to travel with a black ensemble on hand.

GETTY IMAGES

One of the more morbid rules is that a spare black outfit is always needed in case a member of the
family dies. This way, when they arrive back in the U.K., they are dressed appropriately to fit the somber
occasion.

Then-Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya when her father passed away in 1952. She didn't bring a black
change of clothes with her and consequently had to wait inside the plane for one to be delivered before
stepping out.
12Prince George only wears shorts.
GETTY IMAGES

Other than the fact that George looks adorable in them, the reason he's always photographed in shorts
is because dressing boys in shorts is a longstanding tradition among British royalty and aristocracy.

“Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers
that we have in England," said British etiquette expert William Hanson in an interview with Harper's
Bazaar UK. He said that they start wearing pants around 8 years old.

The Reason Prince George Is Only Seen in Shorts

Even in cold weather, you'll see Prince George, Prince William and Kate Middleton's son, in shorts, and
here's why. According to a Suninterview with William Hanson, a British etiquette consultant, pants on
young boys are considered "suburban," whereas shorts are indicators of a higher class.

Further, shorts also differentiate royal children from "men," who are allowed to wear trousers without
the same stigma. Hanson estimated that George will begin wearing pants at "seven or eight years old."

According to Harrold, the rule comes from another rule in the 16th century permitting royal sons to only
wear dresses and gowns until the age of 8. In the 20th century, the rule was amended to include
shorts. "Thankfully in late 19th Century and early 20th Century this developed into shorts. This tradition
is carried on by the Royal Family to this very day," Harrold told BBC

13Do NOT wear wedge shoes around the Queen.

You may have seen this this photo of Kate Middleton playing volleyball in these cork wedges all over the
Internet in 2013, but the Queen apparently isn't a fan of the style.

"She really doesn't like them, and it's well-known among the women in the family," a royal source
told Vanity Fair. Kate has worn the style multiple times but only without the presence of the Queen.

14Speaking of shoes, the Queen reportedly hires someone to break hers in.
GETTY IMAGES

Queen Elizabeth makes so many royal appearances, all of which usually require heels or dressy shoes.
Since she's constantly on her feet, having someone to break in her shoes means she skips all the
uncomfortable rubbing and blisters that come with wearing new shoes. In an interview with Evening
Standard, designer Stuart Parvin said, “The shoes have to be immediately comfortable … she does get
someone to wear them. The Queen can never say, ‘I’m uncomfortable, I can’t walk any more.' "

According to the publication, a staff member will wear a pair of beige cotton ankle socks while breaking
in the Queen's shoes can only walk carpet during this period. Dream job, right?

15Weighted hems are a common trick to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.

Remember these photos of KMid's yellow Jenny Packham dress dangerously catching the breeze on a
tarmac in 2011? Queen Elizabeth has a hack for preventing that.

Stewart Parvin, one of her couturiers, told the Daily Mail he sews weights into the hem of the Queen's
clothes, which prevents them from blowing up in the wind. "Surprisingly, it is nothing fancy," Parvin told
the publication. "I use curtain weights, lead weights, from Peter Jones’s curtain department. We call
them penny weights."

16Pantyhose is *highly* suggested, although not required.

GETTY IMAGES
You may have noticed that Meghan Markle was not wearing pantyhoseduring her engagement photo
call in November. *Gasp.* It's but one example of how Markle breaks certain royal protocols.

While not technically an official rule, it's definitely encouraged as the Queen, Kate Middleton, and the
late Princess Diana all wore them. The Duchess' pantyhose is also super impressive because it's so sheer,
you can barely tell she's wearing a pair at all.

https://stylecaster.com/royal-family-dress-code-rules/slide7

Why The Queen Always Wears Gloves

Once a fashionable accessory, gloves now protect The Queen from germs and outside bacteria when
shaking hands with dozens of people a day. (Yes, even the Spice Girls can hold nasty germs.) And while
The Queen doesn't live in gloves (it really depends on who she's meeting that day), you'll be hard-
pressed to see her at a public event without them.

"Let's not forget she doesn't always wear gloves when meeting people, therefore it depends on what
she is wearing, where she is and what she is doing," British etiquette expert Grant Harrold, told BBC.

Why You'll Rarely See the Royals in Jeans

Though it's more lax nowadays, there is a rule preventing the royals from wearing jeans—most of the
time. According to Mather, there is a specific protocol for the royal family if they want to dress casual.
Women are steered toward wearing day dresses or trousers with a jacket or cardigan, whereas men are
recommended to wear chinos with a collared shirt or blazer. However, there are exceptions.

"Many places will not allow jeans as they are still seen as very casual wear, so it is better to play safe for
both sexes," Mather told BBC. "But if the duchess is outside walking the dogs for example, then jeans
are fine."

When Kate Middleton Is Allowed to Wear a Crown

You'll be hard-pressed to find a picture of Kate Middleton wearing a crown before she was married, and
there's a reason why. According to Mather, crowns, tiaras, and the like are reserved for married women
and members of the royal family. Harrold also adds that the headpiece also communicates to single men
that tiara-wearing women are off limits.

"For married ladies it was a sign of status and would show you were taken and not looking for a
husband," Harrold told BBC. "For the gentleman it was a clear sign not to make advances toward the
lady in question."
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/living/weather

Most UK towns and cities have a large range of shops selling clothes to suit all styles and budgets. As
well as high-end luxury boutiques and high-street shops, there are plenty of second-hand and vintage
shops. These are perfect for bargain-hunting and are often found in student areas. Many clothes shops
offer student discounts with a valid National Union of Students (NUS) card your university ID card.

You will see all kinds of fashion at UK schools, colleges and universities, and almost anything goes.
Students usually dress casually during the day – jeans and t-shirts are fine – and more smartly if you’re
going out in the evening. Very few student bars and pubs have a dress code.

Some courses require you to wear specialist clothing for health and safety. For example if you are in a
science laboratory, you may need to wear protective glasses and a white lab coat.

For parties and nights out, people dress in many different styles, from casual jeans to glamorous
outfits. If it's a more formal evening event, such as a university ball, this might mean wearing a dress or
suit and tie. You can avoid the expense of buying formal wear by hiring it from a local shop or outfitters.

The weather in the UK is rarely extreme, but it can change quickly. In just one day, you might have warm
sunshine, rain and cold wind. Wear several layers so you can put them on or take them off as the
weather changes, and always carry an umbrella.

The UK is a multicultural place and it is common for people to wear clothing associated with their
culture and religion, for example a head scarf, kippah, turban, sari or long skirt. In major towns and cities
you will find specialist shops selling clothing from around the world, particularly Asian and Middle
Eastern clothing.

Remembrance Sunday (Remembrance day)

Once a year in November, British citizens (the Queen included) honor

fallen troops by wearing a crimson poppy. A century-old tradition, the
flower has now come to symbolize hope and gratitude.
wear red paper flowers from time to time.

The 1915 poem was instantly popular, inspiring the Royal British
Legion—a UK charity organization which to this day supports veterans
and their families—to sell 9 million handmade poppies on November
11. Thus began the "poppy emblem" and the first Poppy Appeal: a
fundraising event to raise money for war vets, held each November in
honor of Remembrance Day.
Similar to Veterans Day in the States, Remembrance Day, or "Poppy
Day," falls on the second Sunday in November and honors the lives
and memories of fallen troops. This year the holiday will be celebrated
on November 11, and marks the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.

While the history of the poppy is clear, there's an ongoing

debate about how and when one should wear it. The flower is generally
affixed to the left shoulder, to symbolize the act of keeping those who
have passed close to one’s heart; the left shoulder is also where
military medals are worn. That said, some insist that the poppy's
placement is dependent on gender, and women should wear it on their
right sides. That said, the Queen wears hers on her left shoulder, so
we'll just follow her lead.

GETTY IMAGES

The etiquette of when to wear the poppy is also unclear, and somewhat
controversial. Many say the flower should be worn from October 31
on. Others claim that the emblem should be worn from November 1
until Remembrance Day. There's also some speculation about whether
the poppy should only be worn after Bonfire Night (a British holiday
also known as Guy Fawkes Day, celebrated on the 5th of November).
While Poppy Day is primarily celebrated by residents of the UK, other
countries in the Commonwealth of Nations such as Canada, New
Zealand, Australia, and South Africa acknowledge the holiday as well.

http://england.prm.ox.ac.uk/englishness-funeral-clothing.html

A funeral is the ceremony marking a person's death. Today, the single most recognized funeral clothing
worn by mourners in England is the 'black tie' worn by males

Twentieth-century etiquette demanded that people attending a funeral wore semi-formal clothing,
which for adult men would usually mean a suit and tie in dark colours. The most traditional colour,
considered to be the most respectful, was solid black, especially for the tie. Nowadays, special dress or
behaviour is not required of those in mourning and even the wearing of black at funerals is declining.
Most commentators date the association of black clothing with funerals to Roman custom when dark
coloured togas were worn during the mourning period

During Victorian times, black clothing was worn for the funeral and for a year following the death ('deep
mourning') by close relatives, gradually being replaced by other dark colours ('half mourning'), often
purple or dark green trimmed with black. After a suitable period of time, the person would 'come out of
mourning', and wear bright colours again. The closer relation the mourner was, the more mourning
costume was prescribed and the longer the period of deep mourning. Widows wore 'widow's weeds',
black, concealing clothes and heavy veils of black crêpe, usually for more than a year. All items of
clothing were affected by the rules of mourning, including accessories like handkerchiefs, umbrellas,
hats and shoes. As Briggs has commented:

'The whole rhythm of dress conventions could be disturbed by funerals which did not obey the dictates
of the calendar. 'The finer shades of mourning', we learn, 'were the test of the Perfect Lady.' Even at
weddings, where only brides worse veils, many wedding dresses were grey or lavender coloured, not
white, as a sign of half mourning.' [Briggs, 1988: 265]

Many costume museum collections in the UK contain numerous examples of the black or dark coloured
mourning costumes worn by men, women and children for up to two years after the death of a relative.
Mourning clothes were governed by agreed etiquette and many guides to behaviour set down the strict
rules which governed all aspects of mourning costume. Such rules were even included in children's
periodicals of the time:

'Writing to a correspondent in 1880, the paper had informed a young reader: 'Very little children are not
"put into mourning" as it is termed ...'. In 1888 'a lady dressmaker' informed readers that widows need
not wear a mourning cap and veil after the first six months but a large muslin collar should be worn for a
year.' [Dixon, 1989: 145 giving extracts from the Girl's Own Paper ]
According to Arnold [2007: 207, 209]:

'[A widow] would wear deep mourning for at least one year, consisting of black clothes made from a
non-reflective fabric such as bombazine ... Once a widow had completed her first year, she dressed in
'secondary mourning'. This had a less rigorous dress code, and white collars and cuffs ... were permitted.
After nine months came 'ordinary mourning', a three month stretch during which women were
permitted to wear shiny fabrics such as silk and velvet ... Finally a widow entered the six months of 'half-
mourning', when muted colours such as grey, purple and lilac were permissible.'

Victorian mourning costume has always been regarded in terms of gross expenditure and elaborate
etiquette, and, according to one source, 'snobbery, social climbing and profits of the mourning industry.'
[Jalland, 1989: 171] So all encompassing was this tradition that entire businesses survived on providing
only mourning clothing and accessories. Since the Victorian age many critics have considered this
mourning excessive, one critic going so far as to describe ''the congealed and morbid romanticism' of
the nineteenth century, when a show of exaggerated grief was a mark of gentility'. [John Morley, 1971
quoted in Jalland, 1989: 171] A more benevolent view of mourning costume might be that it indicated to
other members of society that the mourner was suffering from 'depressive withdrawal' because of grief.
[Jalland, 1989: 184] Wearing mourning costume indicated the different social status of the mourner,
who was expected not to accept social invitations for the first year.

[Caption: Small child wearing mourning, Brighton 1870s. Courtesy of Platt Hall, Manchester Art Gallery.]

[Caption: Woman wearing mourning dress and white cap with 'weepers' York 1860. Courtesy of Platt
Hall, Manchester Art Gallery.]

The Museum's collections contain many examples of clothing and accessories in black. None of these are
definitely mourning costume, but it seems likely that some at least were used for this purpose. For
example 1949.9.47 - a silk sunshade with a cane handle, covered in black silk and dating from 1835-1845
from Essex, collected by Miss M.E. Bullock and donated by Margaret F. Irvine or 1944.8.227, another
black silk sunshade, this time donated by Miss Watters. A black silk shawl, triangular with fringe and
embroidery from the mid nineteenth century was donated by Estella Louisa Michaela Canziani.

https://www.debretts.com/expertise/etiquette/dress-codes/morning-dress/

MORNING DRESS
Morning dress is also known as ‘ formal day dress’. The jacket is always referred to as a
‘morning coat’. Morning dress is traditional for men at weddings, formal memorial services,
some official functions and formal daytime events in the presence of The Queen and some Season
locations, such as the Royal Enclosure at Ascot. Morning dress should not be specified to be
worn at an event starting after 6pm.
Morning Dress: Men
– A black or grey matt morning coat, single-breasted with peaked lapels, curved front edges
sloping back into tails.
– Trousers are grey or grey and black-striped.
– A white or light-coloured shirt with a white turned-down collar, double-cuffs and cufflinks.
– Waistcoats are usually buff, grey or duck-egg blue and double or single-breasted. Double-
breasted waistcoats may have a lapel, either shawl or peak, and are worn fully buttoned.
Singlebreasted waistcoats either have a step collar or no collar, and the lowest button is always
left undone. Fancy waistcoats, such as those worn by members of the Eton Society, are
sometimes worn, especially at weddings. Avoid anything backless.
– Ties are preferred to cravats. A smart woven silk tie is acceptable. A tie pin will add an extra
flourish of dandyism.
– Highly polished (not patent) black lace-up/smart slip-on shoes.
– A grey or black top hat is worn with morning dress for racing but at most other events it is
carried rather than worn and may be dispensed with.
– A handkerchief may be worn in the left breast pocket with an understated buttonhole.
Morning Dress: Women
– Smart daywear, such as a dress or skirt worn with a jacket.
– Dresses should not be too short or too revealing. They may be worn with no jacket in summer
but if so, should be modest with sleeves or at least not narrow straps.
– Shoulders may be covered by a bolero, shrug or pashmina but a tailored jacket or coat is better
for the races or smart weddings.
– Avoid very high heels or evening-style shoes – wedges are sensible if it may be soft underfoot
(eg around churchyards, marquees or racecourses). Tights should be worn.
– Daytime jewellery; pearls are a good choice.
– Hats are usual, especially at weddings, but not always required. They are essential for certain
Season settings, such as the Royal Enclosure at Ascot. It is best to choose a hat that may be kept
on throughout the day and which is securely fitted.

BLACK TIE
Black tie dress code, which is less formal than white tie, is the most frequently encountered
formal evening wear, worn for dinners (both public and private), parties and balls, as well as
some Season events such as Glyndebourne. It may also be described as ‘dinner jackets’, ‘DJs’,
‘dress for dinner’ or, in America, as ‘tuxedos’. A host may also say ‘we are going to change for
dinner’, which will traditionally indicate black tie. It should be described as a dinner jacket, not
a dinner suit.
Black Tie: Men
– A black wool (barathea) or ultrafine herringbone dinner jacket, single-breasted or double-
breasted with no vents, silk peaked lapels (or a shawl collar) and covered buttons. White dinner
jackets were traditionally worn in hot climates but not usually in Britain, even in the summer.
– Trousers are black with a natural taper, and a single row of braid down each outside leg.
– A white evening shirt, with a marcella collar, bib and double cuffs, with a turn-down collar
(not a wing-collar), worn with cufflinks and studs. A plain silk shirt with buttons may be worn
but any kind of ruffles or frills should be avoided. Alternatively, a fly-fronted shirt, where the
buttons are concealed, is acceptable. Adults should avoid novelty shirts and ties.
– Studs may be black or decorative.
– A black hand-tied bow tie (avoid ones which are pre-tied). The size of the bow tie should be
proportionate to the size of the wearer.
– Black highly polished or patent lace-up shoes and black silk socks.
– Cummerbunds are not considered essential but may be worn. A matching tie and cummerbund
in a non-conventional shade (pastels rather than burgundy and black) should be treated with
caution.
– Waistcoats may be worn although they are not seen very often. They would always be
considered a smart option. A waistcoat and cummerbund are never worn together.
– A white handkerchief in the left breast pocket is a classic detail.
Variations on Black Tie
In the country for dinner parties with neighbours, and especially in his own home, a man may
wear a velvet smoking jacket, usually navy blue, burgundy or dark green, with a black bow tie,
dinner jacket trousers and evening slippers. While this dress is acceptable for the host, it would
not be right for a guest to wear this for an event with the dress code black tie actually stated on
an invitation, which effectively means a dinner jacket.
Evening slippers, sometimes monogrammed or crested, may be worn and are more often found
in the country.
Unless national costume is specified the usual form would be ‘when in Rome’ but in practice
smart equivalent dress from a person’s home country – for example an Indian Nehru jacket or
Arabian robes – may be acceptable.
A fashionable interpretation of black tie, when a black tie instead of a bow tie is worn with a
dinner jacket, is often referred to as ‘Hollywood black tie’. For most formal private black tie
events in Britain this would look unsuitable.
Black Tie: Women
– Women should wear an evening dress or skirt; long, or at least not very short, is usually best.
There is a difference between a formal dinner and a dinner dance; avoid wearing voluminous
dresses for a dinner because they’re not practical. However very tight ‘red-carpet’ dresses or
those with a dramatic split, while stunning when making an entrance, can be uncomfortable or
inappropriate at a formal event that involves both a reception and a sit-down dinner.
– If not wearing a long dress, then a cocktail dress – a fitted dress to very slightly below the knee
and with a little décolletage – is an option. The fabric should be suited to evening such as silk,
crepe or chiffon.
– Evening trousers are an option, but it is better to go for a palazzo cut, rather than tight-fitting.
Flowing, ethnic-inspired tunic tops with trousers may be worn if the event is at the less formal
end of the spectrum. If in doubt, consult the hostess.
– Although the dress code is ‘black tie’, dresses need not be black. Equally, wearing black does
not ensure the right level of formality.
– Tights should be worn, black or sheer.
– Fine or costume jewellery is appropriate, but not tiaras.
– An elegant evening bag should be used.
– Ideally, an evening coat should be worn, as for white tie.
Parties
Parties often do not fit into the more traditional formats of white tie, black tie or smart casual.
They may even be fancy dress. The key thing is to change for the event and not to wear work
clothes. When an event is themed it may be hard to judge the formality, so take on board the
style of event, as indicated by the invitation and the venue, and ask the host. It is now also
acceptable for men at relaxed, yet formal, evening events to wear a velvet jacket, Nehru-collared
jacket or moleskin suit with an open-necked party shirt. Shirts may feature non-formal prints –
for example small flowers – and brighter colours. These jackets and shirts may be coupled with
smart dark-coloured jeans or trousers. Such combinations indicate an effort has been made,
whereas a dark suit may indicate that a man may not have tried to put together an evening look.
Women should make it clear that an effort has been made. Theme parties can be a minefield.
While it is good manners to make an effort and disrespectful to ignore hosts’ requests, that
doesn’t necessarily mean, for example, hiring a full theatrical outfit or feeling miserable all
evening. At the very least, well chosen accessories or jewellery can indicate the style or period
required.
HIGHLAND DRESS
Scottish or Highland dress is an alternative to formal British dress. It can be worn in Scotland or
south of the border for certain occasions, eg a Scottish bridegroom may wear the kilt at his
wedding, even if not held in Scotland. Highland dress is worn at the Royal Caledonian Ball held
in London each spring. It may also be worn when ‘national dress’ is stipulated.
Highland Dress: Men
– The kilt, fairly long, fastened with a pin, with a dress sporran.
– A plain white shirt, with either a black bow tie or a lace jabot.
– A Highland jacket (also called a doublet) with ornamental silver buttons. There are several
styles but they are normally made from black or dark coloured barathea, broadcloth or dark
velvet. They may be worn with a waistcoat.
– Knee-length socks or stockings (‘hose’), patterned, or green or red (never plain cream), secured
with a silk garter (sometimes called a flash). A dagger or sgian dubh (pronounced ‘ski-an doo’)
may be placed on the right-hand side.
– Black patent leather dancing pumps or buckled brogues are traditional. A black evening shoe is
also acceptable.
Trews
Some men prefer tartan trousers, ‘trews’, which may be worn with a velvet smoking jacket and
black tie in place of dinner jacket trousers. Trews are always cut without a side seam.
Highland Dress: Women
– A long dress, with a skirt full enough for dancing reels, is worn at Highland balls (eg the Skye
Balls).
– White dresses are often worn with sashes, particularly at formal balls, but some wear colours or
patterns.
– A tartan sash is worn diagonally. Clanswomen wear it over the right shoulder, across the breast
and secured by a pin or small brooch on the right shoulder.
– The wife of a clan chief or the wife of a colonel of a Scottish regiment would wear a slightly
wider sash over the left shoulder, secured with a brooch on the left shoulder.
– Non-clanswomen attending the balls should wear similar long dresses but without a sash.
Tartans
It is best not to wear a specific tartan unless connected to a specific clan. Many Scottish clans
have one or more tartans – typically dress tartan and hunting tartan – which may be worn by
members of that clan and their wives. Daughters may continue to wear it after marriage. For
Highland balls men not entitled to wear the kilt may wear black or occasionally white tie.
LOUNGE SUIT DRESS CODE
‘Lounge suit’ is an expression only seen on invitations as a dress code. In conversation the terms
dark suit or business suit or possibly business dress or business attire are used.
‘Lounge suits’ for Men
Lounge suit dress code is used for occasions with various degrees of formality and means a suit
worn with a shirt and tie. Lounge suits are worn for most business events, both daytime and
evening, and for many social events, such as lunches, receptions, dinner, weddings, christenings
and funerals. Dark suits are also correct for flat racing, other than events such as Ascot. They
may be worn at dinner parties, especially when people come directly from the office, but are less
acceptable at country dinner parties.
A three-piece suit consists of a single-breasted jacket, a single- or double-breasted waistcoat and
trousers. When wearing a singlebreasted waistcoat, the bottom button is always left undone. A
two-piece suit consists of single-breasted or double-breasted jacket with trousers (no waistcoat).
Belts should not be worn with a waistcoat or double-breasted suit.
A shirt with a turndown (not button-down) collar should be worn with a tie and the top button of
the shirt must be done up. The most versatile tie knots are the four-in-hand and the half-
Windsor; large Windsor knots should generally be avoided.
Dark suits are still seen on the older rural generation at formal or official events, such as
agricultural shows, when there is a luncheon tent for members or notables, and for a day in
London.
‘Lounge suits’ for Women
For evening events, a smart, or cocktail, dress (with sleeves or a jacket) is a suitable choice. For
daytime events women should wear a day dress, trouser suit, or skirt and jacket or coat. The
overall impression is not quite so formal as when the dress code is morning dress. A neat,
tailored look is best for business, with length on or just below the knee. A pretty print and a
looser and longer silhouette works best in the country.
Day to Night: Women
If the dress code is ‘lounge suits’, women can alter their usual office wear, for example by opting
for a smart dress underneath a fitted jacket. In the evening, the jacket can be removed. Modest
heeled shoes can be changed for something higher and a few bold accessories worn. Swap a
daytime bag for something smaller and more elegant for the evening.
SMART CASUAL
‘Smart casual’ can be the hardest dress code to interpret and a great deal depends on the
invitation and the type of event. A printed invitation suggests a smarter event than a text or
email.
‘Formal’ Smart Casual for Men
It is worth remembering that town/city events will generally be more fashionable and formal than
those held in the country. Similarly, if the host or hostess is very traditional or of an older
generation, then the style may be more formal.
For men, smart casual requires a jacket or blazer, flannels, needlecord trousers, or chinos (not
jeans), a shirt with a collar, not a t-shirt, and smart shoes, not necessarily lace-ups, but not
trainers or sandals. A sweater may be worn if it is cold. Ties are not necessary but carrying one is
often a good tip, just in case. Smart casual is usually a summer dress code, but if it is winter then
opt for an overcoat rather than an anorak or parka. A tweed sports jacket may take the place of a
blazer and may be worn with cords or old-fashioned cavalry twill.
‘Formal’ Smart Casual for Women
For ‘formal’ smart casual events, a smart day dress, worn with a jacket, is a safe choice for
women. At more casual events, dress down a little – for example, smart trousers or a skirt, with a
cardigan. Avoid wearing denim, unless it is immaculate and balanced with a tailored jacket and
smart accessories. Also avoid high heels and wearing suits, as they look like business clothes.
Sports clothes and sports shoes such as trainers are incorrect.
‘Informal’ Smart Casual for Men
It may be worth considering the details of the invitation before asking the host or hostess for
advice. It can usually be interpreted as jeans for men but smart, clean, dark-coloured jeans.
Remember you are going out so change from what you have been wearing at home. Other than in
high summer or on the beach, trousers are better than shorts and polo shirts better than collarless
t-shirts. Just because an event is informal it is not synonymous with making no effort.
‘Informal’ Smart Casual for Women
Study the invitation and dress for the occasion, the time of day and the season. Denim should be
immaculate and sports or beach clothes avoided unless the occasion demands. However, too
much tailoring and heels can also look wrong. If you are unsure, find out as much as possible
about what other people are intending to wear and if that isn’t possible ask the host or hostess. It
is always more polite to the host to dress up. ‘Come as you are’ rarely means what it says. Be
prepared to adjust your outfit at the last minute. For women, this may mean dressing down an
outfit, for example swapping heels for flats, taking off dressy jewellery or removing a jacket and
putting on a cardigan.
https://www.reportdigital.co.uk/stock-photo/people-dress-in-1940s-vintage-period-costumes-ve-day-
(victory-in-europe-day)/search/detail-0_00054013.html

People dress in 1940s vintage period costumes. VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) celebrations
marking 70 years since the defeat of Germany in WW2, the end of the second world war in
Europe. Whitehall. London.