outfit for Burns supper

[dementedma]

I have lived in Scotland most of my life (now mid 50s) and have managed to avoid attending Burns suppers until now. Dont drink whisky, don't like haggis, hate Burns poetry and dont own anything tartan.
However, this is work related so no getting out of it. it is also regimental so formal. I have a full lenght black skirt which I plan to wear, but what the heck on top? and how to do a nod to the tartan thing without going whole hog?
ideas please?

Can you get/borrow a tartan sash? My parents are members of a Caledonian society and it's common to see the women at events in 'normal clothes with a sash pinned to their tops. You could wear your black bottoms, a fairly simple top and then add the sash to it. Even better if you can find a tartan that is connected with your name/family if possible.

good idea! Over a white blouse?
I'm of Irish origin - would it be rude to wear an Irish tartan?

There are plenty of Tartan sashes here...

www.scotweb.co.uk/products/essential-scotweb-tartan-sash/

And no, I think it would be fine to wear an Irish tartan.

You could wear a plain black top/blouse with a long black skirt and that would look elegant with a sash.

I'd go for black top rather than white! Is it in the mess?

yes, in the Mess. Can do black top with black skirt but looked at link and dont want to spend £40 on something I wont wear again. have seen "mini-sashes" on amazon which just seem to dangle over one shoulder and down the back. Are these bad form, and which shoulder should one wear it over.

Family tartan is completely fine. Lots of women wear a sash at the ones I've been to.

If permissions been granted many some men wear all types of family tartan bow tie/bands.

Also seen small heather/thistle/sprig, a bit like a broach (awful description sorry) which I thought was nice.

Enjoy 😊