What to wear for Burns Night celebration?

[poppym12]

I'm going to a celebration at a hotel and have no idea what to wear. I'm currently overweight but working on that so don't want to spend much on a new outfit if I can avoid it.

I have a plain black jumpsuit similar to this which I'm thinking might be suitable but I need something to put over it.

Any help and ideas appreciated.

A tartan bolero?

A tartan scarf or shawl, draped artistically.

I think I'd prefer something a bit longer than a bolero. I didn't intend to wear tartan - is that a faux pas at such an event?

No it's fine. Are you looking to buy something or might you already have something?

Is there a ceilidh? If so are you comfortable dancing in just the jumpsuit? If not you'll wnat something lightweight to wear over. Silk blouse?

If not needing to stay cool, velvet blazer, sequin jacket, cashmere cardigan

I'm not sure on the tartan - do you have a tartan? (Related to your family)
You could wear a brooch or something with a red rose on it. Or any sparkly cardigan.

I think a blouse or shirt would be ideal @Whataretheodds as I never feel cold - especially not in a room full of people.

Do you have any ideas of what might look ok with the jumpsuit? I don't mind buying something I'll wear again even after I've lost more weight.

No family tartan @Yesididntdothat. In all honesty, I hadn't even thought about tartan as I don't have any Scottish family at all. I'll have a look for a red rose, thank you.

You don’t have to wear tartan but in my experience most people will be. I just stick a tartan ribbon bow somewhere. It depends where the Burns Supper is - I was one of a few actual Scottish people at a Burns Supper in the US and felt very under tartaned! I think a coloured shirt over could look good but a shrug or bolero would be better (unless you really would be too hot, which I can sympathise with). I wouldn’t rule out the tartan shawl-type thing though, especially if dancing isn’t on offer.

Nobody cares about wearing the “right” tartan, choose one you like. If challenged (vanishingly unlikely) just say it’s your grandmother’s tartan.

I'll have a look for a tartan patterned shawl @Chemenger. Hopefully I'll find one in something other than wool as if I come into contact with anything woolly I get unbearably itchy.

Have a look on Amazon @poppym12 , Purple Possum do a Royal Stewart shawl in cotton for under £20.

Have a great night, read some of Robbie's poems to get in the mood!

You need something tartan - everyone will be wearing tartan, from a touch to full on.

Don't wear a red rose!!!

Tartan could be as subtle as a tartan ribbon - how are you doing your hair?

Black watch is traditionally a tartan that can be worn by anyone. Royal Stewart also and will stand out more than Black Watch.

What about an overshirt like this?
https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/metallic-stripe-black-tie-neck-blouse-361912?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping%20UK&utm_term=39-233-997-907640&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7t6sBhAiEiwAsaieYrEYpM_NF-um6jkDT6mRkEyFISiGOTXNY2Fap0Yfs2HQqiTa_hZ7txoCzccQAvD_BwE#selection.color=14

This photo suggests tartan, or no tartan, is fine!
I do think it depends where the night is being held - Scotland, England, USA. My fil went to one in Ayrshire that women couldn't go to, so my views on the formality will be skewed by that.

What’s the actual dress code? Is it black tie?

It's Rabbie.

To a Sassenach it's Robbie, I felt Rabbie was a step too far for people without their own tartan!

Non-Scottish people often wear the (basically red) Royal Stewart tartan as a sash/shawl to Burn's Night.

If you really don't want to do that, then I'd go for some sort or red shrug (echoing the colour).

Definitely not a red rose, you couldn't get anything more English!!
It depends what sort of venue it is and if there will be dancing?

Do you change other people’s names based on your opinion of their nationality?
My family surname is listed in Scotland as far back as the 12th century. We don’t have a tartan.

Fgs don't say it's granny's tartan, luck would have it that the asker is a huge Tartan families enthusiast! You'll be weaving a web of lies. Just go by @Whataretheoddshas suggested.
Honestly, sometimes I feel like there is a competition for the worst advice on here 🙄

I agree about not wearing a red rose. You could display a wee sprig of heather wrapped with a wee tartan ribbon instead

Where is the Burns Supper In Scotland with Scots there might be a bit more tartan than at e.g. a wedding but not massively. In the US it will be plastic plaid all the way. Don't feel like you have to wear tartan.

As a Scot, who is actually (somewhat remotely) related to Robert Burns, I have no idea what my family tartan is (I am not a Burns or a Burness). I just wear whatever tartan ribbon John Lewis has on the day as a bow pinned to my top. I’ve never got in trouble for it. Nobody cares. Wear what you like and tell them you asked the advice of a member of his family.

Thank you. I'll look for an overshirt and get a tartan scarf or shawl. The event is in England and I don't know anyone who is attending so I've no one to ask about dress code and tartan.