What to Wear on Burns Night: Dress Codes for Ladies & Men

Burns Night is that glorious mid-winter moment where we collectively decide that poetry, haggis and a glass of something strong is the only logical response to a Scottish January. 

Whether you are heading out to a grand hall, or down the road to your local pub, the 25th of January is the one night of the year where there’s no such thing as too much tartan and we’re here for it!

That said, our lovely highlandwear hire specialists dedicate a lot of January each year to helping folk navigate the fine line between looking like a proud Scot and a walking shortbread tin. If you’re unsure of the dos and don’ts when it comes to Burns Night attire - highlandwear expert Louise Nicolson has you covered with this expert guide on what to wear for the Bard.

If the invitation mentions a formal supper, you’re looking at Full Highland Dress. This is the Black Tie of the kilt world, but don’t worry - the rules are simpler than they look and everyone’s welcome.

A traditional Burns Supper is a scripted affair. Think bagpipes, theatrical readings, and the Address to a Haggis, which often involves the host brandishing a sharp knife and an even sharper outfit. Because the night has such a sense of ceremony, the dress code leans toward the dignified. While you might see the occasional suit, the majority of the room will be in their finest wool and silver.

Choosing traditional highlandwear for the night connects you directly to the generations of craftsmanship Robert Burns celebrated in his poetry. Every hand-stitched pleat and silver detail reflects the same appreciation for honest, quality work that the Bard championed.

“The gold standard is of course the Prince Charlie kilt outfit” says Highlandwear expert Louise Nicolson.”It’s essentially the highlandwear equivalent of a tuxedo and is the go-to option for special occasions such as weddings, grand dinners and of course, Burns Night”.

The ultimate Burns Night outfit for men consists of:

• 8 yard kilt – A premium quality kilt in the traditional weight that gives you that famous swing and a clean, sharp drape.

• Prince Charlie jacket – The Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat is a classic option for Burns Night celebrations. The jacket’s silver button detail and silk-style lapels, is designed to be worn open, revealing the matching, three-buttoned waistcoat beneath that holds everything together for a formal silhouette.

• Sporran and chain strap – For a formal Burns Night supper, it has to be a dress sporran. It serves as your only pocket for the evening, so choose a piece with enough presence to hold its own against a Prince Charlie jacket.

• Bow tie – Usually black to match the jacket, though a tartan bow tie is always a fun way to bend the rules and put your own stamp on the outfit.

• Ghillie brogues – The lack of a tongue and the long, winding laces aren't just for show when it comes to Ghillie brogues. They allow for better airflow and a more secure fit, making them surprisingly comfortable for a full night of Burns Night revelry.

• Dummy sgian dubh – Tucked discreetly into the top of your hose, the sgian dubh is a historic staple of the outfit. A safety-conscious 'dummy' version ensures you maintain a traditional silhouette even in venues where a real thing might be frowned upon.

• Kilt pin – Kilt pins are the frosting on the cake when it comes to Burns Night outfits - but remember - only pin the top layer of fabric, as pinning both layers together ruins the swing and drapes of the kilt.

• Garter flashes – These coloured tabs peek out from your hose and, more importantly, stop your socks from ending up around your ankles!

“If you want to really look the part” says Louise, “I’d recommend the entire outfit. But if you’re on a budget, just the jacket and waistcoat will do nicely paired with a crisp wing-collar shirt and bow tie.

“Quality is the most important factor when it comes to the fit of your Highland dress. The kilt itself should be hand-stitched wool, sitting high on your waist. A good rule of thumb is that it should sit in line with your bellybutton. If you can still see it - pull your kilt up!”

Around this time of year, we’re often asked for styling advice and creative ideas for female Burns Night outfits. Which is no surprise given that so much advice and guides are centred around men. 

“If one thing’s for sure”, says Louise, “there’s no tartan ceiling when it comes to women’s Burns Night outfits. The dress code for ladies is far more flexible, and really allows you to be creative, stylish and respectful of the occasion all at once. Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to your heritage, or a full-tartan statement piece, there are countless ways to make the look your own”. 

Here are a few of our favourite Burns Night outfit ideas for women:

• The Gown – You really can’t go wrong with a simple, elegant evening dress in a solid colour. Deep greens, navy, or classic black provide the perfect canvas for a tartan sash to truly pop. It’s a sophisticated way to let the fabric do the talking.

• A Classic Tartan Sash Belt – A sash belt is one of the most traditional ways to add a touch of heritage to a formal evening dress. It’s typically worn over the right shoulder and secured with a decorative brooch, but can also be worn around the waist as a little pop of colour. It’s elegant, timeless, and a great way to wear your clan colours without committing to a full tartan outfit.

• The Kilted Skirt – A fantastic alternative to a dress. A well-tailored kilted skirt paired with a silk blouse or a velvet jacket is both sophisticated and practical for a Scottish January. It gives you the structure of a kilt with a more feminine silhouette.

• Tartan Shawl or Cape – Perfect for staying warm before the dancing begins, tartan shawls and capes offer a graceful layer of tartan that can be easily removed once the music picks up.

• Accessorise with a Nod to the Bard – If you prefer a more subtle look, consider a tartan clutch bag, a handmade leather belt, or even a sporran worn as a handbag.

According to our very own highlandwear expert Louise Nicolson: “If the evening involves a tightly packed pub or energetic dancefloor, the Burns Night dress code priorities quickly shift from looking smart, to surviving the heat… while also looking smart!

“If there’s a high-energy ceilidh on the cards, think twice about the Prince Charlie. As stunning as that heavy wool looks, it can feel like a sauna after one round of the Gay Gordons. I always suggest a tweed Argyll jacket or even just a waistcoat—you’ll have much more freedom to move, and you won’t be melting by the time the haggis is served!”

“A quick word on footwear: those stilettos might look the part for dinner, but they’re far from ceilidh-friendly. Save your arches (and your dance partner’s toes) by switching to a smart ballet pump or sturdy low heel. You’ll be much happier Stripping the Willow if you’re not worried about snapping an ankle.”

Ceilidh-ing this Burns Night? For more tips and tricks head over to our dedicated guide on what to wear (and what not to wear) to a Ceilidh.

According to the man himself, Gordon Nicolson - the answer is a resounding yes. “Burns Night is a celebration of a man who loved humanity, not just his own neighbours.

“If you don’t have a clan name, look at universal tartans. The Royal Stewart is the classic red, but if you want something more subtle, the Black Watch tartan is a sophisticated alternative that anyone can wear with pride.

“If you don’t want to commit to buying a kilt”, Gordon adds, “hiring is the perfect way to test the waters. It allows you to walk into your Burns Supper in a premium, hand-finished outfit without the bespoke price tag”.

There are no hard and fast rules or requirements when it comes to what to wear on Burns Night. It’s all about coming together and raising a glass to a man who found as much beauty in a rowdy tavern as he did in a royal court. Who dedicated his life to celebrating the people and passions of Scotland, just as we strive to continue to do here at Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers.

If you’re not sure about what to wear this Burns Night, book a consultation at our hire shop on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, where one of our in-house specialists will talk you through everything from hose colours to sporran styles and making sure you don't accidentally put your kilt on backwards (yes, it happens more than you'd think)!