For a multifaceted journey that takes you across the sweeping Scottish Highlands on the tracks and off the carriages onto excursions and guided tours to see heritage homes and distilleries – this trip across Scotland is something to be savoured and spent in style.
So what do you pack for a journey that is sure to strike a sense of sublime?
Royal Scotsman Dress Codes For Daytime and Excursions
Elegance does not mean excess. In fact, the intentionally “effortless” style – the chic – is what defines this particular luxury journey – cosy and yet sophisticated and refined.
During the day, the journey is defined by the art of slow travel. Passengers spend time soaking in the panoramas of the Scottish Highlands, enjoying afternoon tea – relaxing, eating, drinking – embodying an idle, tender, and indulgent routine. If the moment calls for relaxation, your dress code should reflect the occasion. Wear something that will allow for comfort and help you feel settled in the space.
For ladies, we recommend blouses, warm cashmere and fine knitwear and to layer up during colder days; straight, loose, or wide, but tailored cuts for trousers; chic midi-length skirts and dresses. Pair it all with some stylish flats, loafers, or boots.
For gentlemen onboard, much of the same can apply – fine knitwear is recommended, and so are collar shirts, polos, or quarter-zip tops. Tailored trousers will give you a more polished impression, and if you want to add a touch of formality without losing comfort or looking overdressed, pair with a tweed jacket. Finish off the outfit with a pair of leather or suede loafers, brogues, or boots.
For daytime excursions off-board and out to the Scottish Highlands and distilleries, for example, passengers are advised to bring a warm and waterproof jacket alongside comfortable walking shoes. During colder days, layer up with a scarf and a hat or beanie.
Thin soles should be avoided when out on excursions, particularly on nature and historic-walks. We recommend sturdy and waterproof walking boots or orthopedic shoes – suitable and comfortable to walk in.
Royal Scotsman Dress Codes For Dinners
The listed dress code for dinners is smart casual. The key to ‘smart-casual’ is to look polished and put-together without the stiffness or grandeur in the silhouette and level-of-formality in attire meant for business-formal, semi-formal, or black-tie occasions.
Freely experiment and play with patterns or shapes as long as the result remains refined.
For ladies, we suggest a chic dress, an elegant jumpsuit, or a blouse paired with either wide-legged trousers or a skirt at midi or maxi-length. You can layer up with a blazer, an elegant jacket, or a shawl to add more dimension and comfort without sacrificing style.
While heels are welcome, please bear in mind the motion of the carriages. So we suggest some tasteful flats, loafers, kitten-heels or Mary janes.
If you do decide to wear heels, particularly taller ones, we advise wearing heels with ankle support and shoes that have a wide and sturdy heel or heel-seat, centered to your heel, rather than sitting at the back of your heel for the most stability.
For gentlemen, opt for a crisp collared shirt, a collared-knit, or a turtleneck for a refined look, paired with pressed and tailored trousers – skip the athletic-wear, denim and shorts.
Elevate the look with a structured blazer-jacket or optionally, a tie. Pair with some loafers, monk-strap shoes, or brogues.
Royal Scotsman Dress Codes For Formal Dinners And Gala Dinners
It’s advised to passengers that for more formal events, to wear something more elevated for a more immersive experience.
For the ladies, cocktail dresses and tartans are recommended. There’s no way to be too overdressed for the occasion – we recommend floor-length evening gowns or a sophisticated and elegant two-piece suit or jumpsuit. Embellish your attire with jewellery, a silk wrap or shawls, and match with a pair of low-block heels, kitten heels, or flats. As mentioned previously, please keep in mind that the train may be in motion, so choose footwear that you’re confident in balancing and walking in.
For the gentlemen, we suggest going with a traditional black tie dress code. Wear a dark suit jacket, white dress-shirt, and tie or alternatively a tuxedo. Pair with cufflinks and timeless dress shoes such as Oxfords.
Being the ‘Royal Scotsman’, gentlemen are also welcomed and encouraged to wear the full national regalia – the kilt and kilt hose, ghillie brogues, sporran, and a Prince Charlie jacket or Argyll jacket. You don’t need to have Scottish heritage to wear one, all gentlemen are welcomed to experience local culture. If you don’t already own a kilt, we recommend hiring or renting if you intend to wear the set onboard.
If you have any questions about the dress code, feel free to contact us at info@luxurytraintickets.com
