Mixing Ancient and Modern

**Vegan Scot** · 22nd October 10, 06:21 PM

Is this done? Or does it, as has been said before, hit too close without being on target? My quandary pertains to a kilt in Gunn Modern, a tartan tie (my only tie) in Gunn Ancient and the prospect of wearing both to a ceilidh tomorrow evening. Will I look the fool if I mix and match?

**Vegan Scot** · 22nd October 10, 06:24 PM

Modern

Ancient

**NewEnglander** · 22nd October 10, 06:26 PM

i've never tried it myself. i have a kilt in muted macpherson and tie in the modern, but i've never put them together. are ties required at a ceilidh? if not, i'd be inclined to skip one altogether...probably be more comfortable once the dancing really gets going!

**davidlpope** · 22nd October 10, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by vegan_scot

Is this done? Or does it, as has been said before, hit too close without being on target? My quandary pertains to a kilt in Gunn Modern, a tartan tie (my only tie) in Gunn Ancient and the prospect of wearing both to a ceilidh tomorrow evening. Will I look the fool if I mix and match?

I have no problem mixing different color schemes of a tartan (i.e. modern waistcoat, ancient kilt), but I'd strongly advise that you steer clear of mixing a tartan tie with a kilt. Better to save the tartan tie for wear with a tweed jacket and trousers!

Cordially,

David

**Mikilt** · 22nd October 10, 06:51 PM

I'd echo what DavidLPope said.

**azwildcat96** · 22nd October 10, 07:02 PM

I'm of the opinion that even the same tartan from a different mill run can/will have a slight variation, and should not be worn together. For example, if you bought your kilt 10 years ago, and now want to add a fly plaid (or tartan flashes), don't do it. I know...A little extreme?!?!

To take it a step further, If you have your tartan kilt, and your spouse buys a "matching" tartan garment, the two of you may not want to wear these two garments at the same time, to the same event. Maybe this is too extreme. Maybe this would only apply to a very formal event like a wedding, or black- or white-tie event?

Anyone else feel this way?

**piperdbh** · 22nd October 10, 07:21 PM

Let me see if I've got this straight:
A fellow vegan is worried about what someone else thinks. Hmmmm....

I say wear them both, and if someone looks at you crooked for it, then you can explain the difference between the two color schemes, and maybe find a new dance partner in the process.

Enjoy your carrot juice!

**davidlpope** · 22nd October 10, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by azwildcat96

I'm of the opinion that even the same tartan from a different mill run can/will have a slight variation, and should not be worn together. For example, if you bought your kilt 10 years ago, and now want to add a fly plaid (or tartan flashes), don't do it. I know...A little extreme?!?!

To take it a step further, If you have your tartan kilt, and your spouse buys a "matching" tartan garment, the two of you may not want to wear these two garments at the same time, to the same event. Maybe this is too extreme. Maybe this would only apply to a very formal event like a wedding, or black- or white-tie event?

Anyone else feel this way?

Not me. The fact that your tartan doesn't "match perfectly" shows that your clothing has ben acquired over many years- perhaps passed down from relatives, received as gifts, assembled bit by bit etc. That keeps your clothes, albeit THCD, from being a "costume" or contrived. Look at some pictures of the Atholl Highlanders- no two pieces of any given Atholl Highlanders tartan seem to exactly match in color.

All that being said, we do agree on two things- when it comes to "fly plaids" and tartan flashes- DON"T DO IT!

David

**be da veva** · 22nd October 10, 08:01 PM

You can wear modern and ancient versions of the same tartan. It's the same tartan.
When I wear my ancient Lindsay, I often wear my modern Lindsay flashes. There are plenty of pictures of clan chiefs wearing both and it's quite normal. Use the search engine and you will find them. (or someone could post the link) If I remember correctly, there was a couple thread on that subject a little while ago.
On the other hand, I'm not a fan of the kilt and tartan tie mix. I'd wear a plain or regimental style tie with the kilt and keep the tartan tie for the rare occasion when I wouldn't wear the kilt (for what reason I don't know...)

Now, go have some fun....

**azwildcat96** · 22nd October 10, 08:03 PM

I guess we'll agree to dis-agree on the idea of wearing different tartans at the same time...

I do agree that you do not want to turn any kilt into a "costume", but I don't see a problem with wanting to strive towards elegance in a well planned out outfit.