Fashion advice needed.

**Sir Didymous** · 30th June 13, 10:17 PM

My reenactment society has decided to register a couple of tartans for the use of promoting the core ideals of our organization outside of the narrow confines of reenactment (for more info and images of the proposed tartans follow this thread http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...designs-79564/ ).
I hold the highest office in the group and serve more or less as it's public figurehead. At our one big formal (non-medieval) function a year I intend to wear the hunting tartan. As the person who is in the seat of honor at the next one, I have found my self torn on this one detail. Fly plaid, half belted plaid, or just a great kilt. I like the look of all, but the use of which ever I decide on will be limited by dress appropriateness.

**TheOfficialBren** · 30th June 13, 10:41 PM

Although I'm not a fan of fly plaids, I would say fly plaid for this one. Just my tuppence. Certainly not a great kilt. I get the impression that this is one occasion where costumes are inappropriate. Were it me, I would wear a nice PC, kilt, hose, shoes, appropriate sporran, and shirt/tie. Simple and elegant.

Have a blast, my friend!

**David Thorpe** · 1st July 13, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by TheOfficialBren

...Were it me, I would wear a nice PC, kilt, hose, shoes, appropriate sporran, and shirt/tie. Simple and elegant.

And leave the fly plaid in the closet. Besides being traditionally reserved for very special occasions, if there is dinner involved, it could easily end up in someone's soup.

**Chas** · 1st July 13, 08:33 AM

I am probably being a bit stupid but are you talking about a great kilt (as in "That's a great kilt you are wearing") or a great kilt (as opposed to the little kilt)?

**MacLowlife** · 1st July 13, 08:53 AM

Money may be no object, but the great advantage of a great kilt is that you start with a long piece of fabric- and you can end with one as well. Your fabric can remain unmolested and entirely adaptable for other projects after your one-off adventure of wearing it as a great kilt. As to its appropriateness, you might give us more information on which to base a decision. But, since you are in charge, you have the power to dictate what is appropriate. Be sure to use your powers only for good.

**Sir Didymous** · 1st July 13, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

I am probably being a bit stupid but are you talking about a great kilt (as in "That's a great kilt you are wearing") or a great kilt (as opposed to the little kilt)?

Great kilt as opposed to wee kilt.

Now as for more information.
Our troop does one dress dinner a year at which we honor one person, either a member or a non-member whom we feel has contributed to the group or the cause of chivalry in the area. This year we have honored Lord Detrich (one of our Members) who even after he moved far enough away that he couldn't attend our regular meetings, he has served as a voice for chivalry on his local ministerial council. They're a tough crowd but he has managed to speak up on certain matters. He made a couple of enemies (a harsh term but I couldn't think of a better one), but he spoke out anyway. It is generally just an excuse for a bit of black tie fun, but the honored person gives a short address and offers the blessing on the meal.
The rest of the group met on one of the few times that I couldn't be at the meeting and decided that in the last eight years I have contributed enough to be honored. I therefore have decided to get a special weave done of the Order of the Rouse Clan hunting tartan before we have it registered. The amount needed will be based on this decision. It will unfortunately slow my progress toward the Ferguson weathered tank I've been saving toward, but I'm proud of "the Order" as we call it and I see me getting a deal of use out of whatever I decide on.

**TheOfficialBren** · 1st July 13, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

And leave the fly plaid in the closet. Besides being traditionally reserved for very special occasions, if there is dinner involved, it could easily end up in someone's soup.

David, normally I would be 100% in agreement. I have jo intention of ever wearing a fly plaid unless it's absolutely required or asked of me. I really don't like them...but...being aware of Sir Didymous' affinity for the great kilt and historical garb (even though the fly plaid is not historical, it kind of looks like it) I lean toward it in this case...for him but not for me.

**Sir Didymous** · 2nd July 13, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by David Thorpe

And leave the fly plaid in the closet. Besides being traditionally reserved for very special occasions, if there is dinner involved, it could easily end up in someone's soup.

I have given your post some thought, and a couple of things came to mind. Firstly being a reenactor that has done some renaissance Spanish I have worn short cloaks on one shoulder and the control of a fly plaid shouldn't be much different. So I think I can avoid the food of others. But I found this that might be a new option. Look at the second post down from the top. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...riences-69205/
It's technically none of the others, but it gives a nice look.

**TheOfficialBren** · 2nd July 13, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by Sir Didymous

I have given your post some thought, and a couple of things came to mind. Firstly being a reenactor that has done some renaissance Spanish I have worn short cloaks on one shoulder and the control of a fly plaid shouldn't be much different. So I think I can avoid the food of others. But I found this that might be a new option. Look at the second post down from the top. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...riences-69205/
It's technically none of the others, but it gives a nice look.

There you go. I think that is your best bet. I say that as someone who dislikes plaids of all sorts so my objectivity might be helpful.

I would use the half belted plaid.