Need to accessorize but don't know where to start

[Kilted Jeeper]

I am new to the kilted world and right now only have one. I have a Sportkilt in the Ferguson tartan which I am very pleased with. I would like to start wearing my kilt to some more formal events including but not limited to Masonic events (Drumlin Sq. Lodge #1180 in NY) , holiday parties, etc.

Previously I only have worn my kilt in a very casual fashion, typically with combat boots or Teva's and a t-shirt. I want to put an outfit together correctly but have a limited budget in which to try and piece something suitable together. I have no immediate deadlines to get this completed but I would like to at least start putting together some quality pieces and frankly I have no idea where I should start. Do I need a PC jacket or will a typical sportcoat be OK? Any advice for the newbie would be appreciated.

[Downix]

Sporran from Stillwater is a nice fill-in till you can afford a formal

[Ian.MacAllan]

I can recommend L. L. Bean's 16" Heavyweight Merino Wool Ragg socks, normally $10.50 per pair, now $6.95. Warm & comfortable & almost stay up by themselves---need garters about 1" shorter than your calf's circumference. I have no idea how long the present sale will last.

.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Limited budget? Don't worry. Purchase your "stuff" in the following order:

(1)Dark green, navy, or black hose (which ever you feel will look better with your kilt)--COST: $20-35.00

(2)Black leather sporran (buy something simple and conservative, avoid the "Rob Roy" style for the moment)--COST: $30-50.00

(3)Black Argyll jacket and vest (also buy a Prince Charlie vest.)--COST: $50-200.00

Assuming you already have a pair of black shoes and a white shirt, the most you should have to spend is something around $285.00 to $300.00 to have everything you'd need to attend lodge, go to a Burns Supper, or spend the day at your local highland games.

The big bite is the Argyll but, pending it's arrival, you can attend lodge in your kilt, dark hose, sporran and a solid colour suit jacket. It isn't the perfect match, but it will do until you've got yourself an Argyll and waistcoat.

Where to buy all of this stuff? Well, start with our advertisers, and haunt the "FOR SALE" threads on this forum. Let members know your size, and what what you need. You'll be surprised at what comes out of the wood work here at X Marks The Scot!

[cavscout]

You are going to want a sporran and a wide leather belt pretty soon to complete the initial look of the casual outfit. I love wearing my kilt with tevas by the way as well. Go with a Buzz Kidder Sporran to start. they are soft and will hold more than the hard shell traditional sporrans. When ready you can step up to a Thorfinn Custom Sporran.

FOr a jacket, hit the thrift stores or dig an old sport coat out of the closet and take it to an alteration shop with a print out of these

http://www.geocities.com/alanhsails/...lt_jacket.html

Stress to them that the radius on the sporran cut-away is the most important issue and you will have a great casual kilt coat for between $30 and $70 dollars. Find a coordinating vest and you have a complete Semi-formal rig. (once you get the hose)

Kilt hose, the best deal I've hearad recently is the W Brewin hose. I don't know how they are as I don't own any but reviews have been great. CAUTION: If you have larger than normal calves (18" +) , standard kilt hose WILL NOT look good or fit well on you. Look for hose specifc to large calves. I recommend the Pipers Hose by Gaelic Themes. They look great and are very comfortable and are 70% wool / 30% Nylon.

Most of the vendors here carry a wide selection of hose so check them all out.

Lastly, enjoy the hunt! There are so many great items to explore from so many great vendors. Check back here before risking buying from the cheapest guy on the internet. Chances are someone here has done business with a vendor and can give you some helpful feedback before you repeat a mistake we've already been through

[xena]

FWIW, a single button Eton jacket, as described here:

Clickety click!

Generally works in lieu of proper Prince Charlie or Argyle. Basically, think of it as a Prince Charlie jacket without the epaulets and buttons.

Since a lot of folks consider the epaulets and buttons holdovers from military mess kit anyway, they're generally unnecessary, unless your in the military.

And at about 1/10th of the cost!

[Jock Scot]

Time(money too) is seldom waisted in reconnaissance. Take your time, look at the pictures here on this web, decide on "the look" that you are happy with and learn what can and should not be worn, then shop around. Cheap is not always best, nor is expensive always good. The Scots Pound is as hard earned as the Dollar, so, if it were me, don't fall into the trap of thinking you need a whole wardrobe of kilts and jackets and a chest of drawers filled with accessories, YOU DON'T! Take your time and when you have the "look" that you require you will able to "knock 'em dead"!

[piperdbh]

I second cavscout's advice about the jacket. Mine was a thrift shop find ($5, I think), which I had altered for $12, the best I remember. The best alterer in my town is also the least expensive. She should triple her rates, but folks around here don't complain about paying very little for excellent work.
Speaking of excellent work, there are a number of tailors/kiltmakers/ seamstresses/knitters on this forum who might be willing to barter something with you, plus folks who have "surplus" stuff who might want to trade for something you might have.

[Weasel Mender]

The D.I.Y. section is a frugal mans best friend!!!!! My "formal" jacket was cut down/altered from a blazer I already owned, cost 6 bucks for new buttons and an afternoon of work. Sporran patterns are there in abundance and not that hard to make once you get past the "I can't do anything that nice" stage. Kilt pins, it is amazing what can be found that will work, my Christmas pin was a tree broach borrowed from my wife, old M.O.D. pins (giant safety pins) can be found at a fabric store for $1.99 for 3 of them. What I am saying is an open mind and roving eye can find diamonds in many dustbins if you just start looking for them

Weasel

[Bugbear]

You can get a low cost Spencer or Eton jacket, change the buttons to silver, and, with a three button waistcoat, you should be alright almost off the rack.

If you're going to chop and convert a jacket and waistcoat, I suggest you read up on how jackets are generally constructed, interfacing etc, in addition to the DIY information here on the forum.