What does Matchy - matchy refer to?

[McRoy]

I am somewhat confused, about the term "Matchy-matchy on this site. It might well be it has been defined elsewhere, but I was not able to find a thread relating to a definition. Does this term suggest one should not coordinate colors in one's dress or have items match? From a personal standpoint, I prefer when things match and or compliment each other in my attire. This does not mean mindlessly conforming to so called traditional rules, but for me the aesthetic of a well coordinated outfit, speaks volumes about the wearer in a positive light. Looking like one simply put on the first thing at hand seems a trifle lower class to me. I can see no issue with wearing matching tie and hose flashes on plain hose to compliment one's tartan. If that is Matchy-matchy, then I for one am all for it.

[davidlpope]

My best explanation:

Matchy-matchy is a phrase that's come to be used on X-Marks to denote a manner of wearing the kilt where there is an intentional effort to match the particular colors in the kilt to the rest of the ensemble.

Example: Wearing a dark tartan green shirt, navy blue kilt hose, and yellow flashes, with a Modern Macleod of Harris kilt.

This links to a photo of me wearing a kilt when I was into matchy-matchy.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...810#post887810
You'll notice that the black golf shirt, brown kilt hose, and yellow flashes all match the colors in my kilt. You'll also notice that my kilt belt, sporran strap, sporran, and shoes match.


This can be contrasted with another style of kilt wearing where there is little attention paid to matching or complementing the particular tartan of the kilt.

Example: White/light blue/olive green tattersall shirt, claret kilt hose, red flashes worn with a Modern Macleod of Harris kilt.

I'll go on record and make a generalization that many Americans who are not native kilt-wearers that take up the kilt often are very focused on "matching". Most native kilt-wearers seem to dress in the contrasting manner.

Here's a photo featuring the Duke of Argyll. Note that nothing really matches.


from http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...hiefs766pa.jpg

[McRoy]

Thanks, for that. It seems like most things it is a personal choice. I was concerned it might have a somewhat negative connotation similar to "Farby" (far be it from me to criticize but...) prevalent among Civil War Buffs. I find the matched look to be more put together, not a fixed rule as matching is less of a requirement for casual dress, but overall I think a matched look is preferable for myself. I don't see wearing white or garishly colored hose with my Black Watch, preferring green or navy with perhaps some color on the flash.

[davidlpope]

Thanks, for that. It seems like most things it is a personal choice. I was concerned it might have a somewhat negative connotation similar to "Farby" (far be it from me to criticize but...) prevalent among Civil War Buffs. I find the matched look to be more put together, not a fixed rule as matching is less of a requirement for casual dress, but overall I think a matched look is preferable for myself. I don't see wearing white or garishly colored hose with my Black Watch, preferring green or navy with perhaps some color on the flash.

I think you might be right concerning the "Farby" reference. I've seen few examples of native Highlanders wearing the kilt that seemed matchy-matchy.

[walkerk]

Sir Jackie Stewart, Royal wedding, 2011.

[Nathan]

David is spot on. As I understand it, the term's usefulness is really as a reminder not to impose North American or Saxon fashion conventions or sensibilities on the Highland visual aesthetic. The conventions are not the same. There are lots of modern "rules" of fashion (shades of a colour should match, no red and purple together, no red and pink together, no stripes and checks at the same time, only one pattern piece per outfit - everything else neutral, matching leathers etc...) that simply never have and don't apply to traditional highland civilian dress. This is not to say that you mustn't colour coordinate but, rather, that you needn't. Black shoes and a brown sporran are considered somewhat more traditional than matching sporran and shoes. It's perceived by some as a little dorky if you look like you tried too hard. Kind of like the Italian concept of "spezzato". It evokes a kind of effortless nonchalant elegance applying the deft hand of knowing how to mix and match a wide array of colours and patterns without looking like a slovenly clown.

[Panache]

And I would like to point out there is nothing wrong with wearing clothing that matches

These outfits are "match-matchy" …





...and I like them!

However you shouldn't sweat small details like the red of one's hose not being an exact match with the red of your tartan. My understanding is that in the highlands, kilt and kit is often passed down and amongst family and friend. SO what is owned is used and the thought of buying something new to achieve a perfect match when you have something that works pretty well is not considered.

Here is an example of hose color not being an exact match with the tartan, but it all works together anyway



Cheers

Jamie

[TheOfficialBren]

Sir Jackie Stewart, Royal wedding, 2011.

Oh, my!

[kilted scholar]

Yet in David's post (number 2) it is evident that at least three of those in the front row, including the Prince of Wales, do have colours that match! Additionally, the fourth - the man on the extreme left of the picture - has a striped tie that matches the tartan of his kilt. I am assuming that not all of these are Americans! : - )

So, while the general tenor of these observations is correct, it can be misleading to make blanket generalizations.

[mookien]

I like matchy-matchy, but I can't do it with panache.