First time - be gentle

**Sparky McFizzlenuts** · 13th July 17, 01:56 PM

Hey folks-

Here are a few photos in my super cheap "Mackay Modern Tartan" kilt that I received a few weeks back. I went with a cheap kilt first to see if I would even enjoy wearing one and, if I did, to have one that would end up be a knock around kilt. Finally had a few moments to put it on. Of course I ordered everything before finding this site so the hose, flashes and kilt are matchy -matchy.

Tie in the photo is actually pretty bright gold, for some reason it is washed out.

Given that the kilt is an el-cheapo, feel free to pass on some advice (I will be ordering a bespoke one soon). Also noticed that the sporran belt is tight which may be causing that one pleat to kick out as it does not normally do that. Additionally looks like I did a poor job of hiding the hem of the under apron, I will have to pay attention to that more!

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Gig line is off in this one and it is making my eye twitch as I type this.

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**kiltedtom** · 13th July 17, 02:10 PM

Sparky,

I think you look pretty darn good. I am a guy who does not vary colors too much being as I have terrible design capabilities. So, cheap kilt or not, you look striking. Keep going. I will tell you a secret. Kilts and their accessories are addicting. Good thing you start with a less expensive one to try it out. Now when you get your finances in the shape you want, you will want to go for wool or PV kilts. I now have one of each. And I want another wool and another PV.

Congratulations on joining us and enjoy your kilt.

Tom

**EagleJCS** · 13th July 17, 02:17 PM

Looks fine to me. As you said, your sporran belt is a bit snug, so I agree that is likely the reason for the pleat on your right (left side of the pics) is popping out.

I wouldn't worry too much about the color palette you've chosen. Rather sedate, but fine. A bright color for your flashes (red or yellow) would be enough of a pop. Add a tattersall shirt and I think you're golden.

**Taskr** · 13th July 17, 02:18 PM

Might be matchy-matchy, but it appears to me you've go the concept of kilt wearing just fine. The pleat kick and under apron might simply be a result of el-cheapo - but with care those things can be compensated to give a better look over all.

Now, just imagine hose that were complimentary to the shirt and ...well, you get the visual. Tom raises a valid warning; and accessories can start to eat away at the monetary volume of your bank account.

So, take your time and watch for discounts and such. Continue to experiment with the shirts, ties, shoes you already have. I echo Tom's comment on PV. I have one from Freedom, a very decent handsome and comfortable alternate to wearing the wool for those more casual times. As for "the" kilt, aim for the best quality/value that a bit of saving can afford. You will not regret it.

Oh, and enjoy wearing it well and often.

**Todd Bradshaw** · 13th July 17, 03:02 PM

Looks good for a first effort Sparky, but do be aware that this stuff is habit forming and can get addictive. "Matchy-matchy" is one of those terms and concepts on this forum that I personally would like to see go away. An individual's degree of matching (or not) is all just a matter of personal preference. Various degrees of color coordination, from a little, to a lot, can all look quite sharp. Those who tend to throw around the matchy-matchy comments as if it is a bad thing don't really seem to have any better fashion taste, or look to be dressed any better than most of the rest of us. There are no kilt cops, and there are also no matchy-matchy-mounties. Wear what you like with respect for the garment and because you like it. Not because some guy on the internet might or might not like it.

Personally, I frequently tend to dress at a fairly high level on the matchy-matchy index - because I like it. If somebody else doesn't like it, they're free to dress themselves any way they want, and that's about all the authority I'm going to give them.

**McMurdo** · 13th July 17, 03:32 PM

A very good first effort, kilt on and enjoy the experience. One thing I remember about the first time I went out in public was the feeling that everyone was looking at me stop worrying about whether or not you are too matchy matchy, do you like the way it looks? as for me again I will say a good first effort, well done.

**ThistleDown** · 13th July 17, 05:24 PM

Welcome, Sparky, from Inverness-shire and British Columbia.

**derosa** · 13th July 17, 07:52 PM

Welcome, looks fine to me in general. I'm one of those that is of the opinion that you dress to your comfort and occasion. Most days I just toss on a T-shirt and sandles, Sundays I'll toss on a pair of low cut dress boots with socks and a button up, dinner with the wife is a waistcoat and tie. When wearing socks I like it if the share a color with the kilt or match the shirt. Don't worry about much more then that.

**Nomad** · 13th July 17, 10:24 PM

Looking good, personally I think the shirt is enough of a contrast to not worry about other things matching. I made a conscious effort to keep colours similar when I first wore my kilt, 6 months down the line I am more confident in wearing it and find myself looking for contrasting accessories.