Kilted in Baltimore

[Declan Rowan]

So i'm going to be in Baltimore tonight for work, and realised something with packing:

Wearing a kilt allows you to forget to pack underclothes and not feel like you've forgotten to pack anything

(Cant wait to see the faces of the trainiers when I walk in like this )

- Declan

P.S. I'll try and check my PM when I'm down there, so if anyone wants to meet up at a local pub (or has any suggestions) leave me one with a way to contact ya and we'll see what we can do. Slan!

[GMan]

Declan,

A couple of years ago I went to Baltimore for a conference (kilted of course) and found everyone was extremely positive about the kilt.

Have a good trip and wear the kilt proud! I know that you will.

[Declan Rowan]

Aye, everyone loved it, asking me intelligent questions (in fact, I only got asked once what was under it, and it was more of a follow up to "Remember that scene in braveheart? why did they do that?")and everyone was impressed with me wearing it, especially when giving presentations. All in all a good time was had, though now I'm ready for some R&R, at least for the rest of the day.

- Dec

[MACKAY]

I am going to be giving several presentations at a multiple day seminar in Las Vegas in May. Was considering following your lead and wearing the kilt. However, I was wondering how casual / formal you went. Usually when I give a presentation I have on a suit and tie. If I go with a kilt I am afraid to go too formal, as I don't want my attire to distract from the presentation. On the other hand I don't want to look too casual either! Suggestions Declan… Or any one else who has been there?

Brian Mackay
'Manu Forti'

[Declan Rowan]

Well, the first day of the training was basic run through and house keeping activities, so it was very laid-back. I wore my black Utilikilt Mocker and a sweater. When I was actually doing a presentation, I wore my Ramsey New Blue, with sporran and belt, no Sgian Dubh (for both security reasons and I didnt want the extra-attention, getting enough for being kilted as it was). Kilt socks with flashes were essential (I got both from a store here in Northern Delaware called Highland Heritage) and an Irish Kilt Pin. As for shirt, since it was still a business casual event I wore a grey mock turtleneck with a dark navy coat. I have worn a black sport coat as well at times as well.

If it was a formal event such as the last one, I would have worn the Kilt with a button down white shirt and tie with the blue jacket.

Of course, no matter what you wear, there are going to be some who are momentarily distracted by your attire. We had a trainer who wore an outfit that could only be discribed as ecclectic: Dark Brown khakis, green and white 'art striped' shirt (aka no pattern) with a green sweater vest and a purple courderoy jacket! It looked good, and her looks/personality could pull it off, but the number of people that could wear that and still retain the attention of the group are few and far between. Then again, I think it's the first time I have ever been in a room where someone else's style has beat mine for most eye-raising!

My suggestion to you is to start small. Wear it to an event where either you wont be required to present (such as a seminar you are attending rather than giving) or a night event (such as the opening social hour or dinner) I found that if you wear it and have people come up to you when you arent critical to the event at that moment, it allows them to get all the questions and stares out of the way, and then everyone knows what to expect when you do wear it during a presentation. Hope this helps!

-Dec

[GMan]

Good suggestion Dec about easing into it a little bit at a time. You want to have class while doing it, not have any "clash" like the other trainer.

Glad to hear that you are doing it correctly.

[Declan Rowan]

Thanks! I wish I could say that it was something I came up with on my own, and I was just that astute, but it was really based on watching friends of mine dive head first into different styles. One girl tried to go from preppy to punk in a week. She lost her friends from the prep circle, and wasnt accepted by the punks for around 4 months, and even then not fully because she tried to fit in so suddenly. I looked at her like one would look that proverbally lost bull in the expensive china shop: Sure you making an impact and people are noticing you, but....

[MACKAY]

My suggestion to you is to start small. Wear it to an event where either you wont be required to present (such as a seminar you are attending rather than giving) or a night event (such as the opening social hour or dinner) I found that if you wear it and have people come up to you when you arent critical to the event at that moment, it allows them to get all the questions and stares out of the way, and then everyone knows what to expect when you do wear it during a presentation.

Dec- Excellent advice. There is the customary Networking Reception the first evening and I think I will take your advice and start small.

I am pretty well known on the speaking circuit for my industry and did not want to start off with "What's up with him?" type comments. I think that wearing it to the reception allows me to be a bit more formal, still fit in, and set the expectations for the next day. Seeing the formal look, then transitioning to a business look (ie: Turtleneck with jacket) will show the diversity in which a kilt can be worn.

I plan on wearing my Mackay kilt for the reception, my Black Watch for class, and may bring my UK Workman’s just for fun and hanging out with the vendors in the exhibit hall.

I applaud all of you who have gone kilted before me in job related endeavors, and thus gave me the courage to do the same. I can honestly say in the 20 years I have been attending these conferences and seminars that I have yet to see a kilt ... this is going to be fun! And to top it off ... I love being the center of attention 8)

Many thanks,
Brian Mackay
"Manu Forti" - With A Strong Hand!

[Declan Rowan]

lol that's the spirit! As I tell my friends: I began wearing the kilt for heritage. I wear it now because of the attention (And it looks so fekin cool 8))

[GMan]

The center of attention does tend to give one a bit of authority, especially when wearing the kilt