The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[Panache]

MacMillan of Rathdown recently wrote in another thread about the importance of knowing the rules before deviating from them.

I have mentioned this before and think that the topic is in itself worthy of a thread.

Like it or not there are fashion rules

There are some very staunch traditionalists here on XMTS.

I am thinking about people like Chef, MoM, Matt Newsome, cajunscot, Scotus,and Jock Scot to name a few.

When they wear highland attire they do so in a traditional manner and they follow those rules to a "T".

Now when they offer their thoughts I carefully read them.

I want to know the rules.

Once you know the rules then you can decide how much of them you are going to follow.

I have a tweed hat that I think works very well with a traditional outfit even though it isn't traditional (and gives Jock Scot the heebie jeebies )

So I wear it happily, but in the knowledge that this is breaking a convention.

Likewise my all black kilted outfit I have worn to Scottish Country Dances is one that Todd wouldn't wear in a million years. But I think it is quite daring, dashing, and I pull off wearing it with flair.

I would like to tip my hat (yes Jock the Tweed one! ) to all the staunch traditionalists here on XMTS for helping me understand the rules of kilted fashion.

I may not always follow those rules.

They are rules after all not Fashion Laws after all.

But when I break them it is by my choice, not ignorance.

Cheers

Jamie

[ScottEPooh]

So, how many rules do I break when I wear my UK Workman's slung low with a T-Shirt and a pair of Chuck Taylors? Seriously, though, I agree. I enjoy reading the posts by our traditionalists, and enjoy learning the "rules". Maybe it's knowing the rules that makes breaking them more fun!?!?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

So, how many rules do I break when I wear my UK Workman's slung low with a T-Shirt and a pair of Chuck Taylors?

I'd say since you were not wearing Highland dress, then you would not be subject to Highland dress rules of fashion. :-) So, none....

[M. A. C. Newsome]

This is a topic that I give a lot of consideration to, and for good reason. There are rules and then there are rules.

If you are wearing the kilt in the context of a uniform (be it a military regiment, a pipe band, or some other organization), then you will have uniform requirements and there will most definitely be rules that you will be expected to follow.

The majority of us on this forum, however, wear the kilt not as part of a uniform, but as part of our clothing. In this case, there are no "rules" in the sense of uniform rules. In other words, I do not have a check-list instructing me on how I should be dressed and what articles of clothing I am allowed to wear when and with what.

Many people, especially those new to kilt wearing, have a tendancy to treat the kilt as a uniform. They worry about being "proper" or mistakenly violating some code of dress. And I'm talking about things above and beyond the rules of fashion and good taste. Some people think that it would be improper to wear a shirt purchased at a men's wear store with a kilt -- it must be a "kilt shirt." Or they worry about the fold-over on their cuff being a half inch shorter or longer than the next guy. Or they think that the only shoes you are allowed to wear with a kilt are ghillie brogues. People with these assumptions need to be instructed that the kilt is clothing, not a uniform, and these "rules" that they envision simply do not exist.

On the other hand, there are "rules" of fashion and good taste. Certain thing looks good together, other things don't. And with Highland Dress we have the matter of tradition to consider, in addition to the general rules of thumb involving color, texture, and the like. These fashion rules are important, and in place for a reason. Unlike uniform regulations, you do not necessarily need to follow them to a "t" but you should be aware of them, and you should follow them generally unless you have a good reason otherwise. And it is important to remember that some people can pull off looks that others cannot.

It is also important to consider that the more formal the clothing, the more "rules" you will need to be aware of. This is true in different cultrues across the board, not just in Highland Dress. Web sites like www.blacktie.com are a good place to find resources. Following these fashion rules shows that you respect the occasion, the people hosting the event, and yourself.

For all these reasons, when people make statements like "there are no rules" it is important to clarify what type of rules you are speaking of. Most of us will not have to worry about uniform requirements like we would find in the military. But all of us should be aware of basic fashion rules, which may be different based on our location and station in life.

[ccga3359]

The rules state simply "No rubber chicken sporrans". I know this rule, therefore I can wear a rubber chicken sporran. Thank you Jamie for the clarification. Until now I felt a little ridiculous.

[Ilsydr]

So, how many rules do I break when I wear my UK Workman's slung low with a T-Shirt and a pair of Chuck Taylors? Seriously, though, I agree. I enjoy reading the posts by our traditionalists, and enjoy learning the "rules". Maybe it's knowing the rules that makes breaking them more fun!?!?

ROFL...I have to say I find this greatly amusing, because I have been known to wear my lightweight black kilt out to the bars and such with a pair of Chuck taylors, athletic socks pushed down, and a t-shirt on many an occasion...Oddly, the fact that I was wearing Chucks WITH a kilt got more comments than the fact I was wearing the kilt!

[Jordan]

good question, it might be a good idea to get "the rules" together and put them in a sticky somewhere so people like me can check to see how many rules are being bent (not broken) when for example I go out in a lightweight makenzie kilt MoD issue combat boots White hose folded down over the top and a leather jacket I bought from Tesco!

Jordan

[BEEDEE]

good question, it might be a good idea to get "the rules" together and put them in a sticky somewhere so people like me can check to see how many rules are being bent (not broken) when for example I go out in a lightweight makenzie kilt MoD issue combat boots White hose folded down over the top and a leather jacket I bought from Tesco!

Jordan

And then we can have Kilt Police to enforce the rules! I would far rather we continue to seek advice and information, then make our own decisions. For example: I converted a PC from an ex-hire tail coat. It has a shawl collar, not a notched collar. Am I breaking a rule? Probably. Does it matter to anyone? Probably not.

should be :blue_ban:

Brian

[Jordan]

And then we can have Kilt Police to enforce the rules! I would far rather we continue to seek advice and information, then make our own decisions. For example: I converted a PC from an ex-hire tail coat. It has a shawl collar, not a notched collar. Am I breaking a rule? Probably. Does it matter to anyone? Probably not.

should be :blue_ban:

Brian

I'm not saying rules to be strictly enforced by the kilt police but as more of a guide to what most people think is good to wear in this or that situation

[Alan H]

Perhaps "rules" is a bit stiff of a word. If we were to re-read Panache's post (and added after reading Matt's ) MAC Newsome's post and substitute "guidelines" for "rules", well...how's about that? I could go with that.