Finally got it all together

[wvpiper]

I've finally received all the accoutrement to go with my kilt. Honestly, while learning to play pipes this was always the part I was dreading most. Then I found XmarkstheScot and I've ended up enjoying this process. Thank you all for your comments and advice.

What do you all think? The waistcoat is a tad long, I'll probably have it altered in some fashion.

Kilt O'neill of Dublin off the peg Royal Stewart, a Christmas gift from my mother in law
Hose, USA Kilts 70/30 blend (bottle green in formal, navy blue informal picture)
Garter ties from Tartan Museum. I also purchased brogue laces,not shown. I think they'll look fine with the J Crew shoes I literally dug out of the closet. I personally don't like brogues, no offense.
Sporran and sporran belt from Thorfinn (mink fur, elk hide, note different flaps in each picture)
Belt is from Oconee Leather Works-I asked for and received a rush job. I wanted to be sure I had it in time for bagpipe clinic which begins 6/24. Thanks, Steve!
Argyle Jacket and Waistcoat from Bob Chalmers (ebay seller bobilishious)
Navy Blue polo is my Rotary polo. I'm considering wearing this outfit to the annual picnic in two weeks.

[Aldisimo]

Well put-together, Sir!

[Bob C]

You look great. My only comment is, if you're not going to wear ghillie brogues, there's no point in wearing the long laces that are a part of ghillie brogues. just wear your black shoes and call it good.

[Deil the Yin]

Very smart indeed. Guid on ye!

I don't care for the ghillies either, thought it's because of the long laces...

This is utterly subjective, but I was going to suggest that you might try the "casual" look, ie with the polo shirt, without the belt? I hardly ever wear mine any more. It seems more casual... relaxed without it, unless of course you NEED the belt to help keep the kilt up.

I'd like to ask how you feel about the kilt resting high on your natural waist, especially with the more casual look? Mine does that of course and I'm trying to figure out if it's just my waist that is too long/short, or if a kilt would have to be made to fit lower on the body for anyone?

I just happen to be watching a Rogues video and noticed how EJ's kilt (and the other piper, too) seems to rest in what most would call a "normal" (for pants) height. He wears a button up Oxford and the proportions look good. When I try this ensemble, it seems awkward because of the odd proportion of waist to upper body created by yon kilt. Of course EJ Jones is easily over six foot and skinny as a bloody rail while I have to contend with "The Bulge"... I typically try and wear a waistcoat or some such that covers the top of the kilt down to my pants waist and balances the proportions. This tactic of course becomes problematic if you're trying to go really casual...

KILT ON!

[wvpiper]

This is utterly subjective, but I was going to suggest that you might try the "casual" look, ie with the polo shirt, without the belt? I hardly ever wear mine any more. It seems more casual... relaxed without it, unless of course you NEED the belt to help keep the kilt up.

Yeah, I kinda need the belt to keep it up, but more to hide my 'pooch'.

I'd like to ask how you feel about the kilt resting high on your natural waist, especially with the more casual look? Mine does that of course and I'm trying to figure out if it's just my waist that is too long/short, or if a kilt would have to be made to fit lower on the body for anyone?

Well, I'll be corrected if I'm wrong, but I believe technically speaking a properly worn kilt sits above the navel like you and I wear it. If I pull mine down much lower, it will be too low at the knees.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I'll just pack the laces away in case I ever buy brogues.

[george7]

Now you need a big walking stick and a old timey photo.

[beloitpiper]

Very nice! Good choice on the belt and sporran!

[Highlander31]

Looks good. Congratulations.

[Mipi]

On both photos looking good. Congratulation!

[JolyStNicholas]

Well done laddie, ya look grand indeed!