contemporary dressy/formal

[CMcG]

I'm posting this in the "General Kilt Talk" forum because it deals with both contemporary outfits and traditionally styled kilts. I submit the following to the rabble for discussion:

After searching around the net for examples of contemporary dressy, semi-formal, or formal kilt outfits I started to notice a few trends. They are mostly built around a traditional tartan kilt but solid colour wool kilts and dark fashion tartans are also found. Jackets have less detailing, such as fewer epaulettes, more plain cuffs, and/or buttons that blend with the fabric rather than shiny silver. Ruche ties seem very popular, with both wing and spread collars. Colour schemes are generally dark and sometimes entirely so, in terms of shirt, hose, sporran, and jacket. Flashes are occasionally left out or perhaps just blend with the dark hose. Hopefully some pictures will help illustrate what I'm writing about.

To my eye, these outfits are very smart and are parallel to broader trends in menswear that run towards simplicity and darker palettes. They don't, however, appear to be totally traditional but they do keep enough traditional elements to perhaps be viewed as an evolution rather than a break.

Do you like them? Why or why not? Where might these sorts of outfits be appropriate and what level of formality do they fall under? Are there any members who can share their own pictures, rather than the images I've gathered from kiltmakers, retailers, and rental companies?

[slohairt]

Some of the items I like and some not so much. I like the general air of simplicity in accessories and the muted colour palette. I think some kilties overdo things at times and at the wrong occasions. (PCs at a Highland Games comes to mind.)

I don't really dig the Ruche tie and wing-collar shirt look. I find they always make the neck too long and the wearer ends up looking like one of my daughter's Polly Pocket dolls! But, that's just my personal preference...

[Jock Scot]

Actually I don't find the "cut" of the jackets too bad. I have real trouble with black shirts and ruche ties whether worn together, or on their own. Tartan ties are also a no no for me. Nevertheless the silhouette is not that much different from the one that I am comfortable with. I would prefer to see the kilt worn a tad higher and the hose worn a wee tad lower though.I am not sure what level of formality that most of the attire is aimed at, but if it is aimed at day wear, then I really dislike formal sporrans worn for day wear.I stand to be enlightened on the level of formality most of this is aimed at though.

[azwildcat96]

I actually like these styles. They are definatly contemporary. To me (an admitted kilt novice) they seem to border more on the formal/evening side. I will say that I am not a fan of the Ruche tie, but I do like the look of the 5-button waistcoat and jacket. And the dark hose make it less noticable when wearing black wing-tips or cap-toes and not ghillie brouges tied around the ankle (another personal preference).

[Paul]

I like most of the contemporary jackets. I just bought one and had it altered... I am yet to buy a waistcoat for it, though I plan to this week and then post some pictures.

[Redshank]

I tend to agree with what most have said, hose a wee bit lower, kilt a tad bit higher, the cut of all the jackets with exception of the second photo are very agreeable, and in my opinion stand out a being smarter and more appropriate than the PC which to my mind smacks of "kilt hire"

The problem I have with the second photo, is that it resembles a cut down suite jacket, the short pockets give it away, I dont like that look.

The ruche tie I am no fan off either, otherwise give them all a decent sporran and they easily pass muster.

[bricelythgoe]

I want a jacket and waist coat just like the one in the first picture. I think it looks great!

[JSFMACLJR]

I, too, am not a fan of the ruche tie. I don't like the way they look, and they are much too much a fad for my tastes. That being said, these jackets are mostly pretty agreeable, maybe a bit too sombre, but not bad. I wish the models had worn hose of another colour besides black, which I just find so boring and dull. Why are dress sporrans worn with this sort of dress?

[CMcG]

I want a jacket and waist coat just like the one in the first picture. I think it looks great!

The image you are referring to appears on both the John Morrison site and HoS.

[Tobus]

I don't really dig the Ruche tie and wing-collar shirt look. I find they always make the neck too long and the wearer ends up looking like one of my daughter's Polly Pocket dolls!

I agree. Purely from a visual perspective, the wing collar makes the wearer's head look disconnected or out of proportion. It looks very uncomfortable.

The Ruche tie looks like a sloppy attempt at something else, and the shape of the wrinkled knot only accentuates the neck elongation effect.

As for what level of formality they fall under, that's a good question. I think that's where "the look" fails completely. It looks too stuffy to be day wear but too sloppy to be formal wear. I am no expert and that is just purely my opinion. I do not care for the look.

I could live with the more modern cut on the jackets, but only in the interest of giving a neat and tidy appearance to the more traditional look.