Flattering kilts for ladies?

[BonnetMaker]

Sad to say the last time I wore a proper kilt I was about 6 and it was the mid 70s (it was very cute, I remember being thrilled with the wee sporran that went with it), but since then I've worn checked fabrics only in their Iron Age form as part of some Romano British re-enactment I do occasionally, and as a rather beautiful green length earmarked for an Arisaid for an eighteenth century outfit I have planned when I eventually fit it into my sewing schedule.

I'd quite like a 'modern' kilt, but I'm a bit afraid of looking frumpy, having reached that delicate age where I'm definately not young and skinny enough to wear absolutely anything regardless, nor yet nearly grown up enough to go for the twinset and pearls well groomed effect. Sadly, I find that on women tartan can make one look a bit lumpy unless the cut is right for the figure.

I'm a decent seamstress, happy to tackle advanced projects, but I need some inspiration for styles that look good on a tall but very slightly squashy figure. I'm thinking of going for the family tartan (Mackinlay), which is predominantly blue and green, so quite a flattering colour combination.

Any ideas? What looks fab on the ladies of this forum?

[piperdbh]

Any ideas? What looks fab on the ladies of this forum?

Everything.

In my opinion, a proper fitting kilt is very flattering for a woman. I have seen tartan skirts and dresses, too, and all of them look good. I hope Anne (Pleater) reads this thread. She can help you, as can Sydnie7, VMac3205, Dixiecat, and the other ladies of the X.

[The Wizard of BC]

A lot depends on your personal style sense and how you feel in your kilt. Just as with us guy type persons a lot also depends on what you wear with your kilt. The accessories make the outfit as they say. And the greatest accessory is your smile.
A lady who knows she looks good and smiles in confidance can make any outfit shine.

The kilt itself will depend on your particular body shape. Strangly enough even women with mature figures look good when the kilt is shaped properly. One great example is Barb T. here and her daughter. They both look incredable in their kilts while having figures that many women today have trouble finding off the rack clothes to fit. That is not a problem with the shape it is a problem with today's clothing.

Try looking around the photo galleries a bit for other women in kilts and decide which hem length you like. And inch or two above the knee to just below the calf seem to be the lengths that are most popular.

Then look at pleating styles. Whether the kilt is pleated to the Sett or to the Stripe will depend on the Tartan and the woman's personal taste.

And finally it has to do with the construction of the kilt. Here is where you don't want to skip with your fabric choice and construction details. "The Art of Kiltmaking" is the primary source on making a Traditional kilt and in it is everything you need along with tips on how to fit a kilt to any figure in the most flattering way.

Then when you are ready to post photos of your new kilt here remember that most important accessory. Your confidant smile.
If the smile is not there at first I am confidant that the comments of approval you will get from all the guys here will put the smile on your face and the swagger in your step.

[AKScott]

A lady who knows she looks good and smiles in confidance can make any outfit shine.

Quoted for truth. Pick among the designs in which you know you will be able to don a dazzling smile.

[Dixiecat]

What looks fab on the ladies of this forum?

You know that what looks fab on others may not be flattering to you. Just think of a style that you like and looks good on you and imagine it in tartan!

I love my kilt. I made it according to The Art of Kiltmaking (thanks Barb!). I personally like a kilt at top of knee length. The swing is fantastic and the swish as I walk is so satisfying. If you were to make a kilt, I would suggest forgoing the rise above the waist and fit it directly to your waist.

I do love the idea of a tailored tartan skirt with walking pleats. There's some very nice patterns that are particularly suited to tartans:

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m552...hp?page_id=113
and
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v860...hp?page_id=263

There are lots of ways to use tartan. You are only limited by your imagination!

[sydnie7]

[snip]
I do love the idea of a tailored tartan skirt with walking pleats. There's some very nice patterns that are particularly suited to tartans:

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m552...hp?page_id=113
and
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v860...hp?page_id=263

If, like me, you like the looks of that first one -- be advised that Joanne's has McCall's patterns on sale for 99 cents starting today (not sure how long it lasts). Just picked one up for future use.

Thanks, Dixiecat!

[BonnetMaker]

I do quite fancy a longish, midcalf maybe, straight walking skirt with a back pleat or split, that might look rather nice in tartan and might be quite adaptable to different occasions. I do like something that looks just as good with hiking boots as it does with dress shoes

[CMcG]

I do quite fancy a longish, midcalf maybe, straight walking skirt with a back pleat or split, that might look rather nice in tartan and might be quite adaptable to different occasions. I do like something that looks just as good with hiking boots as it does with dress shoes

Depending on what type of walking/hiking you are doing, mid-calf might be too long. The reasons are that A) it could impede your movement and B) that the tartan could chafe your calf. I would suggest instead that the bottom of the kilt fall just above your knee for a good combination of modesty and freedom of movement.

For a full figure, there are several considerations to avoid lumpiness. The top of the kilt would be more flattering at your natural waist rather than at the lower, pants waist because it will smoothly cover the whole area. Pleats will be more forgiving that a straight back with a slit because they allow more movement. The weight of the material will drape better around your hips if it is light (10oz) or medium (13oz) rather than heavy (16oz +).

As I read that, it sounds a lot like a man's kilt made to fit a woman's figure, with lighter weight tartan, and the apron opening on the left side. Wow, am I ever biased!

[Detroitpete]

I'm most likely a bit biased, but I REALLY like when my wife wears kilted tartan skirts of any length.

[Jock Scot]

My wife looks absolutely super in her tartan skirts, but, er, well, um, ahem, these days, mini skirts do not seem to be her style, but full length tartan skirts set her figure off a treat. Another option for you to consider( I am not quite sure of the female technical designation); tartan trews.