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?