Perhaps it would be fair to say that fashion begins first with function, and proceeds from there to demonstrate individuality within the boundaries of function, and that aesthetically pleasing, daring, or desired fashions will collect people to them in the same manner that a large rock thrown on a trampoline will quickly collect other rocks.

Another way to put it is that some fashions just simply don't make sense. Is there a reason for tail coats in 2010? Spats, top hats, decorative canes? Is a frilly tuxedo shirt useful, does a cummerbund serve any purpose? Some of the 'court' fashions of bygone days were as functional as a purse dog.

We still wear them, and the idea of something new is quickly overcome by the gravity of millions of people brought up with the notion that a stripe down the side of the pants, a fluffy shirt front and an arrangement of fabric about the waist with hook and loop at the back is acceptable ultraformalwear for any occasion.

Or was the question more esoteric, asking if there is some basic, hardwired reason in the human subconscious that we wear our kilts as we do?