Critique my Summer Kilt Wear II

**CMcG** · 23rd July 11, 08:05 AM

I found the responses to Mael Coluim's recent thread very helpful, so I'm throwing my hat in the ring. Traditional responses are invited because A) I've posted in the traditional forum and B) that was what guided my choices. I was also guided by my lass, whose favourite colour is green

This is what I wore to a recent concert at a small, funky, dive of a bar in Toronto's Kensington Market. I knew the crowd would be casual but hip, so I tried to dress accordingly... in a kilt because I was meeting a fellow Xmarker there. Also, the heat was around 29 ºC (84.2 ºF) when I left my apartment but would cool off a bit as the night wore on.

I was going for a look that would be generally traditional as a whole, while knowing it would perhaps not be entirely traditional in its parts. Rather than detail all the elements of my accoutrements, I'd like the image to stand based on what you can see...

What do you think?

**Dale Seago** · 23rd July 11, 08:15 AM

I think it looks great -- works very well!!

**davidlpope** · 23rd July 11, 08:20 AM

I think that the combination of tweed waistcoat and open-necked short-sleeve shirt is a little jarring.

Perhaps a long-sleeve shirt with cuffs turned back? That's what I tend to do when the weather gets really warm. If it gets cool you could always put the sleeves down.

**CMcG** · 23rd July 11, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I think that the combination of tweed waistcoat and open-necked short-sleeve shirt is a little jarring.

Perhaps a long-sleeve shirt with cuffs turned back? That's what I tend to do when the weather gets really warm. If it gets cool you could always put the sleeves down.

Good call. From the thread about traditional Highland civilian shirts, I've learned that short sleeves are no-where to be found... along with breast pockets, epaulettes, and/or button down collars! Of course, this picture was taken before that thread took place

**Zardoz** · 23rd July 11, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Good call. From the thread about traditional Highland civilian shirts, I've learned that short sleeves are no-where to be found... along with breast pockets, epaulettes, and/or button down collars! Of course, this picture was taken before that thread took place

Are you saying you can't find short-sleeve shirts? Must be a regional thing, right now in my area the stores have more of them on display than long sleeve ones. Of course you said the "heat" was around 84ºF, today in Houston we're going over 100 degrees.

**MacLowlife** · 23rd July 11, 10:12 AM

I was going to observe that David L Pope and I may think alike because we are Southerners when I recognized in my tiny brain that many "traditional" southerners are also Scots. In any event, I thought the same thing he did- go with long sleeves and roll them up a little.

The combination of short sleeves and a vest reminds me of something commercial and slightly unpleasant, though I can't put my finger on it- maybe a mid 80s fast food Manager's uniform? Of course I mean no insult or offense to fast food managers, even those in their mid 80s. But by the time Archie McDonald had gone transcontinental, he had all of his Highland roots stripped off.

Ronald? You'd never even know he had Scots ancestors.

The sadness, the shame of it. Flora is surely spinning in her grave.

But your outfit looks good otherwise.

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd July 11, 10:18 AM

I think the outfit is fine. That said, I agree with the short sleeve shirt and waistcoat comment. Although the short sleeve shirt may not be "traditional", I do think it would look nicer without the waistcoat. There is something about a waistcoat for me that makes me prefer the look of a long sleeve shirt--even if the sleeves are then rolled back.

**Zardoz** · 23rd July 11, 10:19 AM

I tend to agree with most about the vest/ short sleeves thing.. The more I look at it, I think it's a little 'unbalanced' like the old tie with short sleeves NASA mission control look.

**davidlpope** · 23rd July 11, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Are you saying you can't find short-sleeve shirts? Must be a regional thing, right now in my area the stores have more of them on display than long sleeve ones.

I don't think this is what he was communicating, rather than short-sleeved shirts are not often found in the context of highland dress.

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

I was going to observe that David L Pope and I may think alike because we are Southerners when I recognized in my tiny brain that many "traditional" southerners are also Scots. In any event, I thought the same thing he did- go with long sleeves and roll them up a little.

MacLowlife, I think you've hit the nail on the head. The Venn Diagram overlap for Southern Preppy and THCD-enthusiast must be huge! On a hunch, do you have a subscription to Garden and Gun?

**Spartan Tartan** · 23rd July 11, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

MacLowlife, I think you've hit the nail on the head. The Venn Diagram overlap for Southern Preppy and THCD-enthusiast must be huge! On a hunch, do you have a subscription to Garden and Gun?

Honestly, outside of my math and statistics circles, I have NEVER run across a group of people that use the Venn Diagram expression so casually. I would bet a search for Venn Diagram leads to a substantial search result...

Back on topic...I suspect you both are quite right. When I think of "Traditional" outfits for my kilt, I admit...my mind goes to a Southern Gentleman. This is certainly a point of reference to which I can relate personally.