All black: a safe choice?

[Màrtainn]

While I'm waiting for my kilt to arrive, I'm trying to figure out what else to wear on the first occasion I'll be able to wear it: a ceilidh. Chances are I will get my kilt only one or two days, or even just a couple of hours before the ceilidh. That means I don't really have the opportunity beforehand to see what really matches or complements the colours in the tartan (a MacLaren modern).

So I thought it would be a safe choice to go with black: belt, sporran and ghillie brogues (there will be dancing involved…) in black leather, black kilt hoses, and a black (dress) shirt with spread collar.
Black is one of the colours in the MacLaren tartan, and a black shirt seems like a good idea when things can get sweaty anyway…

So the only colour in my outfit would come from the kilt and from the kilt flashes (green, red or dark blue, not sure yet). Buckle and kilt pin in pewter.

Does this combination make sense to you? Because for some reason, I haven't seen any pics of something like it. Going black is not like a big kilt fashion no-no, or is it?

[Ryan Ross]

Some will disagree, but I think if you have the right swag, it works. Observe...

[KiltedTrooper]

In my opinion, I think it will look rather smashing.

[RAF]

I agree, black would be a good choice. It's universal. I could expound on color theory here, but I'll spare you. Have fun at the ceilidh!

[James Hood]

Modern kilting is, to understate same, a dynamic subject. Give it a go. Best of fortune. Enjoy!

[Calico]

I always approve of all black.

Although I liked to wear it more when I weighed significantly less...

[McMurdo]

I would agree all black is a safe bet, there is nothing wrong with it and it can look wonderful. If it were me I might pick up on the other colours in the tartan, however the is nothing wrong with the all black look. I've done it myself from time to time






Please forgive sporran placement on this one I had just picked up the kilt and was excited to get the photos taken.

[ctbuchanan]

I've gone all black on many occasions to good effect I think.
And the girls seem to like it as well.

[Dale Seago]

It'll definitely work -- go for it!

I also agree about "picking up some other colors". For instance, on Saturday I went with my lass to a play. I decided to go not with all black but with "repetitions of black elements". I wore a sort of slatey-blue buttondown silk-cotton blend shirt, and Lewis hose in Ancient Blue. But the kilt was in Douglas Grey (purely grey & black); black kilt belt w/silver-colored buckle; black leather sporran & sporran strap; black leather bomber jacket; charcoal garter ties; and black wingtip brogues. Definitely worked for attending a afternoon performance at The Theatah.

[auld argonian]

Just a question...and I toss it to these who have worn them because I haven't...is it a good idea to wear ghillie brogues and go dancing the first time you're wearing them out? Just thinking of some dress shoes that I have worn for the first time that were killing me by the time the evening was over.

Best

AA