Too Traditional?

[CMcG]

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1) Anyone who holds an inherited title, especially one tied to ancestral lands, can probably wear what he wants without appearing costumey- ...

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

I'm going to side with MacLowlife on these two points. Here are a few reasons why and some caveats.

The influence of people with inherited titles on THCD cannot be underestimated i.e. King George IV and Queen Victoria. On Xmarks we often (rightly) hold up examples of lords, dukes, chiefs, etc as paragons of traditional Highland style. They are in a certain sense, however, always on duty, especially at the public events where people take pictures of them in their kilts. As such, many of them tend towards the more "florid" end of the scale. In as much as the majority of our great Rabble have no such position or obligation, I don't think we need to hold ourselves to the same standards.

In other words, if someone wants to dress like a person with an inherited title they can go ahead and do so. In order to just dress traditionally though, one does not have to be as traditional as the nobility. Perhaps we ought to pass those excellent photographic and old portraits (MacLeay's Highlanders anyone?) examples of Highland finery through a mental filter of good old banality.

As for the walking stick, if one has a practical use for one (or at least appear like you might) then go for it. If not, it looks a bit affected because just wearing a traditional kilt doesn't require one. If one doesn't mind dressing with a bit of whimsy, a bit of panac... er "flair" then they are also excused from injunctions against strict practicality. The point is that, traditionally, a walking stick is used as a walking aid, for leaning on, or perhaps for herding sheep.

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And I had a much better picture taken, with the same pose. I'm now wondering if my gear looks too... fresh out of the box... to folks. Haha The kilt's only about five years old, the jacket and waistcoat, though freshly altered, are only a year and a half new, sporran from Christmas, etc... I've been kilting regularly for a decade, but I'll admit that a lot of the gear below is pretty new...

I think there are enough contemporary touches (recently designed tartan, sporran material, dark shirt colour) and historical flourishes (sporran design, garter ties) that your look is definitely not too traditional. It is, rather, traditional enough, with some room for "improvement" As such, the newness of the items doesn't seem contrived; it comes off as personalized. If you were carrying a cromach for show though... watch out

[David Thorpe]

As for the walking stick, if one has a practical use for one (or at least appear like you might) then go for it. If not, it looks a bit affected because just wearing a traditional kilt doesn't require one. If one doesn't mind dressing with a bit of whimsy, a bit of panac... er "flair" then they are also excused from injunctions against strict practicality. The point is that, traditionally, a walking stick is used as a walking aid, for leaning on, or perhaps for herding sheep.

Due to physical issues, I depend on a cane for mobility, and also have a lovely walking stick which belonged to my wife's grandfather. For "normal", casual day wear, I go with the cane. It's anodized aluminum - definitely non-traditional. For formal occasions and special events, I am honored to use the heirloom staff.

Thanks for helping put this issue in perspective.