Too Traditional?

[ThistleDown]

Well put Rex, though there are certain areas of which 'I'll agree to disagree' with you.

It is in my best opinion, that our own Sandy MacLean (JSFMACLJR) has successfully pulled off (quite effectively too, I might add) the wearing of the Balmoral bonnet without a tweed 'Argyll' jacket of some sort, and actually has worn his bonnet without wearing Highland dress at all. I recall Sandy posting a photo of this on the forum, as I know I have seen it before. Sandy has also used his cromach whilst not wearing Highland dress - the same photo I believe - and the context was indeed appropriate.

Perhaps he'll chime in a wee bit later. Cheers,

Sandy is not an exception, Kyle. After a lifetime he knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I don't see him as attempting to "pull off" a bonnet-wearing look; he is just himself, comfortable in his clothing. He is not seeking advice because it is second-nature to him and if he is wearing a bonnet without a jacket he's not breaking some sort of rule.

[Jock Scot]

Sandy is not an exception, Kyle. After a lifetime he knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I don't see him as attempting to "pull off" a bonnet-wearing look; he is just himself, comfortable in his clothing. He is not seeking advice because it is second-nature to him and if he is wearing a bonnet without a jacket he's not breaking some sort of rule.

Absolutely, well said Rex.

[creagdhubh]

Sandy is not an exception, Kyle. After a lifetime he knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I don't see him as attempting to "pull off" a bonnet-wearing look; he is just himself, comfortable in his clothing. He is not seeking advice because it is second-nature to him and if he is wearing a bonnet without a jacket he's not breaking some sort of rule.

Oh, I most certainly agree, Rex! I never said he was an exception.

I suppose where I disagreed with you was in regards to the bonnet appearing as "costumish" when not worn with the appropriate jacket (and other traditional Highland dress accessories), though you did state, "if it looks like costume," which from my personal experience, is generally quite a noticeable difference from the more traditional approach towards Highland day attire.

Cheers,

[SlackerDrummer]

Sandy is not an exception, Kyle. After a lifetime he knows exactly what to do and how to do it. I don't see him as attempting to "pull off" a bonnet-wearing look; he is just himself, comfortable in his clothing. He is not seeking advice because it is second-nature to him and if he is wearing a bonnet without a jacket he's not breaking some sort of rule.

I think this is just another example of the old adage, "you have to know the rules to break the rules." Of course, the real meaning behind that is that you have to have internalized the rules to successfully pull off breaking them with good effect. And, as with most circumstances or situations to which that adage might apply, it is usually obvious to those in the know as to whether or not you have pulled it off (and probably not to you).

[creagdhubh]

I think this is just another example of the old adage, "you have to know the rules to break the rules." Of course, the real meaning behind that is that you have to have internalized the rules to successfully pull off breaking them with good effect. And, as with most circumstances or situations to which that adage might apply, it is usually obvious to those in the know as to whether or not you have pulled it off (and probably not to you).

Good point.