Less Can Be More

[CMcG]

I've been contemplating the general aesthetics of Highland attire and my own relationship to them. I'd like to share a few thoughts with the Rabble, post some pictures, and get some feedback.

Traditionally speaking, I think it is safe to say that rigorous matching of colours is out. This is often known around Xmarks as "matchy-matchy." On the other hand, going out of one's way to clash could end up being clownish...

There is a similar aesthetic when it comes to patterns. Too many matching tartan items can be just as undifferentiated as no patterns anywhere except the tartan kilt. Mixing sizes and types of patterns gives a lovely effect, but overdoing the vigour and/or number of said patterns can look just that: overdone.

Finally, there is the issue of accessories and design. One could easily buy every item of their Highland attire, from head to toe, as a specialty kilt accessory, which really isn't necessary and can easily be pushed too far. Related to this is seeking out the most stylized, esoteric versions of even the most essential accessories and then wearing them all at the same time, both of which have a potentially costume-like effect. Nonetheless, Highland attire tends to be flashier than the Saxon equivalent, so it's preferable not make it drab either.

Between the two poles of matchy-matchy and brigadoonish costume lies a wide range of options that allow for a great degree of personal taste in THCD. I'm starting to think that the best guideline, for me, is to pursue some sort of harmony between my kilted and non-kilted style.

My idea here is have my kilted attire reflect my overall personal style -- within the bounds of tradition -- rather than wearing the kilt as some sort of foreign attire. It helps that I've taken many style cues from kilt wearing and incorporated them into my daily, non-kilted attire I think this probably puts me on the more reserved side of colours, patterns, and design.

OK, I know that was quite general, so now it's time for some pictures, which are focused on daywear. I've scoured the internet to find examples of people who I would like to model my style on. Most of them happen to be royalty (one celebrity for good measure), so I think I can't go too far wrong here. I like how they look traditional, yet up to date and that they are well-coordinated without being matchy.

What are your thoughts on this?









More photos in the next post!

[CMcG]

These looks are more casual:






More to come...

[CMcG]

Pics from retailers and kiltmakers:









One more set of pics to go...

[neloon]

OK, Colin,
For my tuppenceworth, I think you've got a good set of models there. I think waistcoats (?vests in US) are regarded as slightly overdressed for the man in the street - Prince Philip and Prince Charles like them - I have never owned one. Likewise, I have never owned a Balmoral (far less a Glengarry). A couple of these guys are a little short of space between bottom of kilt and socks but I'm sure you knew that. I wear roll-neck tops most of the time including when I was still at work.

I have a couple of Crail jackets which are fine for slightly formal summer aftrenoon events.
I think that's about it.
Alan

[CMcG]

Some fellow Xmarkers with the general look. I don't prefer the combination of Balmoral bonnets, ghillie brogues, patterned hose tops, fancy cuffs, detailed sporrans, etc, all at the same time, and these guys are using just one (maybe two?) from that list, which is a nice accent:

[creagdhubh]

Delightful topic!

I like them all, Colin. I think the photos show a nice range/approaches of individual style and preferences, meshing well within the confines of a traditional aesthetic. Of course, I really like HRH Prince Charles' approach, always have, and I know there are many on this forum that share the same sentiment. It's interesting to note: I owned all of the Kinloch Anderson tweed jacket and waistcoats you posted in the Lovat green, charcoal and Lovat blue, but have since sold them off in favour of tweed jackets and matching waistcoats with either a subtle window pane pattern or a bold check pattern, in hues of brown, green, and grey (in order to complement and/or contrast with my Macpherson tartans).

Remember me stating in one of my most recent threads that I have sort of moved away from the plain, tweed day jacket styles to having gauntlet cuffs, epaulettes, etc? It's funny how one's thinking or approach towards Highland attire can evolve a bit over time, yet I'm quite sure that I will wear a plain, tweed day jacket again someday, as I obviously have nothing against that simplistic, "less is more" style with the kilt. It always looks very smart.

Here are several photos of me, other Macphersons, and mates (some of the pictures are more recent than others):












Kind regards,

[Riverkilt]

The folks that dress the royal family should write a book on kilts.

Much tougher to get that luck in the hot areas of the world...kilts and fishing shirts or tank tops... too hot for kilt hose...a challenge. Some great pics though. Added one of Prince Charles to my collection of pics of Prince Charles. The prince and Ham are my fashion gurus!

[O'Searcaigh]

Thank you CMcG for this thread. I find it difficult to "dress down" when kilted but would like very much to feel comfortable (both physically and socially) in a bit more casual but traditional fashion. In the cool months it is not as much as a problem (sweaters look great) as when it gets quite warm (or down right hot). I know kilts were worn in India. Surely there are appropriate summer-time traditional styles for kilt wearing? I would love to learn about more examples of that if anyone has suggestions.

[usonian]

I am no fashion expert, but I've found that toning it own a notch in all but the most formal situations serves me well, particularly if I'm going to be the only kilted person around. In those cases I stand out quite enough by wearing a kilt in the first place without adding the flashes, shian dubh, waistcoat, jacket, dress sporran, bonnet, kitchen sink, etc.

[CMcG]

Kyle, I know you've moved away from the more simple style I'm outlining, though I do find it strange that you didn't keep at least one of those plain-ish Kinloch Anderson jackets! I guess you needed to liberate the capital for the new jackets, eh?

Riverkilt and O'Searcaigh, here's a pic of the Duke of Rothesay in more heat appropriate clothing:


The Gift Shop of the Scottish Tartan's Museum now offers tropical weight jackets, as modelled by Matt Newsome;


Here's one of me from a couple summer's ago:


One might also wear cotton or thin wool hose, a brimmed hat, no belt, etc, while still keeping a basically traditional look.