Less Can Be More

[creagdhubh]

It's the sort of thing that's best appreciated by "This Rabble!" Much better than the verbal pot-shot type criticisms.

I agree.

[CMcG]

Do we have any supportive, visual examples of this (more of "what not to do," perhaps?)? They could prove to be a good/educational resource to some of the rabble.

It's the sort of thing that's best appreciated by "This Rabble!" Much better than the verbal pot-shot type criticisms.

Gentlemen,

I'm not taking pot shots at anyone, but I know how much The Rabble appreciates pictures and explanations, so let see what I can do about that. It wouldn't be fair to make a critique of a fellow Xmarker who hasn't requested it, therefore I'll make a theoretical example. Besides, I don't think anyone around here is over doing it

Let's imagine a person who, in their non-kilted life, matches all their colours and doesn't mix patterns. Then this hypothetical person joins Xmarks with an earnest desire to learn about THCD. They read up on avoiding being too matchy-matchy and discover that it can be okay mix patterns.

This person luckily avoids the rental kilt look and also the more dramatic or pseudo-historical outfits. Unfortunately, they jump into THCD with a misguided attempt to mismatch patterns and clash colours, rather than mix and contrast them. They decide "more is better" and shoot for the extreme. It could look something like this, which IMHO is over the top:






I'm not saying that people shouldn't explore the more bold side of THCD, rather that it can become contrived if it is too extreme or too much of a departure from their non-kilted style. My point is that some of that mixing and contrasting goes a long way, particularly for those who wear the kilt outside of traditional, Scottish contexts and/or for those whose non-kilted attire is diametrically opposed to this style. Less CAN be more.

Perhaps I'm courting a different kind of disaster by entertaining the more reserved end of the THCD spectrum? Nonetheless, I've noticed a trend on Xmarks towards pushing the envelope of pattern and colour, which I'm gently suggesting is not without its sartorial risks.

[TheOfficialBren]

Colin, Kyle, and Father Bill: +***!!!

I think that you guys are spot on.

Many a pitfall is to be stumbled into without a bit of assistance from the more experienced (that goes with pretty much anything in life).

Thank you for steering me right on more than one occasion.

[Dale Seago]

Would this be a case of too matchy-matchy, or less not really being more. . .or both?

[CMcG]

Would this be a case of too matchy-matchy, or less not really being more. . .or both?

Oh dear! Definitely both!!!

[Grizzly]

Yes but on a Tilted kilt lady it would have merits.

[TheOfficialBren]

Yes but on a Tilted kilt lady it would have merits.

***

[Domehead]

Gentlemen, ...
... Perhaps I'm courting a different kind of disaster by entertaining the more reserved end of the THCD spectrum? Nonetheless, I've noticed a trend on Xmarks towards pushing the envelope of pattern and colour, which I'm gently suggesting is not without its sartorial risks.

All of this is well taken. My only addition is every mode of THCD is premissed on what the individual can "pull off". We, on XMTS, have spoken at length about the confidence required in wearing THCD. Panache pulls off some things very well, that would make me feel as if costumed. On the flip, Jock's "out of the closet" approach cannot satiate my OCD. Therefore, I have settled kits which rarely change, for example:



When I wear my Stewart, this is what I always wear. In fact, the only time I change anything is for Evening Attire. I'm pretty sure this is in line with Mr. Newsome's opinions on "quality less"...Donnie Hailey sporran; family heirloom sgian, bracken hose and Hector Russell tweed.

Feel free to critique away

[McElmurry]

I have gotten the impression from reading this forum over the years that the THCD in its native setting is not arrived at by applying a set of rules but rather is the result of climatic, cultural, and perhaps most importantly, economic imperatives. An individual collects a small number of well-made and perhaps previously well-loved items combined with their single kilt in clan tartan. They may add an item now and then perhaps a handmade gift or a new shirt. One or two sporrans are adequate along with a college/regiment tie and perhaps a wedding tie and black bow tie. At a particularly special day event one might wear his best jacket (a ten year old anniversary present) combined with a new shirt received on father’s day. The combining of textures is more a matter of happenstance than something one sets out to do. Again this is just an impression of what I have perceived and my description cannot be adequate as I was not reared in the culture. But I suspect an unlimited amount of funds and access to every possible fabric and garment via the internet is unhelpful when attempting to become one with THCD. So not only is less more but I suspect fewer is more as well.

[Domehead]

Frankly, you've described my wardrobe. However, better our resident Scots, Canadien & Ex-pat contributors speak more authoritatively.