'Ultra' Casual Kilt Wear

[Stan]

Hi Adempsy, and let me throw my 2 cents worth in.

I think that you've accomplished the "jeans look", in a great way. And while I'm more in favor (my personal taste) of a more traditional look, I think that you have accomplished your goal.

I also think that your wearing of "the kilt" and how you chose to do so, is reflective of your age, just as my preferences are (probably) a result, and reflection of mine.

I don't find your "look" offensive, and think that you look absolutely age appropriate. I'm also of the of the opinion that as time progresses you're taste will probably change, and as a result your chosen "look" may change too.

Not as in "change to the better" but simply "change". After a few years it's easy to get board with "a look". It's the same reason that I don't have long hair any more either. Not that I never will again, but I just got tired of it.

The fact that you like wearing your kilt (s) and do, is in my opinion a great step towards helping to keep the tradition alive. I'm willing to bet that whether or not you know it, your style is showing other people (in your age group) that kilts are cool, and any one wearing a kilt (casual or traditional) is (normally) at the front of the pack, and self confident.

This thread kind of reminds me of "Pakistani kilt vs. hand made Scottish kilt" conversations. I started off with a few Pakistani kilts, and then migrated into a closet full of Scottish hand made wool kilts. Things just changed....It could be, that some time in the future your taste will change too.

On my front, and in my book, I'm giving you two thumbs up. Personally I'm still trying to find some shoes that will go well with a "casual look" for me, with out making me look like some who's not "age appropriate".

BTW, I like wearing my kilts (casual look) with kilt hose, flashes, sporran, and either a T-shirt, a rugby shirt, or a short sleeve knit shirt. Most of the time I tuck my shirt in. I just think that it looks better on me that way.

I have black "jungle boots" and all the rest, but wearing them with my kilts just isn't me. I think that boots are a cool look on others, but it's just not me, or my style.

As a result, that's why I'm still looking for "my casual look", and so I'm in search of the right kind of shoes that don't make me look like a kid, or a mercenary....LOL...

Keep on kilting, and having fun. I think that your doing great.

Stan L.

[The Kiltman]

Casual Is Day Wear and not Black Tie, Evening Wear, Wedding, Funeral, etc.

Note also that sporrans come in Day Wear, Formal Wear, Work or Casual

I wear my wool tartan kilts for RSCDS Dances, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Funerals, Memorial Services, Christmas Gatherings, Family Gatherings at Easter , Weddings, etc.

I do not wear my fine Wool Tartan Kilts for working in the garden around blackberries, rose pruning, or changing the oil in the lawn mower.

I do wear my cotton, Utilililts, Practikilts, and Alt Kilt for daily wear with sandals, boots, tennis shoes, tee shirts, etc.

Your look is fine for casual and has a modern 2000 + look.

The weather will also dictate how you dress. I live by the Pacific Ocean and I like wool in the winter and fall but cotton blend during the spring and summer.

Let the event and the weather dictate how you put the attire on during the day or evening.

The Kiltman

Oh, yes, I wear a Kilt every day. When I do not wear a Kilt people that know me ask, "Where is your Kilt ?"

[Llama]

I've been known to wear my kilts with just a t-shirt or sweater (see this thread) but I usually wear kilt hose too.

I'm not really concerned about looking scruffy when I'm in a t-shirt - I know people who can make it look smart, but that's just not my style. There's not much you can do to dress-up a faded Star Wars shirt, nor would I want to. (I dig the Dr. Strangelove shirt, btw.)

[Couper]

You captured a casual "jeans" look just fine. And that's from an old (to some, but that's from being eligible for Social Security) fuddy-duddy (wife says I'm getting cantankerous in my "old" age). I may actually have a similar look this evening - heading to a local Irish pub for half-price burger night. The only difference is that I will likely wear loafers with kilt hose instead of sneakers and, most likely, no sporran.

[rlh2]

Definately not traditional, but I think it works. You look at ease in your clothes and it shows. I say rock on!

[MNlad]

It works for you—wouldn't work for me. Then again, I've had AARP after me to join for the last 15 years. We each develop our own style, based on personal taste and where we intend to be kilted. Sure, there are occasions that dictate a certain level of dress, but they are few and far between for most of us. Just know, most of us on this forum are more than happy with the simple fact you have chosen to wear the kilt.

[Stan]

It works for you—wouldn't work for me. Then again, I've had AARP after me to join for the last 15 years. We each develop our own style, based on personal taste and where we intend to be kilted. Sure, there are occasions that dictate a certain level of dress, but they are few and far between for most of us. Just know, most of us on this forum are more than happy with the simple fact you have chosen to wear the kilt.

I agree.......and I wish my "kilt wearing" would have occurred about 20 years ago, instead of (what some people think) ending up on my "bucket list".

[adempsey10]

I think the differences in taste are generational, as some have mentioned. We could have this discussion about any fashion style, kilted or not and find the same differences. I've never been a big fan of tucking shirts into pants unless its for formal or business attire. As I've said though, this my ultra casual attire; my 'cool' clothes, if you will. When it comes to going to school, I have a rule about wearing a tucked in dress shirt with a tie and nice pants. I do that out of respect for the academic institution, something other students lack these days (I'm a bit of fuddy-duddy about that stuff).

I agree that the kilt is tradition that is sacred to a country of people and to others in general as a cultural heritage. I dont want to bring disrespect to it but I like the idea of a kilt becoming everyday attire for men. Its more comfortable to wear, it looks good, its fun. I do very much want a nice kilt suit, but as I've said, I'm not a big fan of the Prince Charlie look but I do love the 21st Century tweed kilt suit look (such as these http://21stcenturykilts.com/article/...05e6f21ffa8262).

Here's an example of my 'dressy' kilt outfit (less the shoes, they were all I had on hand at the time).

Thanks for the candour of your replies, all opinions are appreciated.

IMG_1832.jpg

[kiltedrennie]

As you can infer from my handle I fall into the very casual zone of kilt wearing. I also just turned 50, which probably makes me somewhat of an exception.

So far, the most I've "dressed up" is a tucked in Oxford shirt and black shoes for casual work days or an evening out to the local pub. I own several suits, a sport jacket, dress slacks, etc. but avoid wearing them if I can - just not my thing. However, I would dress up if I were going to an event that required it. Not because I would care so much as I wouldn't want to embarrass anyone or cause offense. It's just part of the social contract.

Many of the gentlemen here dress very sharp. I respect their commitment to tradition and have been learning much from them. Who knows, as I grow older (and perhaps wiser), I may change my mind. Along this line of thinking, I'm sewing a casual same-backed vest to wear with my kilt to give me more flexibility. Oh, and a pocket watch - must have a pocket watch to go with the vest ;-)

So, I say wear what you want how you want. If you and the people around you are comfortable, then you're dressed appropriately. I don't think at the end of my days I'm going to look back and think "I should have dressed up more". Any more than I will think, "I should have worked harder". I'd much rather work to live, than live to work. Being comfortable is more important to me.

Just my $0.02

[Nathan]

I have no problem with the kilt as jeans look. You can see some examples of how I did it when I fronted a Celtic Rock band in Ottawa in this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...olution-79284/

A few tips here...

1) Try doc martin style boots, or hikers or something a little rugged and wool pit socks on the bottom.

2) If you're going to go with the converse, I'm not a huge fan of the white socks. Try ankle socks that disappear into the kicks and show off some leg. black athletic socks might also work better.

3) Watch your kilt isn't too droopy. The absolute lowest it should really go is mid knee. Many prefer top of the knee.

4) While I like the colour scheme, your "dressy" kilt outfit doesn't really succeed because to my eye, it looks like you're just missing some kit - A sporran and hose to be precise. At least with the "cool" look, it's obvious that you're going for a indie rock/hipster vibe. In that pic it looks like you're still saving up to complete a look. Some hose and flashes in a complimentary colour and your black sporran form the other photos would take that outfit up a few notches quickly. Actually, given the wristbands and belt a brown day sporran would be even more killer.. Nice kilt there by the way.

For the rock look, I also like a short leather jacket with the banded collar that has been trendy for the past few years. One of those would look pretty cool with your black leather sporran, some pit socks and black leather boots.

I respect where you're going and think there's a place for it, but I also think you'll find rather quickly that there are lots of occasions where a tweed kilt cut day jacket (braemar, crail or argyll) will suit you perfectly well.

The Prince Charlie is only for black tie affairs. A nice tweed, however, can be dressed up or down when a jacket is required to finish off the look. In the absence of a kilt cut jacket, I'd say don't wear one at all. You're better off with a pullover or a simple shirt and tie than a jacket cut for trousers, IMHO...


Anyway, your aesthetic is your own my friend. Enjoy. But I think you'll find it's great to be able to kilt out in any social circumstance. That means being able to dress it up or down as the occasion demands

For other examples of people wearing the kilt in a similar vein, check out the band Seven Nations and early Ashley MacIsaac footage... for some ideas...

Good luck!