An urgent question.

**Bill** · 26th October 13, 09:43 AM

Good-morning Ladies and Gentlemen!

My wife and I are going out to a very nice resturant this evening in celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary (yes she has put up with me that long!).

Sibyl has requested that I wear my solid black kilt with a fly plaide. I have two one in a MacNeil of Bara which is her family tartan and the other is my Clergy tartan. The brooch has a green stone so I believe that will not let the clergy be used. The question is since the kilt is not a tartan is it proper to use the fly plaide at all? She will be wearing an evening dress tonight.

In closing we invite everyone to join us in a toast to the occasion!

Cordially Slainte' M'Hath!
Bill, Sibyl and my LeaderDog Sir Brinkley the Exubrant!

**Riverkilt** · 26th October 13, 09:48 AM

Hellya! Wear it the way you/she wanna wear it. The best looks are found at the edge of the envelope....and don't think there are many "kilt police" in North Dakota. Congrats and enjoy. Toast your wife. Mine gave up after 20...

**Father Bill** · 26th October 13, 10:08 AM

In this context: I'm a traditionalist and a certifiable member of the Auld Crabbits. So:

It is unusual and improper to wear a fly plaid of a tartan belonging to a clan different from the tartan of your kilt. It is also quite unusual to wear a fly plaid of a different tartan even though both belong to the same clan. A fly plaid is generally understood as a slightly lame attempt to give the little kilt (what most of us wear) a whiff of being a great kilt (the ancient and traditional that is only generally seen at costume events these days) and so it imitates being of one and the same piece of continuous cloth as the kilt itself, however various opinions will be found on it.

Having said that, I doubt if you would raise more eyebrows than wineglasses, and your goal is likely to please your wife who obviously is unaware of those nuances as will be most folks around you, even if they sense that something is certainly a mismatch from the pictures they've retained inadvertently in their minds' eyes, however, a plain black kilt is certainly already far enough from traditional highland wear that all norms and expectations have already been laid aside.

Congratulations on your long marriage. Love to your wife!

**Jock Scot** · 26th October 13, 10:13 AM

Its not what I would do in Scotland, but living where you do, well. After 40 years, what the lady wants the lady gets! Congratulations to you both.

**Chas** · 26th October 13, 10:15 AM

Hi Bill,

Unless the Chief of MacNeil of Bara turns up at the restaurant, you are going to be the only expert and authority present - I say wear it and please your wife.

**Sir Didymous** · 26th October 13, 10:15 AM

The general rule of thumb (which is all most of this is, tradition changes over time) is that tartans should all be of the same clan. I'm not sure how it relates to non-tartan kilts. I have seen some plaid-like articles worn with non-tartan kilts, but they were of a solid color too. (see post 8 here: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-advice-77187/) However you said the green stone negated the possibility of the clergy tartan. Why? There are clergy variations that have green in them http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar...e.aspx?ref=677 So why would a green stone not be appropriate? What ever you wear, Rock It. You have a lot to celebrate.

**vmac3205** · 26th October 13, 11:45 AM

Being "the wife" as I am, I agree with all the above gents. Since you are not "mixing tartans" a real no-no, wear the black kilt and either plaid. The only raised eyebrows you will get are from the other ladies in the restaurant thinking how grand you look, and from the men thinking they wish they could pull off that look.
Congratulations and best wishes to you and your bride. Just remember, the first 40 years are the hardest.

**Hawk** · 26th October 13, 01:52 PM

And there you have it, from Vmac, a Lady's point of view must always be listened to...

Well said....

Hawk

**Highlander31** · 26th October 13, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Its not what I would do in Scotland, but living where you do, well. After 40 years, what the lady wants the lady gets! Congratulations to you both.

Once again, I defer to Jock's eloquence (and ability to hit the proverbial nail on the head.) Congratulations on your anniversary. May you have many more wonderful years.

**Rob, ClanMacMillan, NM** · 26th October 13, 03:57 PM

Well, you have us beat...by about five years - congratulations!

My input is wear whichever plaid your wife wants (Rule #1: Keep the Lady happy).

And there is absolutely no reason why a green stone would cancel the blue clergy -- it would only accent it -- should your wife choose that tartan.

Rob.