Alan,
I made myself a plain black kilt to start, and I kept the pleats large and deep. It saved a lot of work, almost. The success made me try another kilt within about a week. I made a more traditional-looking kilt out of the Maple Leaf tartan, in a poly/viscose fabric. I used about 6 yards.
I don't know if it was the plaid, or the thinner pleats, but the second one was HARD. Tapering with a tartan is an art form which I have yet to master. I haven't been able to keep the top of it looking half decent, so I just got a bigger belt to hide my tailoring flaws. Hopefully I'll get better with the next one.

So you've got a good plan: go for your solid black one at first, and you'll be fine.

As for wearing one at work... quit your job and do the same thing as a contractor. You can charge extra for the show. Sounds like a winning strategy, with all of the secretaries 'accidentally' breaking their computers more often.