Button up shirts

[cookingkilted]

With my love of the casual dress I have accumulated a ton of black t-shirts in my wardrobe. I have also noticed my lack of dressier button ups. Now with my recent purchases of a few kilts I want to get more of a dressier feel to my outfits. So my question is should I stick with solid colors or will patterns like stripes and checks go well with my kilts, btw I have a Stillwater nightstalker and solid black one I got at a ren faire, a sportkilt all Ireland, and will be receiving a Semi-trad US Air Force from USA kilts as soon as its made and shipped. I am also looking into getting a Black Watch, and maybe a Scottish National or a Saffron in the future. I would love to be able to mix and match but I am not sure what looks good. Please help.

[Jack Daw]

You'll find that a number of people here wear tattersall. I wear that, as well as small gingham and puppy-tooth.

[creagdhubh]

Both solid coloured and patterned shirts; such as tattersall, gingham, or check, look quite smart with Highland Dress. Perhaps you could try both and then go with what you like better! Nowadays, I tend to prefer shirts with either a bold or subtle check, yet sometimes I'll wear a solid coloured shirt (usually light blue) with my Highland day attire.

Solid



Subtle check


Bold check


Tattersall


Gingham (small check; can't really see it in this particular photo)


Cheers,

[Nik]

While it's not for everyone I do like the look and comfort of a French-cuff shirt. I currently own two, with two sets of cuff-links and about 20 silk ties (not real silk). It's a way of really adding a bit of flare to your outfit and standing out a bit more. And while I haven't yet been able to wear my silk ties with one of my kilts, I would imagine the pairing of those would be quite impressive.

I'd suggest trying a French-cuff shirt on first to see what you think. Some people don't like the heavy cuffs, dealing with cuff-links or just don't like the style. I find it great to dress up a little more then most people around me. Particularity because being well dressed is becoming a dying trait.

-Nik

[James Hood]

For demi-casual, personal preference is a solid colour Cabela's safari shirt. They offer a more and less "rugged" design in a number of hues.

The "less" has finer fabric and will go with a wool tie and vest or open-top-button.

The "more" is best top-button-open and perfect for games, festivals, etc. Both feature flap button breast pockets and shoulder straps (demi-epaulettes).

The "rugged" has zipper pockets behind the flap ones, sleeve-roll-up tabs and a pocket on the left bicep.

'Own about 5-6 of each, all long-sleeve and really like them.

[Rick Y]

Kyle, I really, really like that bold chick. The sash she is wearing is also beautiful!

[ratspike]

IMO smaller/more subtle patterns can look really nice with tartan, though I personally prefer solid colors. My dressy-uppy shirts are from Macy's, Alfani and Calvin Klein, and can be dressed up or down equally well. Bold colors are awesome. I tend to wear jewel tones if I'm going to wear color, or none-more-black if I feel like turning the dial to 11.

[creagdhubh]

Kyle, I really, really like that bold chick. The sash she is wearing is also beautiful!

Thanks, Rick! My wife, Stephanie is of Robertson of Struan (Clann Dhònnchaidh) descent; thus, she is wearing a sash/scarf in the Robertson red tartan in the ancient colour scheme with a Clan Robertson badge/brooch.

Cheers,

[tundramanq]

I prefer solids and subtle patterns as well, so as to not compete with the kilts tartan.
If I am wearing a solid color kilt, then the bolder plaid, striped or checked shirts get used.
Most of my shirts are western solids or tone-on-tone. I like the fit, style and lack of buttons to deal with.
In the heat here, I rarely wear vest or jacket that would provide visual separation from the kilt. So my shirts are right up against the kilt tartan.

[Mikilt]

I wear both tattersall and solids with kilts. I admit that there were some tattersall that I got to wear with specific kilts, so I seldom mix and mostly match. Solids are usually a safe bet.

Bottom line, wear what you like.