What does Matchy - matchy refer to?

**McRoy** · 17th May 14, 10:17 AM

Thanks, for that. It seems like most things it is a personal choice. I was concerned it might have a somewhat negative connotation similar to "Farby" (far be it from me to criticize but...) prevalent among Civil War Buffs. I find the matched look to be more put together, not a fixed rule as matching is less of a requirement for casual dress, but overall I think a matched look is preferable for myself. I don't see wearing white or garishly colored hose with my Black Watch, preferring green or navy with perhaps some color on the flash.

**davidlpope** · 17th May 14, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by McRoy

Thanks, for that. It seems like most things it is a personal choice. I was concerned it might have a somewhat negative connotation similar to "Farby" (far be it from me to criticize but...) prevalent among Civil War Buffs. I find the matched look to be more put together, not a fixed rule as matching is less of a requirement for casual dress, but overall I think a matched look is preferable for myself. I don't see wearing white or garishly colored hose with my Black Watch, preferring green or navy with perhaps some color on the flash.

I think you might be right concerning the "Farby" reference. I've seen few examples of native Highlanders wearing the kilt that seemed matchy-matchy.

**walkerk** · 17th May 14, 10:52 AM

Sir Jackie Stewart, Royal wedding, 2011.

**TheOfficialBren** · 17th May 14, 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by walkerk

Sir Jackie Stewart, Royal wedding, 2011.

Oh, my!

**kilted scholar** · 17th May 14, 03:59 PM

Yet in David's post (number 2) it is evident that at least three of those in the front row, including the Prince of Wales, do have colours that match! Additionally, the fourth - the man on the extreme left of the picture - has a striped tie that matches the tartan of his kilt. I am assuming that not all of these are Americans! : - )

So, while the general tenor of these observations is correct, it can be misleading to make blanket generalizations.

**Nathan** · 17th May 14, 11:03 AM

David is spot on. As I understand it, the term's usefulness is really as a reminder not to impose North American or Saxon fashion conventions or sensibilities on the Highland visual aesthetic. The conventions are not the same. There are lots of modern "rules" of fashion (shades of a colour should match, no red and purple together, no red and pink together, no stripes and checks at the same time, only one pattern piece per outfit - everything else neutral, matching leathers etc...) that simply never have and don't apply to traditional highland civilian dress. This is not to say that you mustn't colour coordinate but, rather, that you needn't. Black shoes and a brown sporran are considered somewhat more traditional than matching sporran and shoes. It's perceived by some as a little dorky if you look like you tried too hard. Kind of like the Italian concept of "spezzato". It evokes a kind of effortless nonchalant elegance applying the deft hand of knowing how to mix and match a wide array of colours and patterns without looking like a slovenly clown.

**Panache** · 17th May 14, 11:05 AM

And I would like to point out there is nothing wrong with wearing clothing that matches

These outfits are "match-matchy" …

...and I like them!

However you shouldn't sweat small details like the red of one's hose not being an exact match with the red of your tartan. My understanding is that in the highlands, kilt and kit is often passed down and amongst family and friend. SO what is owned is used and the thought of buying something new to achieve a perfect match when you have something that works pretty well is not considered.

Here is an example of hose color not being an exact match with the tartan, but it all works together anyway

Cheers

Jamie

**mookien** · 17th May 14, 08:08 PM

I like matchy-matchy, but I can't do it with panache.

**TheOfficialBren** · 17th May 14, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by mookien

I like matchy-matchy, but I can't do it with panache.

Zing!

I used to be more matchy-matchy. Then I discovered this wonderful place. I learned a new thing here. A fun thing. Something that seemed a little risque to my Californian sense of fashion.

Contrasting is perfectly acceptable.

Mixing patterns can be acceptable, even lauded if done well.

Wear your kilt with pride, mate.

**Steve Ashton** · 17th May 14, 11:36 PM

Another meaning for "matchy Matchy" is when every accessory of your outfit has your clan crest on it or the same motif.

I have seen so many guys whos' sgian, kilt pin, sporran, belt buckle, plaid brooch and bonnet all have their clan crest or thistle or Rampant Lion on them.

I actually saw one guy who also had the same thistle motif on his cufflinks, tie tack, lapel pin and ring in addition to those items I have already mentioned.