Is it clever or a needless? Convertable Plaid

[Calgacus]

I grant you its a free world that most of us here live in, so freedom of choice is an important issue to us within those fortunate boundaries. As such, I have absolutely no issues with those that make these non earth shattering choices like the one we are discussing here.

However and speaking personally and I hasten to add, as requested by the OP, then for daily highland attire the outfit in question, is most definately theatrical and not in the least bit historical------- "Doc Martin" boots for one and a faux great kilt for a second-----so the cringe factor is there loud and clear. How can people-------particularly those that know nothing about "modern" and socially acceptable(sorry thats not quite what I mean, but words fail me at the moment)kilt attire ever understand Highland attire worn in "normal" day to day society. It gives a false impression to those that might and many certainly do think, that this sort of attire is "how its really done".

I absolutely take your point, and agree with it. It's not something I'd wear in the street as daywear, let's put it that way.

[Tarheel]

I see from the photos by elf, a more adventurous and "eye-popping" attire than I would wear. I also see something tasteful, without being garish and over the top compared to replicating the costumes of currently popular television programs. Elf's attire can be converted to its original form without the fly plaid easily. Bringing a new perspective to the kilt is good for the positive image of a Kilt-dom on a whole if done well. If elf has the personality to match his look, (grace, knowledge of tradition and lack of disrespect to the history, as I expect he does) he can only improve the public image of kilt wearers to the uninformed public. Just the opinion of a newbie with authority issues. As my mother used to say, "I may not be right, but I'm always positive and I can be taught the difference."

[Calgacus]

I think there are two aspects of this which maybe need to be decoupled.

The first aspect is that I think it is fair to say that in Scotland at least, Elf's attire would fall into the 'costume' category. I think that might be detracting from the question about the plaid that he has created.

The second aspect is the plaid itself. It would appear to have some historical precedence as it is described in some detail in "The Kilt & How to Wear It", by the Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, originally published in 1901. Now, I don't have a copy of this book, and I have not been able to find one online, so I don't know what else is in the book in order to decide how much weight to place on the contents, but it is interesting none the less.

The questions that I am asking are things like- Is this form of plaid acceptable under any circumstances in the present day? Was it ever actually worn in the past, or is it a fanciful notion of the Honorable Mr. Erskine?

Now, as for when it might be worn, I'm thinking...

Evening- Possibly. It's a bit ostentatious, but I think a big improvement over a fly plaid.

Daywear- Nope. I just can't imagine walking down the street wearing one. It just ain't happening.

On the hill- I suspect it has real practical value here, but it is somewhat, how shall we say, 'outside the norm'. I'm not sure the world is ready for it.

[Elf]

Clever use of scraps Elf. I do like the hose, which model are those?

The hose are my own knitting as previously posted in DIY. They are celtic cable on the sides and a triple braid on the front. Both patterns are easy to find in library books. I took decreases on each repeat of the celtic cable as I knit downward, hiding the decrease under the cable over.

[Elf]

Thank you all for the input. I had hoped the original post made clear that I rarely expect to use a plaid of any form. As for Victorian affectation, there are a couple times in my life that would be appropriate. Not until I saw the photo, did I imagine how much like a McIan painting (Gunn?) that last photo looked. And yes, that in itself is labeled Victorian fantasy. I definitely had no idea of wearing this on a trip downtown for the day. I would not expect to do that with a true Great Kilt. As for the shoes, they were what I was wearing with the x-kilt and should have brought something to change. All proves my original idea that it is now laid out flat and expects to be that way for a long time. Meanwhile the small kilt is still available for use. Thank you all again for echoing my thoughts.

[Dughlas mor]

Well, Elf, it isn`t TCHD, nor is it particularly historical, but then I know you know that. I think it`s a pretty snazzy looking outfit. I note that you received a pretty positive response, despite the disdain of one much respected Auld Crabbit. I don`t know if I would consign it to the back of the couch just yet. At a ren faire, or a Highland games, I think it would be great, and I`m sure you would get lot`s of good feedback.