1 Kilt 10 Looks : A Visual Guide to Formality in Highland Attire

**unixken** · 23rd January 15, 06:52 AM

I wont speak for others, and purists may disparage it, but I wear a barleycorn tweed flat cap rather often, when kilted. It's my usual every day hat, as well.

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**Archxpat** · 23rd January 15, 10:09 AM

Unixken, Thanks for the positive feedback.

**Downunder Kilt** · 23rd January 15, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Archxpat

Is a flat cap (tweed) with a kilt at all acceptable with a kilt for casual country wear?

If you use the search function and type in flat caps , I am sure you will find more opinions than you expect. Has always been a hot topic. Cheers

**Archxpat** · 23rd January 15, 08:12 PM

Thanks Downunder, I did a search as you suggested, some varied opinions! But predominantly positive. I subscribe to the wear what you like school generally but within the parameters of convention for formal events.... A bit of individuality with respect for tradition.

**Sir Robert** · 29th January 15, 07:48 PM

First I love Panache's photos on page 1 of this thread, excellent reference. I might add Kilts as Punk/Goth not as sub casual but as evening wear.

Also would there not be a white jacket/white tie one notch more formal that Panashe's "No.10 White Tie"?

P.S. Where does a great kilt fall in this spectrum?

**Panache** · 30th January 15, 09:59 AM

Sir Robert,

In answer to your questions...

(1) Doing a goth kilt outfit (be it club wear or formal) is rather easy as there are no set rules for such. It is up to the individual's taste. A quick visit to a Hot Topic clothing store will surely give you ideas.

(2) A formal doublet is considered white tie equivalent. I am fairly confident that such things as white Prince Charlie coatees and such are modern constructs and their color doesn't make them anymore formal than a black one. Unless I was playing a part of some sort of musical I can't see myself wearing an all white coatee or doublet.

(3) Being that the purpose of these photos was for Glen and I to show how one kilt can range from very casual to very formal, the belted plaid (or "great kilt" doesn't really fit in with the scope of the project. The only time I wear one is for Renaissance Faire (with full knowledge it is historically inaccurate by at least a couple of decades). Belted plaids always look costume-like to me, however Matt Newsome and a few others on XMTS have sported plaids with their kilts that give a similar look to the belted plaid without the impression of making their outfit a costume.

I hope these answers are of help.

Cheers

Jamie

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

First I love Panache's photos on page 1 of this thread, excellent reference. I might add Kilts as Punk/Goth not as sub casual but as evening wear.

Also would there not be a white jacket/white tie one notch more formal that Panashe's "No.10 White Tie"?

P.S. Where does a great kilt fall in this spectrum?

**Sir Robert** · 30th January 15, 12:05 PM

You are quite right, I was just pointing out that there are other levels of formality but this project does give us a one to ten so that we can at least be on the same sheet of music when discussing kilt accessories with respect to formal dress. At least we have a scale so when I say that a kilt can go from -3 to 13 we can somewhat understand the idea.

Back a few years ago the US Army had Dress Greens, a tan Dress Uniform, Dress Blues, Dress Whites, Mess Dress Whites and Mess Dress Blues each with a differing level of formality. So I believe there to be levels of formality beyond white tie then you can see where my thinking is coming from.

As for the great kilt, it did exist historically. If anything it is less of a costume than the little kilt is. Properly accessorized it could theoretically be worn as formal wear.

**Panache** · 30th January 15, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

...Back a few years ago the US Army had Dress Greens, a tan Dress Uniform, Dress Blues, Dress Whites, Mess Dress Whites and Mess Dress Blues each with a differing level of formality. So I believe there to be levels of formality beyond white tie then you can see where my thinking is coming from.

Glen and I are representing civilian dress in our different outfits and for civilian outfits here in the US "white tie equivalent" is the most formal level of dress one can don. As neither of us are part of a Scottish or Canadian regiment that includes kilts as part of their uniform neither of us are qualified to represent military formal looks.

Originally Posted by Sir Robert

...As for the great kilt, it did exist historically. If anything it is less of a costume than the little kilt is. Properly accessorized it could theoretically be worn as formal wear.

I don't think I suggested the belted plaid didn't exist, however to put it in the time of Queen Elizabeth is a bit of a stretch. Certainly the various highland outfits one sees at an average Renaissance Faire have more to do with Fantasy than History. As to whether or not a belted plaid/great kilt is appropriate formalwear item or not, I have little interest in such debate as this historical garment has nothing to do with the modern version of the traditional kilt that our thread is about.

Cheers

Jamie

**Cyd** · 7th March 15, 08:09 PM

I am in agreement with Brice. Particularly in sporran choice, the oval cantel is a little too formal for day wear and even wedding guests (for the wedding party it would be fine) for my tastes. But reasonable people can disagree about such things.

Overall your hard work is a wonderful guide and the two of you look great! Thanks for all the hard work!