What say the rabble?

**Pollok** · 18th July 16, 06:21 PM

Hi folks,

Just looking for some general comments and suggestions here. I am preparing to attend my first formal event kilted. Honestly, I was planning on wearing my regular tux with bifurcated lower extremity coverings, but the last time I wore it was 10 years and 10 lbs. ago. So, right now the kilt is fitting quite nicely! (thanks @Barb T).

Let me know if I'm pulling this off well. The Pic is taken from a slightly elevated angle making it look like the kilt is too long or the stockings are too high, but I think they are actually ok. Notice the conspicuous absence of a sporran, I don't own a formal sporran, but do own the dreaded Semi-formal type. I haven't decided if I'm going wear that or see if Rocky can get me one by Saturday. I kind of like it without a sporran too, is that a thing?

Thanks in advance!

**ASinclair** · 18th July 16, 06:48 PM

Add a formal sporran (fur under silver) and you're good to go.

**Profane James** · 18th July 16, 06:56 PM

I agree, a great look - just needs a nice sporran.

**CMcG** · 18th July 16, 08:10 PM

Semi-formal sporran rather than none at all, but a proper formal sporran would be preferable. Otherwise, the look is generally good. We can talk specifics, if you like.

**Pollok** · 19th July 16, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

We can talk specifics, if you like.

Good morning CMcG, I'm always iterested in specifics. Devil is in the details as they say.

Thanks!

**Tarheel** · 19th July 16, 03:59 AM

Confer with CMcG and then stick to your guns. All will be well.

**CMcG** · 19th July 16, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Pollok

Good morning CMcG, I'm always iterested in specifics. Devil is in the details as they say.

Thanks!

OK, cool

Again, the outfit would be fine if you just added a sporran, but you could take it up a notch with a few small details.

- Find yourself a white linen/cotton square for your outside breast pocket. It is a subtle extra that adds interest without "over egging the cake."
- Put a military-grade polish on your shoes. It shows effort.
- Find a formal shirt with sleeves that are 1/4"-1/2" longer than your jacket cuffs. If they are already that long, but get caught in your jacket, make sure to "shoot" your shirt cuffs at regular intervals to keep them in place. It adds an extra visual break to all that black jacket.
- Consider hiking your kilt up and rolling your hose a tiny bit lower. You say that they are theoretically correct, but most people will be seeing you from the angle the photo was taken from, so perspective is part of the equation. Showing off our knees makes kilts more exciting

There are a couple other things that you could consider, but aren't necessary. You could swap out the vest for a formal waist plate kilt belt, which would be cooler in the summer weather. Do you have a kilt pin that we can't see in the photo? If not, you could look into one, but it doesn't have to be a purpose made item. Many Xmarkers wear other interesting brooches or pins rather than ones sold specifically as "kilt" pins.

**Laird O'the Cowcaddens** · 19th July 16, 10:23 AM

You are getting some good constructive advice from the Rabble. The only thing I would add is in respect to your waistcoat (you call them vests here in the U.S.), I have always left the bottom button undone as is the custom. I believe this trait is accredited to Edward, Prince of Wales.

**Jock Scot** · 19th July 16, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Laird O'the Cowcaddens

You are getting some good constructive advice from the Rabble. The only thing I would add is in respect to your waistcoat (you call them vests here in the U.S.), I have always left the bottom button undone as is the custom. I believe this trait is accredited to Edward, Prince of Wales.

You are not wrong for the bottom button of the waistcoat to be left undone with saxon wear. However, with Highland attire it is traditional for the bottom button of the waistcoat to be done up.

**Pollok** · 19th July 16, 05:25 PM

@CMcG Thanks for the feedback! All of the things you have mentioned were on my mind in some manner or another. I do love a pocket square, I did plan to polish up, and I do, in deed, have to "shoot" my sleeves on occasion. I did not consider the perspective viewing angle, but it makes a lot of sense.

I may try the belt look to see if I like it better. I'm one of those guys that tends to be warm not matter what. That's why I got the jacket and waistcoat in "summer weight."

I do indeed have a kilt pin on. Nothing too fancy, a simple thistle/"amethyst" affair.
@Jock Scot, I think I remember you mentioning the bottom button at some other time on the forum. Glad to know I remembered!

Again, thank you all for your insight!