Personal flair

[Manu]

Nathan.

I think it is the tartan jacket and waistcoat that really raises an eye brow over here for day attire. Why? If we consider that a tartan tie is considered over the top by many experienced kilt wearers here, then it follows that anything more, is hardly likely to be met with enthusiasm!

So what do I for example consider reasonable personal flair for day kilt attire. A regimental/club/college tie with a personal meaning, for a start. A not off the peg tweed kilt jacket and waistcoat and although rather more difficult these days as marled hose have now been replaced with a lovely choice of hose colours, there are still some interesting choices to be found. Also perhaps, an addition of a subtle non standard kilt pin, but nothing too loud. So in all, very different to your choices.

For formal evening wear, black tie events appear to be more common over here and they are regarded as a no big deal event. So the bog standard black tie, dress(UK definition)shirt, Black barathea silver buttoned argyll(BBSBA) with a three buttoned black waistcoat if required or a Prince Charlie(PC) with a three buttoned black waistcoat if required, plain coloured hose and well polished black brogues or black oxfords will do nicely for almost ALL black tie events.

It is only when we head towards the more rare ultra formal evening dress event do the patterned hose and buckled shoes and dress sporran and sporran chain come out and THEN is the time to start to let loose the three button tartan waistcoat and perhaps a tartan dress evening jacket. Interestingly, the tartan evening jackets and jackets of interesting "cut" are very much a Western Highland thing.

"Over-egging the cake" is just not regarded as a merit over here, by those with experience.

Would it be possible to make a distinction between the traditional highland approach to kilt attire and a North American approach to traditional highland kilt attire? I think for the most part those in North America who consider themselves traditionalists stay loyal and pay respect to the Scottish highland traditions of kilted attire but given cultural differences, they are bound to show somewhere in our attire. I personally do not see this as a disregard or lack of respect to the highland traditions but an adjustment to our cultural frame of reference. It is still distinctly Scottish with the minor subtle differences that only and experienced highlander kilt wearer would notice. Thoughts?