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  1. #1
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    Quote Originally Posted by Father Bill View Post
    Hi.

    To be honest, I cringe when I hear the term "semi-dress". "Ain't no such animal." What you're wearing so well is daywear, and darned nice daywear at that. Ties and flashes match? Why? Quite unnecessary and honestly, I've never heard of that.

    I'll let others respond to your other questions, but I think you've got a nice outfit there.
    Hey Bill,

    Thanks so much for the kind words!

    Please excuse my ignorance around the term "semi-dress" - I've heard some folks don't believe in it, but it seems to be pretty widely used. Perhaps another hire industry creation?

    I heard Rocky from USA Kilts mention on a Kilts & Culture episode that he tries to match his tie with his flashes, which is why I tried it out here. That said, I think I prefer the green tie, and the red flashes. I think I will look for some Charcoal Lewis Hose, then I could wear the green flashes with the green tie.

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by KennethSime View Post
    Hey Bill,

    Thanks so much for the kind words!

    Please excuse my ignorance around the term "semi-dress" - I've heard some folks don't believe in it, but it seems to be pretty widely used. Perhaps another hire industry creation?

    I heard Rocky from USA Kilts mention on a Kilts & Culture episode that he tries to match his tie with his flashes, which is why I tried it out here. That said, I think I prefer the green tie, and the red flashes. I think I will look for some Charcoal Lewis Hose, then I could wear the green flashes with the green tie.
    Sort of depends on whether you want to look like a Scot wearing a kilt or an American wearing a kilt. Scots don't worry much about matching stuff. The "semi-dress" and "semi-formal" terms are more recent inventions than longer iconic terms. For that reason, what they mean is likely up to a lot of questions to which nobody really knows the answers even if they say they do. Usually it has most to do with the way they sell/hire their kilts and accessories.

    I always wonder why somebody would want to look mostly Scottish, so I prefer to look at what is done in Scotland by traditionalists rather than by hire companies or other styles. You'll generally do well watching Rocky's stuff, and he has a wonderful line. My own assessment is that he sometimes 'Americanizes' his styles a bit, but not horridly so.

    Hang around here for a while, read a lot before you spend a lot more money. You've got a nice kit now, so you don't need to spend a lot of money for quite a while, and when you're reading, always look at the top right corner to see where they're writing from. Scottish advice will likely be the most iconic and useful.
    Last edited by Father Bill; 23rd October 20 at 05:37 AM. Reason: typo
    Rev'd Father Bill White: Mostly retired Parish Priest & former Elementary Headmaster. Lover of God, dogs, most people, joy, tradition, humour & clarity. Legion Padre, theologian, teacher, philosopher, linguist, encourager of hearts & souls & a firm believer in dignity, decency, & duty. A proud Canadian Sinclair with solid Welsh and other heritage.

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  4. #3
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    Quite sound advice Bill, thanks very much!

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  6. #4
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    Hi Kenneth...
    I think the matching flashes to tie can work and you have done it well although this isn't necessary. A few observations as you have asked.... in the first 2 pictures your sporran strap needs a slight adjustment as it is bunching your kilt. It is ok to button the bottom button of a kilt vest. Showing less of your flashes would make it a more traditional look. I always like a belt with a kilt if a vest isn't worn, but this isn't necessary.
    If this is your first and second attempt of a 'half Windsor' you've done well. the widest part of the tie should be at the top of your kilt or belt though.
    Over all great job!
    Slainte
    "Good judgement comes from experience, and experience
    well, that comes from poor judgement."
    A. A. Milne

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  8. #5
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    Good advice has been already given and I can add little to it. In fact I could have almost said that myself, word for word! But......avoid the Windsor knot.

    An example of a traditional kilted Highland Scot, in Scotland . Details will differ with levels of formality and individual choices, but follow this theme in your mind and you will be not far wrong for the level attire you describe. Although the bonnet and cromach could be put aside for most occasions.

    WGN_1530.jpg

    You are in your picture as am I, in my picture, wearing lounge/business suit equivalent and is perfectly acceptable attire for any event, day or evening, where you would wear a suit. It can also be worn without a waistcoat and without a tie, but with the jacket quite correctly for less smart events.
    Last edited by Jock Scot; 23rd October 20 at 03:56 AM.
    " Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.

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  10. #6
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    I agree with much of the advice above. I think you look very good in the pictures and the jacket and vest are becoming on you. I also agree with you that the green tie looks better.

    That said, I would encourage you to explore some bolder hose colors, rather than just staying with the dark solids. You will be surprised how nice a claret (maroon) or even orange pair of socks will liven up the outfit, while still looking perfectly stylish and traditional. There are lots of interesting colors and "marled" options with different colors woven together the same way a tweed is usually composed of multiple colors.

    In general, kiltwear provides opportunities for clothes that combine boldness with tradition in a way that most observers will admire and enjoy. And I'm sure you've noticed how comfortable your kilt is--which is another great advantage.

    You're on the right track.

    Andrew

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  12. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by kingandrew View Post
    I agree with much of the advice above. I think you look very good in the pictures and the jacket and vest are becoming on you. I also agree with you that the green tie looks better.

    That said, I would encourage you to explore some bolder hose colors, rather than just staying with the dark solids. You will be surprised how nice a claret (maroon) or even orange pair of socks will liven up the outfit, while still looking perfectly stylish and traditional. There are lots of interesting colors and "marled" options with different colors woven together the same way a tweed is usually composed of multiple colors.

    In general, kiltwear provides opportunities for clothes that combine boldness with tradition in a way that most observers will admire and enjoy. And I'm sure you've noticed how comfortable your kilt is--which is another great advantage.

    You're on the right track.

    Andrew
    Thank you Andrew! There is a poster on the Kilts & Culture Facebook group who has offered similar advice about adding complementary colors rather than staying "matchy matchy," which is more comfortable.

    My first sense of fashion was "wear all black and everything will match." Later, than turned to "wear all green and everything will match, but be a bit brighter."

    I'll think on your hose suggestion - I was planning on looking at some charcoal hose next, but I think you're right that a darker red might go well as well. I have a Fraser Hunting Weathered kilt on the way come December or January from USA Kilts (depends on Lochcarron's production time), and I was thinking of trying some marled hose with that kilt as I expect it to be a bit more subdued.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Jock Scot View Post
    Good advice has been already given and I can add little to it. In fact I could have almost said that myself, word for word! But......avoid the Windsor knot.

    An example of a traditional kilted Highland Scot, in Scotland . Details will differ with levels of formality and individual choices, but follow this theme in your mind and you will be not far wrong for the level attire you describe. Although the bonnet and cromach could be put aside for most occasions.

    WGN_1530.jpg

    You are in your picture as am I, in my picture, wearing lounge/business suit equivalent and is perfectly acceptable attire for any event, day or evening, where you would wear a suit. It can also be worn without a waistcoat and without a tie, but with the jacket quite correctly for less smart events.
    Thanks Jock! Really appreciate your feedback. About the knot - I'm not terribly familiar with tie knots, although I know there are others. What do you recommend?

  14. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by KennethSime View Post
    Thanks Jock! Really appreciate your feedback. About the knot - I'm not terribly familiar with tie knots, although I know there are others. What do you recommend?
    In truth, I am not too sure what the knot that I use is called. Its just a knot that we used at school, amongst my family and others of my acquaintance use. I think, however, that the knot I use might be called the "four in hand" knot. Whatever its called its dead easy to tie and makes a smaller knot.

    The Windsor knot is not popular with the older generation and past generations, in the UK, due to the late Duke of Windsor's lack of historical popularity in the 1930's/40's and later. Mud sticks! Also, as you have found out, the Windsor knot can make a bulky knot with some materials.
    " Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.

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  16. #10
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    Hi Kenneth,

    I just came across this thread. Let me start by saying that you look absolute good on all pictures, meaning on those in the album, too.

    And in general: I have not been active here for quite some time. Five years, except for two contributions, it is. This, therefore, is sort of being back.

    When I saw the headline I immediately thought of sporrans, daywear, or semi-dress. But you are thinking of the total appearance, I understand. And why not, even if not usual, use these terms about dressing?
    So, what do you have in mind, when dressing in a jacket, perhaps a waistcoat, a tie, a kilt pin, flashes, and some shoes?

    The shoes are only vaguely to see on your pictures, telling me that you are not focusing on them. Therefore, let me just say, that for casual kilt wear they are great, but for dress-up situations, they are not. For example, they are not appropriate for an evening at the opera house or concert hall.
    But the rest of your outfit is. Even if some might believe, a semi-dress sporran should then have been a better choice.

    Before you are reading further, I’m not Scottish, and I have no intentions to look Scottish, just being regarded a man in a kilt. My rules to follow are accordingly more about aesthetics in general, than those “established” ones for wearing a kilt and accessories the correct way.

    To me correct rules are:
    1. Each at its time
    2. Color coordination
    3. Simplicity in design

    Ad 1) Accessorize the kilt in accordance with situation or task. That means, what would you wear together with fine shorts, just shorts, branded jeans, just jeans, a business suit, a tux, or white tee? The kilt itself should also match the situation, of course.
    My advice: Use the same things on your upper body, and your feet as you should have been wearing for the purpose you have in mind.
    Two or three years ago, I on the harbour of Split in Croatia, saw a man in a heavyweight, probably 8 yard-kilt, thick kilt hose, a black Argyle, shirt, and a tie. I cannot tell if he had also a waistcoat on. He drew attention to himself, but people soon looked away again, as did they feel pity for him. Like did I. And not because of the kilt, or a kilt, but because he looked out of place that hot, sunny day where other were in t-shirts and shorts and some women in short summerly skirts or dresses.

    Ad 2) I have read before, like it was said at the beginning of this thread, that Scotsmen do not put the same attention to color coordination, as do Americans. Or Scandinavians like me.
    I prefer red tie and red flashes. Or green tie and green flashes.

    Ad 3) As you probably know, good Danish and Scandinavian design is based upon simplicity. That might be the reason why I consider less to be more. When it comes to kilt wearing, I for casual and smart casual wear, will never wear flashes, almost never a kit pin, never a bonnet, just an appropriate kilt. On most days kilt hose, often a belt, seldom a kilt pin. And for sporran I always and for all purposes prefer a plain leather sporran in a leather strap; semi-dress and dress sporrans being too much for my taste.


    The way I was dressed in Split, Croatia, at 30 degrees Celsius or 86F. USA Kilts Casual.


    Dressed up for the concert hall. With a semi-dress sporran.


    For casual wear I will sometimes ditch the sporran.



    5 yard kilt, Colquhoun tartan. Manhattan Upper West.

    Now, if being around people, putting emphasis in that “kilt rules” must be strictly followed, follow them. Otherwise, the best about knowing rules often is, at least to my opinion. that you know when you are breaking them.

    But even if following your own rules, do your best to always be aesthetically “correct”. What that means, is again subject to discussion. And most likely a function of culture and tradition.

    Greg
    Last edited by GG; 18th February 21 at 10:07 AM.
    Greg

    Kilted for comfort, difference, look, variety and versatility

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