Semi-Dress or Daywear?

[Liam]

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

[Jock Scot]

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.

[kingandrew]

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

[KennethSime]

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.

[KennethSime]

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?

[Jock Scot]

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.

[Father Bill]

Here are some options for you: https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-tie-a-tie To me it depends on the length and angle of the shirt's collar, so you may need to have a couple of knots in your repertoire.

[Jock Scot]

Here are some options for you: https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-tie-a-tie To me it depends on the length and angle of the shirt's collar, so you may need to have a couple of knots in your repertoire.

Looking at your handy chart Bill, it looks like the knot that I use for tying my tie, is indeed a "four in hand" knot. Thanks.

[figheadair]

Looking at your handy chart Bill, it looks like the knot that I use for tying my tie, is indeed a "four in hand" knot. Thanks.

Me too. It was ' the way it was done' at school and in the military. I can just image the 'Extras' one would have got for turning up on parade wearing a Windsor Knot. It might just have lead to one being described, incorrectly in this case, as a Pratt.

[FossilHunter]

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.

The half windsor also produces a fairly small knot. I know some prefer the asymmetry of the four-in-hand though.