Kilt attire add-ons. Are they necessary?

[OC Richard]

Certainly here in the USA there's a tendency to overdo the accessories.

"Let nothing be left behind" seems the guiding principle.

[Touchstone]

Certainly here in the USA there's a tendency to overdo the accessories.

"Let nothing be left behind" seems the guiding principle.

It was Coco Chanel, I believe, who suggested you completely dress and accessorize for an occasion, then look in the mirror and remove (at least) one accessory. Good advice.

[Jock Scot]

Well done everyone, you are getting the idea that I was wanting to raise!

The thought came to me at the start, that some kilt wearers really don't have the confidence to wear the kilt without wearing the "kitchen sink" (K.S.). The comment was made quite inocently by a Mr. X who stated that he could not possibly attend an event to watch, without wearing a SD. I thought to myself what a shame. I often read it here that others appear to lack the confidence to wear the kilt without the "K. S.", or some such.

We in Scotland with kilt attire experience have the confidence, that wearing the kilt for normal daily life the"K S" is not necessary and is perfectly acceptable, as is not wearing a balmoral, not carrying carrying a cromach, or plaid. So much so, we would wonder why someone would be fully attired for just every day events, or events that just happened to be at a venue that they just happened to be passing through.

Where does this lack of confidence come from? Inexperience I understand, but one only needs to spend a few hours on this website to get the idea firmly placed in the mind that the "K S" is not always necessary for all occasions.

I have my thoughts on this, but I will let the conversation flow for a wee while to see if anyone touches on what I think might be part of the problem.

[kiltedsawyer]

Jock, very interesting question. I am struck by two possible trains of thought for those kilt wearers outwith Scotland. They are:

1. I bought it, so I'm going to wear it.
2. More accessories make me feel more authentic.

The second item also speaks to "kilt as costume," in that it is not everyday wear for most outwith Scotland and as such more is more or in some cases more is way too much.

Cheers,

David

[CBH]

Jock, very interesting question. I am struck by two possible trains of thought for those kilt wearers outwith Scotland. They are:

1. I bought it, so I'm going to wear it.
2. More accessories make me feel more authentic.

The second item also speaks to "kilt as costume," in that it is not everyday wear for most outwith Scotland and as such more is more or in some cases more is way too much.

Agreed this is likely the case in America. I fall into the 1st camp - it's only everyday wear - and I live in a very warm climate, so I never accompany it with any accessories.

[Cherie]

New here, and but I think that every occasion can has its own needs. So add-on as the occasion sees fit, sometimes a little is enough but sometimes dress to the hilt.

[Tomo]

Hmmm the only 'add-on' I see as necessary is a sporran (due to the absence of pockets, and even then not needed for some activities) and, personally, I can't see me wearing a kilt without hose.

The rest are then either largely optional or personal preference. The choice (if any) of shirt, jacket, vest, neckwear, socks, footwear and everything else may be driven by the occasion - but not always.

The 'add-on' I see as optional - and don't always wear - include:
- SD
- Belt
- Flashes
- Kilt Pin
- Jacket
- Vest
- Shirt & Tie
- Cufflinks (depends on the shirt)
- Balmoral (rarely worn)
- Ghillie Brogues (not worn in at least 15 years)
- Pocket Watch and Chain (worn once, 20 odd years ago)
- Dirk (never worn one)
- Plaid (don't own one or see the need to do so)
- Plaid Brooch (see previous)
- Glengarry (not in a pipe band)
- Cromach (not a shepherd, nor a serving or retired officer of a Highland Regiment)

I think there is sometimes a bit of push from the outfitters to have the whole kit and caboodle and perhaps that drives expectations to some extent.

[Father Bill]

Only quibble I'd have would be the flashes - I wear self-tied garters because I don't like socks sliding down my legs.

The rest depends on the occasion. If other men are 'black tie' for instance, I'll wear a proper jacket and perhaps either a belt or a waistcoat. The rest? Utterly optional.

Hmmm the only 'add-on' I see as necessary is a sporran (due to the absence of pockets, and even then not needed for some activities) and, personally, I can't see me wearing a kilt without hose.

The rest are then either largely optional or personal preference. The choice (if any) of shirt, jacket, vest, neckwear, socks, footwear and everything else may be driven by the occasion - but not always.

The 'add-on' I see as optional - and don't always wear - include:
- SD
- Belt
- Flashes
- Kilt Pin
- Jacket
- Vest
- Shirt & Tie
- Cufflinks (depends on the shirt)
- Balmoral (rarely worn)
- Ghillie Brogues (not worn in at least 15 years)
- Pocket Watch and Chain (worn once, 20 odd years ago)
- Dirk (never worn one)
- Plaid (don't own one or see the need to do so)
- Plaid Brooch (see previous)
- Glengarry (not in a pipe band)
- Cromach (not a shepherd, nor a serving or retired officer of a Highland Regiment)

I think there is sometimes a bit of push from the outfitters to have the whole kit and caboodle and perhaps that drives expectations to some extent.

[Jock Scot]

New here, and but I think that every occasion can has its own needs. So add-on as the occasion sees fit, sometimes a little is enough but sometimes dress to the hilt.

Well nearly! If I can use your last sentence and adjust it a tad, perhaps the point can be made perfectly.

.................So add-on as the occasion sees fit, mostly a little is enough, but very occasionally dress to the hilt....................

Of course it depends on how our social life and life in general is organised , but generally for most people , our lives are not run on "high octane"!

[OC Richard]

I bought it, so I'm going to wear it.

More accessories make me feel more authentic.

"Kilt as costume."

You've perfectly summed it up.

The issues I so often see

-wearing too many accessories

-mixing items from different genres and time-periods

-wearing things in strange and overly fussy ways

can be traced back to viewing Highland Dress as costume (even historical costume) rather than clothing.

The popularity of Outlander isn't helping.