Trendy Question

[jkdesq]

A kilt is a kilt is a kilt is a garment and like a pair of trousers is as dressy or as casual as you want to make it. Do I wear boots with a tank? Yep. Do I wear oxfords with a casual? Yep. While I tend not to wear my tanks when there is a chance they might get damaged, they are still everyday wear.

I agree that the "Rules" of kilt wearing shouldn't be seen as sacrosanct. However, there are fashion guidelines that people follow. Some people follow far more restrictive codes than others. Examples: shoes match your belt, no loavers with a tie, no white after labour day.

I don't think it should be discouraged for people to find similar guidelines when wearing a kilt. I for one either where brogues (ie. shoes I wear with my business suit) or ghillie brogues with kilt hose when wearing my kilt to something formally. When going casual, I always where a pair of work boot type boots with regular socks. Nothing dogmatic or sacrosanct. Its just want I do.

I have seen people and pictures of people wearing the kilts with no socks and with sandals (same as clogs in my mind). Seems like a good look, but its not for me.

If I were to propose a rule for "footwear to go with a casual kilt", I would suggest that anything you can wear with shorts (ie. a pair of Bermuda or walking shorts and not a pair of surfers) is good for a kilt. Dress shoes? No. Sandals or clogs? yes. Sandals with socks? not going to get into that disagreement. Loafers? no. Lace up casual shoes (including work boots)? yes.

My proposal -- not put forward as anything I would defend to any length.

[Geoduck]

I'm hearing basically the same sort of thing from most of us: "Do what you will, within reason."

I agree with the rule of mataching sporran, shoes and belt. Just a good rule.

Personally, I would NEVER be able to wear white shoes, it's just my personal taste. Similar personal problems with sandles and socks at the same time (too many old men in Seattle with birkenstocks and black socks).

I love wearing my hiking boots and my sandles with a tartan, and you really can't break any rules in a UK anyhow.

I'm definately with Todd on the L.L. Bean look for the fall and winter time. A nice sweater or jacket looks nice and you still maintain the dignity of the kilt.

Ultimately though, in an informal setting, as long as you have the (proper) kilt on facing the proper direction (this has now become a new pet peeve of mine) you can't mess it up too much. Just remember guys: If we have decided to make the kilt a garment, rather than a costume, it is up to us to create our own style of kilt wear. If we don't then we're all just following the trends, and who wants that? ;)