Coordinating colors with tartan

**Hamish** · 7th June 06, 04:41 PM

Well, Smaughazard, many thanks for asking for me by name. However, those who have already responded are as qualified as I to give you an answer!

I would certainly opt for Oatmeal hose with a beige, or similar, shirt/top. Black hose are far too formal if you're aiming for the 'casual' look, and you're right about green hose too.

That is certainly a fine-looking belt - but it dominates! It might be great for re-enactment events (or even weight-lifting!!), but I don't personally think it is suitable for everyday wear. I'll probably be shouted down now, but it really is too 'strong' for your kilt - in my 'umble opinion!

**smaughazard** · 7th June 06, 05:33 PM

Thanks, all, for the advice! The black hose were chosen simply to coordinate with the shirt for some quick pics (I only received the kilt yesterday morning!), and I'll try the other combinations as soon as I can manage. I think there's a beige shirt in the closet somewhere, and I'll try to find hose to match when I visit the Tartans Museum next weekend. This is my first non-casual kilt, and I need to build the rest of the kit to go with it- exactly why I asked for opinions… Hamish, I mentioned your name because I've looked at all the photos in your album, and I certainly admire your sense of style.

And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! That may have something to do with all the black motorcycling leather that I use. I do have a more conservative 2.5" belt as well.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 7th June 06, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

...And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! ...

Which is all that matters! You have embarked on the road less traveled by (to quote Frost), so everybody else's opinions are no more than dust in the wind. Wear what you want and wear it proudly and with respect and no one will question you.

(On review, I must be in some kind of philosophical mood tonight.)

**Archangel** · 7th June 06, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! That may have something to do with all the black motorcycling leather that I use. I do have a more conservative 2.5" belt as well.

Darn right.

I've got a book here that pictures some lord of the isles in a kilt that would cause serious angst to many here. However, it's not a costume to him, it's his everyday outfit and he looks like he wouldn't give tuppence for anybody's opinion of him.

**cloves** · 7th June 06, 07:52 PM

I really dig that belt too. It's awesome!
It won't dominate quite so much if you wear it with more casual attire. For instance, if you have heavy black boots and push your hose down, that will add visual weight to your lower leg and look more balanced.

**smaughazard** · 7th June 06, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by cloves

I really dig that belt too. It's awesome!
It won't dominate quite so much if you wear it with more casual attire. For instance, if you have heavy black boots and push your hose down, that will add visual weight to your lower leg and look more balanced.

Great idea, Cloves. I can manage that easily enough with what I have on hand.

BTW, my wife and I both cracked up over your signature phrase.

**Big Paul** · 8th June 06, 08:31 AM

I love that belt!! But I too think it may be a bit over powering... But I still love it!!

Wear that bugger with pride!!

**pdcorlis** · 8th June 06, 10:14 AM

I think the belt may work better with some body types than others. It wouldn't work on me at all - but then its not my belt. I think you may also find it works better with some color shirts than others. With a dark shirt it may work, with a light shirt it may seem "out of scale" to the rest of your kit.