I'll answer in 2 part:

Jacobite Period:
-they would match the "tone" of the tartan, but not necessarily the tartan. Remember, the tartans did not attain their present clan associations until around 1800 and later. If you look at contemporary portraits, they usually DO NOT match. Some seem WAY off to me.
A popular type was a simple 2 color criss-cross/check pattern. They would roughly coordinate 2 of the main kilt colors (or complementary colors) and waer them. Most modern "tartan hose" are variations on this, usually red/white, red/black, green/black, or the like.

Modern tastes:
Most prefer to match or "near match" the hose to the tartan. It just "looks better" to a lot of people. Americans tend to push more for match, while Scots seem to still tone coordinate A LOT.

Does that help or confuse matters?

Most would say, if forced, that it doesn't matter. BUT, it should look "good" together. Mixing weathered, ancient, and/or modern colors just looks weird to most.