Kilted at the Rodeo Dance

[meinfs]

Hello rabble,

I had a great time at the Rodeo Dance in town. And guess what? I went in really comfortable clothes -- a kilt!

So, this is country/western event -- I wanted to wear the kilt and I wanted a touch of country - therefore I wore my western boots.

Let me know if you think it works. Dozens other people at the dance thought it worked and they all loved it! I thought it worked and I can't undo it because I already did it! LOL.

I wore what I wanted and I had a blast at the dance!!!

Here's some photo evidence:
Kickin' it (My PaulHenry Pose)



and my Arlen Pose:



and of course, my Hamish Pose:



On the Dancefloor:




Some people had no idea what the sporran was -- and thought that it looked really exotic.

I had a great time! Well, I got a lot of attention from the kilt (and also because I can dance pretty well). Lots of smiles and conversation from friends and new acquaintances.

[meinfs]

Here's a close up picture:

X-kilt- Reverse-Kingussie pleating. Many thanks, Sydnie7, for the inspiration.

It's actually not completely finished. No belt loops yet (and lining).

I'm debating whether to add cargo pockets. What do you guys think?





As you can see, I didn't sew the pleats from fell down to the selvedge at all. I just pressed them.
I left the selvedge with the frill on. I think it's okay, but it's not your traditional style.


fabric woven suede, olive green from Hancock Fabrics! Awesome find -- woven suede is hard to work with. Even though it's not stretch, there's a lot of give. Marking lines was difficult. But it turned out great.

[Cassidy]

Generally a good rule of thumb is that the tops of the cowboy boots aren't meant to be seen, but the key is that you wore it with confidence and people thought you looked good. So, I say whatever works for you.

[McMurdo]

It looks like you were having a great time, not sure I'm brave enough to do it myself, but for the function why not.

[meinfs]

Generally a good rule of thumb is that the tops of the cowboy boots aren't meant to be seen, but the key is that you wore it with confidence and people thought you looked good. So, I say whatever works for you.

Ahh, I see. If the tops of the boot aren't meant to be seen then I'd have to wear a skirt LOL (which I have no intention of ever doing). Thanks.

[meinfs]

It looks like you were having a great time, not sure I'm brave enough to do it myself, but for the function why not.

Yes, I thought the same - that I'd be needing lots of bravery to pull it off (with a dash of crazy). Thanks! I had a fun time and was rather proud to have done it.

[Rex_Tremende]

Mein - the general line of thinking here at XMTS is that wearing cowboy boots with kilts is a "kilt don't." And while I probably wouldn't do it myself, I've long thought that if you're going to a hoe-down in a kilt, it's not out of the question. It's a country-western event, not a highland fling. The ultra-suede kilt is a great idea for hoe-downs. Personally, I'd like to see hose peeking out of the tops of your boots. I think that would give it a more finished look. (I usually wear shorter hiking or work boots with scrunched down hose.)

Here's a scene from the 2005 Stompede I attended in San Francisco.

I'm certain some of the DC dancers were there.

The important thing is to have fun and it looks like you did!

Regards,
Rex.

[meinfs]

Mein - the general line of thinking here at XMTS is that wearing cowboy boots with kilts is a "kilt don't." And while I probably wouldn't do it myself, I've long thought that if you're going to a hoe-down in a kilt, it's not out of the question. It's a country-western event, not a highland fling. The ultra-suede kilt is a great idea for hoe-downs. Personally, I'd like to see hose peeking out of the tops of your boots. I think that would give it a more finished look. (I usually wear shorter hiking or work boots with scrunched down hose.)

Here's a scene from the 2005 Stompede I attended in San Francisco.
...
I'm certain some of the DC dancers were there.

The important thing is to have fun and it looks like you did!

Regards,
Rex.

Rex,

Thanks for the advice and the picture. I toyed with hose before deciding to wear crew socks that didn't peek out. I didn't and I should have considered it just peeking out.

Yes, I've come across discussions on here about cowboy boots and kilts. Other than the traditional formal sporran everything was contemporary (my thinking included), with a nod to C/W. Had I the right color western shirt, I'd have used it.

Thanks Rex for you comments.

[meinfs]

... (I usually wear shorter hiking or work boots with scrunched down hose.) ...

The important thing is to have fun and it looks like you did!

...

Oh another thing about dance shoes. It's TOUGH (impossible) to find hiking boots/work boots that fit two of my criteria: a nice boot look that goes with the kilt and that one can dance in.
Dance shoes need to have the smooth sole (usually leather) to be able to slide/glide on the floor (and hence spare damage to the ankles and knees) and none of the boots that I like the look of have the right sole. (I'm considering having a shoe repair store modify the soles).

The cowboy boots have the right sole but while not recommended paired with a kilt, it was appropriate for the event.

[Riverkilt]

Hotdang! Looks like you had FUN and that's the key. Push the edge of the envelope, enjoy.

Have been toying with the idea of wearing cowboy boots with my leather kilts. What is it that workboots/hiking boots/ biker boots are fine with kilts but cowboy boots not?

Gonna play with the idea myself. Tried my two pair of knee boots - one western, the other replica cavalry - and the tops of the boots keep getting hung up in the kilt hem. So regular size cowboy boots are at least more functional.

Often dance kilted at our local western bars with dance floors. Bands love it. Tourists whip out their cameras and video cams like paparazzi.

Don't lose that spirit!

Ron