The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[JelicoCat]

It is to those I look to guide me in the prevention of embarrassing myself at function that requires proper dress (formal, semi-formal, etc) . The manner of dress and behavior during such functions is expected, nay, required. Now at the backyard BBQ, Neat and clean are really the only requirement, but I still have seen people cross the line. Lets face it, If i posted a picture of myself with a kilt inches above the knee, what would happen? Even at my backyard BBQ.

[Spartan]

I like Jock's use of the word "conventions." Although rules can be defined as "customary practice," convention can be defined as "accepted usage" and seems to me to have a sense of adaptability. I think that Panache's points are well taken.

We do need to know the usual conventions of wearing kilts in different circumstances. It was helpful to me, before I went out and did it, to learn in one of the threads not to wear a belt with a waistcoat.

[Hamish]

...Or tonic water!

Cheers

Jamie

....... or ice!

Take care,
Ham.

[DryFly]

Great post Jamie. I would also add that I heartily agree with Jordan, Conventions, Rules, Unbreakable Kilted Law should merit its own sticky. I respect the opinions in this community and have benefitted from many discussions ( both contributing and reading only).

Those with a more formal/traditional outlook keep me from embarasing myself and help to educate me as well.

Those who could care less keep me from taking myself too seriously.

DryFly

[CDNSushi]

....... or ice!

Take care,
Ham.

Ha! Funny you should mention that. In this country, 90% of all residences (houses and apartments) lack central heating. It is not unusual for the rooms in my house to be around 2-4 degrees Celsius this time of year. The only advantage is that I don't need ice in my drinks and I conserve on fridge space as I don't need to refrigerate my beers -- they just sit in my hallway under the stairs.

In fact, a few years ago, one of our friends had it so cold in her apartment, during the winter she would regularly have to keep her contact lenses and solutions IN THE FRIDGE because left out in the room, they would freeze.

Crazy country...

[Carolina Kiltman]

I have to agree to the use of the term "conventions" rather than "rules" for non military/quasi-military. Then there are "dress codes" which fall somewhere in between. To me the Hollywood types, trying to be "real individualists" have done a great disservice to the rest of the world. If I remember, they were the ones who started the Sport-Jacket/Jeans combination. . . . .

When it comes to Kilts, the same conventions apply. There are levels of "dress" as there are anywhere else. If I am meeting with business men, and I am going to wear my kilt, then I'll wear the kilted equivalent of a business suit. If I am going to man the CFVSC tent at a highland games, then I will dress for what is comfortable for the weather (anywhere from bloody hot to cold rain) I will, however, not wear a T-shirt, it is not "dressy" enough, IMHO. A polo shirt with a clan crest? certainly.

There are, however certain conventions when wearing the traditional kilt, and have already been mentioned many times.

[Bugbear]

Just for the record, I don't think one should go to a black tie dinner dressed in mosh pit attire. Probably shouldn't go to the mosh pit dinner dressed in black tie attire either, for that matter...

[O'Callaghan]

As long as they don't wear their kilt back to front I have no problem with how anyone else wears the kilt.

The importance of knowing the 'rules' is that there is little in life more embarassing than breaking a 'rule' by mistake.

I also think that avoiding a clash between patterns and/or colours helps you to look like you chose what you are wearing instead of just threw something on. IMO tartan sweater and tartan kilt is OK and they shouldn't match but the colours shouldn't clash violently either. Tye-dye shirt and tartan kilt is not OK, but with a solid colour kilt it would be fine. Just like the old 'rule' that only one of a tie and shirt should be patterned and the other plain.

I have never followed tradition, and I'm not likely to start now at my age, but that doesn't mean that I want to look like I am dressed in a clashing combination of clothes because I didn't pay any attention to what I put on.

Black tie and formal attire generally are a special case, but the key is to dress in a way that shows you understood what was asked and aren't so penurious that you couldn't afford to comply (even if you are).

[RockyR]

The only rule I follow is a self imposed one...

I must wear the following every third Thursday after the lunar equinox:

a bright color hawiian shirt
Paisley Tie
Buchanan Modern OR 'Loud MacLeod' tartan
Rainbow striped socks
birkenstocks
a "Fanny Pak" instead of a sporran
Mullet wig

The ladies come running.

[sarcasm mode off]

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

...snip...

OR 'Loud MacLeod' tartan
...snip...

[sarcasm mode off]

HEY! I represent that remark!


Be well,