The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[macwilkin]

I understand that rules make traffic flow smoothly. But clinging to "the rules" can sometimes be a sign of insecurity (no accusations, just an observation).

Respectfully Ron, one could make the same obversation about those who constantly need to "break rules".

Todd

[Riverkilt]

Okay, okay....I'll buy off on one kilt rule....



Ron

[DWFII]

Traditionally, feathers in a bonnet are reserved for chiefs and armigers:

Regards,

Todd

Aye, I know that...but "rules are meant to be broken," aren't they?

And grey (or even pink) tights break the rules of common sense, especially if your address is in an urban hood...or the joint...

And the Bowie knife, although it may be necessary in the previous scenario, breaks the law.

We're all free to what we please (or so we tell ourselves) but at one point "breaking the rules" is fundamentally a deliberate attempt to disrespect the people and sensibilities of those around you. Either that or it is a feeble attempt to pretend that you are above the rules and therefore above the "commons." Confucious (or someone like him) said "infinite freedom can be found within a ten by ten cell" (or something like that).

Then again, maybe it's all just boredom...

And before anyone takes me to task (especially before thinking about what is meant by those remarks) I would add that I don't think most of what we call "rules" are really rules...guidelines, maybe, convention, surely.

But having said that, there are rules, even unspoken rules--like the feathers in the bonnet or pleats in front--and those are not only best recognized as rules but, even more importantly, best left in place and respected.

IMNSHO.

[DWFII]

Respectfully Ron, one could make the same obversation about those who constantly need to "break rules".

Todd

Spot on!!

[Riverkilt]

In nature, species evolve by breaking rules...

Inventors advance science by breaking then known rules...

One rule not to mess with is the thing about posession of eagle feathers by non-Native Americans in the U.S. Relplica eagle feathers work well for that situation where the rule deserves respect both of the culture and the law.

Rpm

[Jock Scot]

The principal reason for having what I would describe as "guidelines" rather than "rules" is to avoid embarrassment, not just for the wearer who is probably blissfully unaware of his ridiculous appearance, but also for everyone else in the company whose feelings will range from outright pity to uncontrollable mirth.

I agree! I don't go to many highland games, perhaps 4 a year and I can almost guarantee that I will see a fellow(never the same) parading around inappropriately dressed in evening attire with eagle feathers that they are most certainly not entitled to wear, in their bonnets etc,etc,etc.. Frankly, if only they knew how stupid they look and if only they knew what offence they are causing by wearing eagle feathers that they are not entitled to. Well they need a very thick skin indeed and I would bet that once they understand all this, they would want to crawl away,find a hole and die of embarrassment!

I am sorry to say, almost all of these people are from the USA! What a shame they did not take some advice! Make no mistake, kilt wearers who get it very wrong are given no quarter by the locals------under their breath!

I don't mind being a traditionalist, I don't mind if people do the best they can with what they have, I don't mind if the kilt and attire is adapted for reasons of weather conditions,I don't mind if the kilt and attire is adjusted sympathetically, I don't mind if the kilt is modernised, I don't mind if people ask for advice----delighted in fact, I don't mind if people make an idiot of themselves----it is a free world after all. I do mind, however, if people ask for advice,not just from me, and then tell the world at large that they are going to wear what they like,when they like and where they like and how dare anyone tell them otherwise. In my humble opinion,that is rude,selfish and shows no consideration whatsoever for others.I have been rather blunt,I am sorry.

[Phogfan86]

"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." --- Gilda Radner

[DWFII]

In nature, species evolve by breaking rules...

Inventors advance science by breaking then known rules...

One rule not to mess with is the thing about posession of eagle feathers by non-Native Americans in the U.S. Relplica eagle feathers work well for that situation where the rule deserves respect both of the culture and the law.

Rpm

Ron,

I have to respectfully disagree...species evolve to better accommodate themselves to the "rules"--the laws of nature...such as survival of the fittest, etc.. When a change occurs in a species that does indeed break the rules, it is a "mutation" and almost 99% of all mutations end up as "Don'ts".... and fatal Don'ts at that.

Similarly with science. Science is built on the work of previous science and scientists and they all must conform to the rules of...physics, nature, etc.. When they don't, the theories inevitably turn out to be a dead end.

I do understand about eagle feathers...that's the reason I cited them.

[Ayin McFye]

I will be delighted to buy you a drink of your choice, if ever you are this way of the world.

Thanks!

I'll make sure to take you up on that, when I finally get a chance to cross this large body of water between us.

[Panache]

The Rules of Fashion constantly evolve.

Someone may bend or even break a rule and come up with something that works so well that it becomes the new rule.

Men's formal fashions seem to evolve at a much slower rate that casual ones.

The big point I was trying to make in the is thread that when we Ladies and Gentlemen of X Marks the Scot break with tradition it should be a deliberate choice and not ignorance.

Some of these choices are going to be bold and daring and will be successes

Some of these choices are going to look stupid and dreadful

When one leaves the path for the wilderness one never knows exactly what one will find.

A good knowledge of the conventions, guidelines, and rules of Highland fashion can at least be a compass in that unknown terrain.

Cheers

Jamie