The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[Ilsydr]

My main issue with "Rules" for "Highland Dress" is the fact that it seems that a lot of folks seem to confuse the term "Tradtional Highland Dress" with "formal Traditional Highland Dress". The thought that Scots paraded around the Highlands wearing Balmorals, PC jackets, Waistoats and ghillies to do their morning/evening chores seems a bit....well, ridiculous to be frank. To equate the terms seems to suggest this type of idea. I reason that as long as the kilt is worn with the deference due to the noble lineage of the garment in question, then it is, or should be, considered "traditional". Understandably, wearing things that intentionally flaunt the conventions of good taste, (Rubber chicken sporrans [wink]) will always be looked at with distaste ( or a tongue firmly in cheek....see previous stated example).
Now as one who wears outfits that routinely do not conform to the "rules" but one who also aspires to own and wear a formal outfit that does, I think we should definitely take the advice previously offered and separate this thread into two threads to deal with semi-formal/formal wear and casual/non-traditional wear.

Just my two cents(pence for those of you across the pond) worth....

[David Dubh]

I think that part of this is traditional. Where the kilt sits natural waist, sporran etc. I would throw 21st century kilts in their as well, I talked to Howie and his creations are for people who want to wear the kilt, not tartan but in fabrics that one would make a suite out of. For these there are certainly guidelines and conventions that would certainly have Panache's hats fitting into nicely. Remember that Duncan on MOTG wore the kilt and it looked and worked as a practical working outfit.
The contemporary kilt utilikilt,freedom kilt etc. are bringing the kilt into the mainstream they would be not have the same guidelines, infact they may not have any other than what looks good. For those of not in the UK these companies are making kilt wearing more popular.
I think that there are only two rules.
PLEATS IN THE REAR
Basting stich removed.
Oh yea wear it with pride if you have the swish you should have the swagger

[Jock Scot]

My main issue with "Rules" for "Highland Dress" is the fact that it seems that a lot of folks seem to confuse the term "Tradtional Highland Dress" with "formal Traditional Highland Dress". The thought that Scots paraded around the Highlands wearing Balmorals, PC jackets, Waistoats and ghillies to do their morning/evening chores seems a bit....well, ridiculous to be frank. To equate the terms seems to suggest this type of idea. I reason that as long as the kilt is worn with the deference due to the noble lineage of the garment in question, then it is, or should be, considered "traditional". Understandably, wearing things that intentionally flaunt the conventions of good taste, (Rubber chicken sporrans [wink]) will always be looked at with distaste ( or a tongue firmly in cheek....see previous stated example).
Now as one who wears outfits that routinely do not conform to the "rules" but one who also aspires to own and wear a formal outfit that does, I think we should definitely take the advice previously offered and separate this thread into two threads to deal with semi-formal/formal wear and casual/non-traditional wear.

Just my two cents(pence for those of you across the pond) worth....

I am not too sure what you consider to be formal traditional attire, just so there are no misunderstandings here; there are dress conventions(call it as you will) with traditional highland kilt attire, whether you are at a BBQ on the beach or going to the most formal of formal ball. I fully accept, however, that not everybody sees it that way.

[SteveB]

Grant asked where it is written..... In the post above his!

IMHO When I wear a tartan kilt, I try to wear it with RESPECT to its origins in Scotland, and through the comments of Jock Scot, Honoured Member CajunScot, Chef, etc. I have some idea of what that should be. I had posted a picture of myself at a black tie event in a kilt. The hat worn to the event was a Glengarry. As I was indoors for the whole of the event, no hat was worn. The post right after mine with the picture was by Jamie, with the comment that it would have looked better had I left the Argyle unbuttoned. I agree, and thank Jamie for the comment. This event was on this side of the pond with a condition that all gents must keep their coats buttoned. I had no problem with abiding by the event rules, and the event people had no problem with my being in kilted formal attire.
When I wear a contemporary kilt. (Utilikilt, Amerikilt, or solid colour kilt) I follow the more American informal style that has grown up around this form of dress. Some of that has evolved due to the American style kilt wearers wishing to more closely emulate the heritage that our Scot ancestors brought to this land many years ago.
Many X Marks members have come to the forum from the world of the Utilikilt, and have become more traditional tartan kilt wearers. Some wear the UK for everyday, and save the tartan for formal occasions. This indicates that as a community that respects its fellow members opinions, action is then based on information.
The World at one time required months to complete a simple communication. This thread proves that the whole world is now a mouse click away. Within a very short period , citizens of France, Japan, Scotland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States can hold respectful discussions with instant coordination and result.
I am so with Jock on the arrogance of many of my fellow citizens when traveling abroad. My travels have found me cringing when around many U.S. Americans. I would rather travel with Canadian Americans. Before making a visit to a country, I read up on its laws, rules, culture and etiquette. I try my best to honour the community that I visit. I hope to be welcomed to return in the future.
Even with the modern computer age, we of the U.S. impose upon others by expecting the spelling to be in that strange language from the United States rather than the English Language.
I bring all this up as it is the same respect we must show to each other, each other's culture, and as members of this great forum, respect to the traditions of Highland attire.
Respectfully

[davedove]

Wow! Go away for a few days and I come back to a fifteen page thread!

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

I'll have to agree with Jamie here, and even expand on it. Even traditions change over time, or at least one must pick an era when dressing traditionally. This even happens in uniforms - how many of the world's military uniforms are the same as they were even fifty years ago.

I think when the "traditionalists" speak here, they are refering to what is known as traditional in the current day and all the advice must be taken that way.

As Jamie says, someone will try something different as time passes, and the successful attempts will be blended into what is known as "traditional."

My own philosophy is to try to use the concepts of color coordination and good taste to guide my choices. I may not always be successful, but I do try.