I believe contemporary kilts, while not falling under traditional kilt guidelines, still conform to guidelines. In fact I would suggest that this very forum may have actually done more to codify these guidelines than perhaps anything else. These guidelines, things like heavy scrunched down socks & big beefy boots for example, become a standard of dress as we share photos and reach consensus about what looks "right." I will even go so far as to suggest that these contemporary guidelines are an evolution of the traditional guidelines. As Jamie noted in a recent post - things like tucked in shirts, coordinated colors and leathers, short waisted jackets, etc) are really just an evolutionary step away from the expected dress when wearing a tartan kilt.

While there are no kilt cops - there are subtle yet important social forces that encourage us to conform as a mark of belonging. I imagine this is really not so different from the social forces that lead to the guidelines for traditional kilt wear. Its not revolution - its evolution.