I feel the OP's question has been answered about as well as it can be. No more can be said that will clarify further, it is now to the individual making up there own mind on which protocol to follow.

However, the rest of this thread has made it apparent that there is likely a gap in understanding between US and UK views on the kilt and it's perceived appropriate wear.

Since we are taking about Highland dress, and in this instance formal, traditional, Highland dress at that, I would suggest that the socially best course of action, when kilted, might be to follow the British protocols for wearing Orders, Decorations, and Medals with civilian evening attire.
I would not presume to give advice to American vets on how they should wear their decorations, but you are talking about the mixing of two traditions when you are adding the kilt into the equation.It is the kilt and its accompanying attire that I am interested in.


These two quotes imply that the origins of the kilt trump all else. I understand the idea but it is incorrect to many. Wearing a kilt in the US, at least to me, is not an effort to portray myself as Scottish nor to live as a Scot. It is mainly and firstly a functional, practical and attractive way to dress and I will do it to suit my tastes. To many outside of Scotland, the kilt is being assimilated into our own cultures. Taste may be defined by a mix of Scottish and American cultural isms (and maybe more isms), but hey, that's me. This practice may offend some sensibilities but surely a gentlemen would no more criticize any other culture which adapts a few practices of another culture that has been in contact with it.


To assume that because I wear a kilt I must emulate Scottish customs and traditions is incorrect. You might expect it, but as a non-Scot I am in no way obligated to do it. You may take offense to it but it does not make it wrong where I am. You may choose to do other wise but again, that does not make it wrong where I am. Continuing to say "I understand you are an American but that's not how we do it sooooo...." gets quite tedious and comes across very condescending and obnoxious. Believe me, as Americans we realize we do things very different than others. It doesn't mean we think our way is best, it simply is how we do it....no better, no worse. For example, I can accept that Scottish fashion mixes plaids, checks, solids and patterns in one outfit and not need to make a comment about it. I'd hope that some could reserve their comment about not understanding the fuss about the American desire to match an outfit in a particular way and simply understand that it is how many Americans do it.


So to both sides of the pond I would encourage us all to consider that our cultural heritage impacts the advise and recommendations we give to others, as well as the advise we accept from others. Peppering our commnets with "you can do it, but it won't be correct." or "you can get away with it there but not here." is not productive in any conversation.