traditional vs. classic

[MacLowlife]

Of the three photos, I expect the middle one shows what most would consider Traditional and/ or Classic, with the exception of the white hose. Granted, it is slightly boring, but (IMHO) is traditional and classic. Coming from a tradition of the navy blazer being slightly more acceptable than the tweed jacket, I would call it typical and supremely appropriate, though some might argue tweed would be more so for highland wear.

In the top photo, we see one gentleman (with the purple hose) with a jacket that, while interesting, is really neither traditional nor classic for the kind of daywear that usually involves a necktie. It might be fine for shooting, even the kind of shooting that usually involves a necktie, but it is not a traditional day dress jacket. If one were to sport such a jacket and tie with trousers, people would call it a "leisure jacket" recalling the 1970s disco era... Standing in proximity to the Duke of Rothesay does not make this man's dress any more traditional.

And then there is the gent in the white PC. I think it is kind of nice- and I am grateful he didn't go for contrast by wearing a black shirt with it, in the Traditional Classic Gangster style, but I spy a too-long kilt, a ruche tie, a daywear waistcoat and a summer tropical jacket. Even by adding "modern" you can't quite stretch this to traditional, can you really?

I believe the other man is the Chief of Clan McPherson. Do you notice he is not wearing a vest at all? He seems to be wearing a formal (in the American sense) shirt, but he is not wearing studs, as would be traditional...

[macwilkin]

In the top photo, we see one gentleman (with the purple hose) with a jacket that, while interesting, is really neither traditional nor classic for the kind of daywear that usually involves a necktie. It might be fine for shooting, even the kind of shooting that usually involves a necktie, but it is not a traditional day dress jacket. If one were to sport such a jacket and tie with trousers, people would call it a "leisure jacket" recalling the 1970s disco era... Standing in proximity to the Duke of Rothesay does not make this man's dress any more traditional.

That would be Lord Semple, and if I remember correctly. It is not a '70s "leisure jacket", but more akin to a sack suit of the mid 19th century. There are a number of photos of the Balmoral Ghillies in the mid 19th century wearing something similiar. I can't find a copy at the moment, but the picture I am thinking of is featured on the back cover of Bob Martin's All About Your Kilt.

It's certainly not from the 1970s though.

T.

[creagdhubh]

That would be Lord Semple, and if I remember correctly. It is not a '70s "leisure jacket", but more akin to a sack suit of the mid 19th century. There are a number of photos of the Balmoral Ghillies in the mid 19th century wearing something similiar. I can't find a copy at the moment, but the picture I am thinking of is featured on the back cover of Bob Martin's All About Your Kilt.

It's certainly not from the 1970s though.

T.

Lord Semphill, yes. Quite a smart outfit...as well as HRH Prince Charles, and the Duke of Argyll. I always admire the funky colored hose! I agree with you about the shooting aspect!

[davidlpope]

Of the three photos, I expect the middle one shows what most would consider Traditional and/ or Classic, with the exception of the white hose. Granted, it is slightly boring, but (IMHO) is traditional and classic. Coming from a tradition of the navy blazer being slightly more acceptable than the tweed jacket, I would call it typical and supremely appropriate, though some might argue tweed would be more so for highland wear.

I think you'll find that this particular look (white shirt, solid tie, black Argyll with chrome buttons, white hose) can only be dated back to when pipe bands started wearing this style and, accordingly, cheap foreign imports started flooding the market. A good natured challenge: who can produce a photo showing the earliest that this style was worn as day wear in Scotland? My bet is it's a competing piper in the late 80's, early 90's...IMHO definitely not classic, but de facto modern traditional day wear, because of its prevalence.

And then there is the gent in the white PC. I think it is kind of nice- and I am grateful he didn't go for contrast by wearing a black shirt with it, in the Traditional Classic Gangster style, but I spy a too-long kilt, a ruche tie, a daywear waistcoat and a summer tropical jacket. Even by adding "modern" you can't quite stretch this to traditional, can you really?

I'm certainly not advocating for this gentleman's "style" of dress either. Without sounding too rude, I can say that I find it very (personally) unappealing. I do contend that this particular outfit (with the exception of the white PC) is, in actual practice, what modern traditional dress looks like- a collection of the many ubiquitous accessories that flood the market.

I believe the other man is the Chief of Clan McPherson. Do you notice he is not wearing a vest at all? He seems to be wearing a formal (in the American sense) shirt, but he is not wearing studs, as would be traditional...

Yes, this is Cluny MacPherson. He is not wearing a vest with his regulation doublet, opting instead for a kilt belt. I've noticed a lack of studs with most Scottish evening wear. Not sure about that...

Cordially,

David