What is Traditional Highland Dress?

[CMcG]

As has been ably demonstrated here, there are many definitions of what traditional Highland attire is. Some are pretty accurate, I think, but not surprisingly none seem to satisfy everyone. All I can say is, I know what traditional Highland attire is, when I see it, I know what is not when I see it and I can appreciate a modern adjustment that works. Individual perspectives on all this will undoubtedly differ from others and that will not ever change, just like in the past and for certain sure those differing perspectives will still be there in the future.

I think these varying definitions of traditional Highland attire are what prompted me to start this thread. What I'm attempting to stimulate, is a meta-communicative discussion regarding the way things are organized on this site; to talk about what we're talking about. Specifically what falls under the rubric of traditional Highland attire.

Apparently sometimes a thread seems to fit perfectly into one area or another and sometimes I see blurred edges. And sometimes -- unlike Jock -- I still can't tell when something just isn't traditional Highland attire at all.

The mutual influence of civilian, military, band, historical, and even fashion clothing is what is really getting me now. For example, what about discussing something that appears *mostly* traditional but not entirely? Bands whose uniforms look like civilians, civilians that wear military elements (government sett, regimental tie, or regimental sgian anyone?), revived historical styles, and modern tweaks all muddy the waters for me.

I suppose a thread that obviously crosses boundaries could just go in the "General Kilt Talk" section. Or when in doubt, it probably isn't traditional Highland attire. But perhaps sometimes is there latitude in regards to what gets posted in this part of the forum because of the varying views that have been expressed towards this thread? Or is the discussion limited by more than just a time period?