Review my Attire 3

[JSFMACLJR]

Jock wrote in the "Review my Attire 2" thread:
The real point of this thread was to provoke thought and give, some of you, the confidence to perhaps be a little more "adventurous", or perhaps at least see that there are acceptable alternatives outside your own Non Scots comfort zone

I couldn't agree more, so I'm stepping up to the plate and adding a third thread. Many have seen these pics before, but why not see what opinions they stir up!

[Jock Scot]

Well done Sandy for being a good sport. For this traditional Scot I would not change a thing.

I am not being cleaver here, but I reckon it takes me a glance of perhaps less than a second when I see if a kilt outfit works, or, does not. And then sometimes a study of a minute, or more, to work out WHY an outfit does not work.

[BobsYourUncle]

That looks like a houndstooth check in the jacket. The black and white in the jacket pick up the black and white stripes in the tartan, and I suppose the shoes. Very, very well put together. I give it a 10 out of 10.

[davidlpope]

Sandy,

I've always thought that you do a good job of capturing the essence of THCD. I particularly covet your otter sporran!

First a question:
1. Does it not beat up your ties to use a blanket pin through them? It's not a bad look, but I'd be worried that it would cause the silk to pucker/sag/tear, etc.

Next, two minor preferences that I would change:
1. I really prefer cromachs with a crook of ram's horn over the black buffalo horn variety. I think it has to do with the subtle swirling/color variations within the horn and the fact that it is more traditional.
2. While I also have worn my kilts without a belt, I find that the belt does a nice job of completing the outfit. I have a McRostie belt in brown that I quite like. Nothing wrong with not wearing one, but I think that it makes for a more finished look when not wearing a waistcoat.

Cordially,

David

[azwildcat96]

I like the sporran a lot. Is it beaver?

The bold look of red hose against the rest of the blues and greens shouts confidence in my opinion.

Overall the look works for me too. I am far from an expert, but I know what I like, and I prefer a belt, unless a vest is worn.

[Woot22]

I really like the lack of a belt and have on the few occasions when I wear my kilt simply go without one. The shiny kilt buckle that one usually sees and which used to seem great looking, now looks kind of hokey to me for some reason. So know matter what I am going for daywear, formal or what have you, I go sans belt.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I really like the houndstooth jacket -- great choice that I think is perfectly fitting with any tartan, any color.

Your choice of red hose -- despite the fact that there is no red in the tartan -- and your choosing not to wear a belt, both speak to me of confidence in your Highland dress. Both are perfectly legitimate choices that I think many neophytes would miss because they "go against the grain" of what many people are taught initially.

If I had to pick anything to change, I'd personally go with darker green flashes. Also, I think I'd prefer the sporran worn just a tad higher myself. I tend to wear my sporran higher when I'm not wearing a belt; not quite sure why, but it just "feels" right. :-)

[JSFMACLJR]

I really like the houndstooth jacket -- great choice that I think is perfectly fitting with any tartan, any color.

Your choice of red hose -- despite the fact that there is no red in the tartan -- and your choosing not to wear a belt, both speak to me of confidence in your Highland dress. Both are perfectly legitimate choices that I think many neophytes would miss because they "go against the grain" of what many people are taught initially.

If I had to pick anything to change, I'd personally go with darker green flashes. Also, I think I'd prefer the sporran worn just a tad higher myself. I tend to wear my sporran higher when I'm not wearing a belt; not quite sure why, but it just "feels" right. :-)

Hi Matt,
I tend to agree with you about the colour of the garters. In actuality they are a bit darker than shown in the pic. I'm very partial to them, but yes, I wish they were a bit darker still.
I think I generally wear my sporrans a bit higher than shown...it must have been an "off day"!

[JSFMACLJR]

Sandy,

I've always thought that you do a good job of capturing the essence of THCD. I particularly covet your otter sporran!

First a question:
1. Does it not beat up your ties to use a blanket pin through them? It's not a bad look, but I'd be worried that it would cause the silk to pucker/sag/tear, etc.

Next, two minor preferences that I would change:
1. I really prefer cromachs with a crook of ram's horn over the black buffalo horn variety. I think it has to do with the subtle swirling/color variations within the horn and the fact that it is more traditional.
2. While I also have worn my kilts without a belt, I find that the belt does a nice job of completing the outfit. I have a McRostie belt in brown that I quite like. Nothing wrong with not wearing one, but I think that it makes for a more finished look when not wearing a waistcoat.

Cordially,

David

Hi David,
Good question and comments! The pin really does very little damage to my ties, albeit I do own several that I would not subject to that treatment. The secret is to make sure the point is sharp.

You know, I always thought the same about cromachs until I purchased the one shown. It really is well-made ( by a chap on Mull ). I just took a look at it a moment ago and did notice that the ferrule is missing, so I'll need to attend to that before too long. I like the rams' horns too, and have seen some beauties.

I've never been a belt man with the kilt. Nothing against them; I just prefer to go without. I understand your point of view about a more "finished" look when a waistcoat isn't worn, though.

[Jock Scot]

I think too much reliance on ONE picture can lead people astray. As Matt and Sandy have noted, Sandy's sporran could be worn higher if needs be and it seems that Sandy normally would do so. In normal circumstances no one would comment, but as we are talking "theory" here, then comment is relevant.

I do actually think that the sporran, generally, seems to be worn lower and lower these days and I do wonder if that is because people are studying the pictures just that bit too carefully, whilst not really understanding what they are looking at. For example in the above picture, Sandy is having an "off" day.