What timeframe is this look for?

**batninja** · 11th August 10, 08:42 AM

I've alway thought this was a dashing look for local Festivals, but was wondering...does it represent any particular era in Scottish history?

I have a pattern for the vest, and plan to sew one up this weekend...

**Jock Scot** · 11th August 10, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by batninja

I've alway thought this was a dashing look for local Festivals, but was wondering...does it represent any particular era in Scottish history?

I have a pattern for the vest, and plan to sew one up this weekend...

Well given that the kilt appears to close to the left(kilt pin on the left)the usual side for women, the kilt is more or less fairly traditional as a small kilt. So that will cover the last 200 years or so. The Shirt and top, well, how about 2010?The overall look is not really anything that historians would recognise.

**batninja** · 11th August 10, 10:03 AM

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the image is reversed.

**Ryan Ross** · 11th August 10, 10:26 AM

The kilt is presumably a modern tailored kilt with 8 yards, though we can't see the back. That would mean only 130 years or so of history to reccomend it. I'm not sure that vests like that were ever worn with the kilt, honestly, and that shirt is also a modern innovation with no history behind it.

So in short, Jock was kind in saying that the look "is not really anything that historians would recognise". For my part, I'd call it a marketing ploy.

**MacLowlife** · 11th August 10, 10:36 AM

That is the year Brigadoon came out.

**Ryan Ross** · 11th August 10, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

That is the year Brigadoon came out.

Well played.

**Zardoz** · 11th August 10, 11:51 AM

Bat, Working under the concept that we all want the forum to be friendly, inviting, and helpful to our newer members, I'm going to assume you are not looking for any more of the oh so clever responses you've had so far, so here goes.

As has been noted, the outfit pictured is not really "historical", I think this sort of little kilt, puffy shirt, jerkin, garb is a "romantic fantasy" idea of Highland dress, 'Brigadoonery' if you will.

That being said, a very similar outfit is shown as a daywear option in Thompson's "So You're Going To Wear The Kilt". And indeed I've seen pictures right here on this forum of this style being worn by members of wedding parties and officials at Highland games here and in Scotland.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rs-view-60012/
And while many of our traditionalist members would relegate it to the ren-faire, and I would agree, it seems to be popular, even in Scotland, so I guess is a current style.

Honestly, I agree with you it's a good look for festivals, at least renfest! It is very much like what's become my standard ren faire garb in fact. But I personally do not wear that type of shirt or vest outside the faire gates, I see them as parts of a fantasy costume, not regular daywear. For any other types of events in our neck of the woods I just go with a 'regular' shirt that suits the climate and occasion.

**wildrover** · 11th August 10, 01:23 PM

Ditch the shirt, take the cannoli. It's only the shirt that screams "desperado brigadoon renfaire larper". I'm sure the vest will be fine.

**Cygnus** · 11th August 10, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by wildrover

Ditch the shirt, take the cannoli. It's only the shirt that screams "desperado brigadoon renfaire larper". I'm sure the vest will be fine.

I don't know... a kilt and that vest with no shirt screams "desperado brigadoon renfaire larper" even louder to me!

In all seriousness, if you want an historically accurate or traditional look, I'd steer clear of both. On the other hand, if you're after a fantasy "renfair" look, then it does the trick quite nicely.

I have to say that I'm not a fan of that particular style.