over doing the bling?

[Jock Scot]

I may be out of line here, but...

Perhaps it is the level of self confidence that we have that pushes us to "excessorize" to a level bordering on overdone? With all of the available "stuff" that is out there for us to load down with, it seems that the quantity, rather than the quality, is what is what sets us apart in the modern era. Breaking the mold may be difficult-but I feel someone who has no adornment but a brooch 300 years old with a chunk of amber, and a dirk of quality or sgian of worth can pull off the highest of class beside the commoner with more gold plate than the King...

OK I am keeping the pot boiling here-----not criticising-----but I do wonder if we have a cultural thing going here? I think so and I suppose it is almost inevitable.

You see, I and most Scots in the know would not dream of wearing a dirk, or fly plaid and 300 year old silver brooch with a large chunk of Cairngorm in it to a black tie event. Its just not done.

To a kilt wearing Scot, whilst he is immensely proud of his national attire, wearing the kilt is not such a big deal. I will strap on the kilt without thinking about peacocks, or, strutting my stuff, in Inverness High Street, the local club, going to a dinner dance or a formal ball and it is no real effort.I am no different to many a Scot, although I do probably wear the kilt more than most.

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

[Kornkob]

That is probably an element in this discussion as well, which I somewhat obliquely alluded to in my comment related to being over dressed being something that is relative to the other attendees. Despite the fact that people on both sides of the pond like to pretend that rules of dress (and behavior for that matter) are hard, fast and consistent on both sides of the pond, there are some cultural and even regional differences.

[piperdbh]

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

I think you're right on target. It's sort of like a hobby. When one first starts a new hobby, he/she learns everything about the hobby, buys all sorts of equipment and supplies, and drives everyone crazy with all the new information that he/she has just learned. As time goes by, some of the initial excitement fades, and a new comfort level replaces it. I think kilt-wearing is like this. Jock and others of his age who have worn the klilt for many years, or who have lived in a place where the kilt is worn, are at the "comfort level", in which there is no need to bedazzle people with their accessories and brand-new acquisitions, whereas those of us who are just getting into kilting, or live in an area where it is not worn that often, like to show off the new pieces we have or to wear everything all at once. With time and experience, I believe the "less is more" outlook will take over, as the kiltie becomes more comfortable and some of the upfront excitement fades.

[Cygnus]

OK I am keeping the pot boiling here-----not criticising-----but I do wonder if we have a cultural thing going here? I think so and I suppose it is almost inevitable.

You see, I and most Scots in the know would not dream of wearing a dirk, or fly plaid and 300 year old silver brooch with a large chunk of Cairngorm in it to a black tie event. Its just not done.

Nor would I; though I've read a couple of Scottish sources (admittedly a bit dated) that say that diced or tartan hose are necessary for evening wear and that buckle shoes are acceptable for such occasions.

Most seem to not like the fly plaid, so I fully intend to steer clear!

To a kilt wearing Scot, whilst he is immensely proud of his national attire, wearing the kilt is not such a big deal. I will strap on the kilt without thinking about peacocks, or, strutting my stuff, in Inverness High Street, the local club, going to a dinner dance or a formal ball and it is no real effort.I am no different to many a Scot, although I do probably wear the kilt more than most.

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

I think that's it exactly. People's perceptions in Inverness High Street and your local pub are very different from people's perceptions on Main Street USA and Uncle Sam's Local Pub - you put on a kilt here and you most certainly and noticeably have your tail feathers spread! And as long as you're drawing attention to yourself, you may as well go the "whole hog"!

[Macman]

Nor would I; though I've read a couple of Scottish sources (admittedly a bit dated) that say that diced or tartan hose are necessary for evening wear and that buckle shoes are acceptable for such occasions.

Most seem to not like the fly plaid, so I fully intend to steer clear!

I take the same view. I've never lived in Scotland, so I've always taken much of what I know about traditional evening wear from my old books (especially McKinnon). In the case of diced or tartan hose, I didn't see them as extras or bling, but as the preferred option for black tie wear. Now I'm finding out that this isn't always the case, so I learn some more!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In the case of diced or tartan hose, I didn't see them as extras or bling, but as the preferred option for black tie wear. Now I'm finding out that this isn't always the case, so I learn some more!

Here's my take on hose:

if the invitation says---

"Black Tie, medals" I wear diced hose;

"Black Tie, Highland attire preferred" I wear tartan hose;

if it's a black tie "gentlemen only" affair I wear coloured hose.

In other words I look at the formality of the black tie event and dress up (or down) accordingly.

Now I should point out that with the exception of white socks, there is no right or wrong with wearing either diced, tartan, or solid hose with black tie; it's all a matter of personal preference in much the same vein as choosing between a doublet, coatee, or jacket for formal evening wear.

I agree 100% with Jock that "less is better"-- too many accessories can quickly impart a comic opera look to Highland attire.

[Cygnus]

Here's my take on hose:

if the invitation says---

"Black Tie, medals" I wear diced hose;

"Black Tie, Highland attire preferred" I wear tartan hose;

if it's a black tie "gentlemen only" affair I wear coloured hose.

In other words I look at the formality of the black tie event and dress up (or down) accordingly...

Scott, this makes a lot of sense to me and I will probably follow these guidelines in the future.

Thank you!

[Jock Scot]

Prince Charles wearing black tie attire at, I think, Balmoral. His shoes and hose would not be my choice, but there is nothing wrong with them, particularly in the circles that he moves in. Nevertheless note the simple and uncluttered lines of his attire, particularly when you consider what he could fasten on to himself if he wanted to.

Picture from the internet.

[Urchurdan]

Jock, I really dislike this pic of the Prince, his choice of Argylle socks to go with the Royal Stewart tartan is to my eyes at least strange. However, if you really want to see strange, this is a pic from the Internet of some North American Freemasons. Nobody I would think has anything at all to worry about on this site when you look at this pic. It is bizzare to say the least. I would ask you in particular to look at the chappy on the right end of the line up.
I have hidden their faces for obvious reasons, but it is obvious none of their members are readers of this forum...

[creagdhubh]

Prince Charles wearing black tie attire at, I think, Balmoral. His shoes and hose would not be my choice, but there is nothing wrong with them, particularly in the circles that he moves in. Nevertheless note the simple and uncluttered lines of his attire, particularly when you consider what he could fasten on to himself if he wanted to.

Picture from the internet.

Wonderful photo of HRH the Prince of Wales. I absolutely adore his evening attire. I am quite fond of wearing tartan or diced hose, evening brogues in patent leather with silver buckles, and my custom hair sporran (or perhaps one of my full-mask sporrans-badger, pine marten, or otter look quite nice) for my evening attire.