THCD Photo Examples

[wildrover]

I know there's a good tradition in wearing that much tartan, but to me it's simply too much. I may be crucified for this opinion, but it borders on absurd-looking to me with such a bright/bold tartan, and in such broad expanses of area. In older portraits (mainly from Jacobite times) it seems to look more appropriate, though, and I suppose this is because the tartans were more complex, and the pattern was 'broken up' by the wearing of a plaid.

I agree with you.

There's a quote...probably biblical, I dunno...about seeking judgment from one's enemies, because they'll be brutally honest as opposed to the false charity of friends.

Hopefully none of us are enemies...but it would be nice to hear honesty and critique rather than only historical justification or worse yet slavish praise for what may in fact be a poor fashion decision.

I suspect that Rob Roy tartan would be fine as kilt and vest, if the hose and jacket gave it some balance. John Burgess's example, and a photo posted by Matt Newsome of a gent in a red-based tartan and jacket, are excellent examples.

Well, you shouldn't be crucified by anyone, whether they agree or disagree. What you are up against is a difference in stylistic sensibilities. In the current era of bland uniformity in dress, even putting two patterned items of clothing into the same outfit looks too busy to the modern eye. IMHO, accepting and even liking/enjoying some of the more daring combinations in THCD can challenge the ideas we have grown up with in Sassenach society. I am intrigued by the dress of John Burgess and The MacGregor, and have come to love the bold flamboyance exhibited. However, these are not your mother's wardrobe choices, caution, trained professionals put these outfits together, one should not attempt such grand style without adult supervision....

True enough. At the end of the day, it's an example of how to dress, whether one chooses to emulate or avoid it. I'm not sure how an unflattering comparison would be taken...as I said, better to have one's enemies be honest from the anonymity of teh internets, than a friend point it out here...but I do feel very strongly that the Rob Roy tartan would be better coupled with a different jacket and hose.