Looks and why they work.

[ForresterModern]

I think "looks", as the word pertains to an overall appearence rather than whether one is "good looking", is a hard thing to dissect oft times, because in general it requires the combination of inanimate objects (those things that we wear and accessories we carry) with the animate "human" and individualist flair and panache (not that guy, although he does have it in spades), and the not to be forgotten environmental effects of the surroundings and background. A "look" can be strictly traditional and many carry it off well with the proper components and comport, or can be the same individualized with just a spot of personal touch, or can be taken all the way down the road with the full out "I wear what I like because I think it looks good and it makes me feel good" approach. Some times what makes a particular look for a person may be something as simple as a pocket square or a walking stick, or an individual's smile or beard, their carriage and stance, and as above their surroundings are often crucial for setting off the best of any "look". Examples of the latter are extremely well seen in nearly all of Ron's canyonland kilted pictures, as his style and attire choices just fit that environment perfectly. Put him in the same attire on a busy urban highrise filled street and I think the same "look" would lose some of its stature. Much of Hamish's style is not just what he chooses to wear, or the exceptional style and pride with which he wears it, but also where he wears it and is photographed (sorry---amateur photographer here). Jim's pictures posted above (The Scot) show how even a change of facial hair or a couple pounds of weight can have an impact on a "look" of any variety (sorry to pick you out Jim but I don't think I have ever seen you without your moustache).

So it is not just what you wear, but how you individualize it to your tastes and personality, how comfortable and stylish you feel when you are wearing it will show with a confident appearence, and finally wearing it where you are comfortable will also set off the "look" with that feeling that it just fits, it is just right because it is, not because of any one piece or part, but the whole together. No one would ever say that the bumper of a Porsche 356B "makes" the look---it is the whole package, and its surroundings (a tyrolean two lane carving turns through the Schwarzwald versus a packed Walmart parking lot, say) can only make that package look even better.

A few of my personal favorite looks (I would not dare to presume to post other folks' photos):



I know, I know, it's a flatcap. But the framing of the porch overlook, posture and pose, and St Andrews golf course in the background make it work.



I know, another flatcap. Sheesh. But framed in the white entryway of my home, and non-standard posture/pose again.



Like the tam better? How many noticed no sporran---getting ready to golf Muirfield in the background.



Finally, a proper balmoral. Sticking out from the crowd, but who would think to wear diced hose and a fairly dressy sporran to a daytime event? It just happened that I was in a men's fashion contest, and it not only worked for that event ($100 prize for second place) but looked fine for the remainder of the day and early evening at the races, and got me on TV too.



Gaelic curse on a black t-shirt? Works when you are heading out for a kilt night with friends and family. And a proper balmoral even (although indoors probably a no-no), while the boy makes a french beret look good simply by locating a gorgeous smile just a bit south of it, despite the ghillie shirt and red Keens.



Dressy outfit for a dressy event, even the boy has on his best Nessie bib and flannel flat cap (me my bal' again, outdoors this time). With the exception of the crowd, who could choose a better venue than Edinburgh Castle?

IMHO the four elements of "the look" in kilt wearing are what you choose to wear (and carry), how you choose to wear it (your individualization of the outfit), your attitude/panache while wearing it, and where you are seen (or photographed) wearing it.

I would say "just my tuppence" but I think you all got about a schilling's worth instead. Sorry for the length.

jeff