The Importance of knowing the Rules of Kilted Fashion

[Monkey@Arms]

By the way, contrary to what some have suggested, there are conventions (or shall we say fashion guidelines?) for wearing modern kilts, like the Utilikilt. We see them voiced on this forum all the time, and can be found on the UK website, and discussion boards as well. Examples include wearing a wide belt, boots, thick socks scrunched down, shirt tucked in, etc.

Obviously, just like with the traditional kilts, there are variations based on environment and personal taste, and the personal motivation of the wearer. Point being that even those who may not be traditional kilt wearers want to figure out what looks good, and the kilt being an unfamiliar garment for most, consensus, derived from Scottish fashions has evolved.

Best regards,

Jake

[DWFII]

By the way, contrary to what some have suggested, there are conventions (or shall we say fashion guidelines?) for wearing modern kilts, like the Utilikilt.

That comes as a surprise to me, given what I have read on this forum...but it's nice to know.

[Phil]

Phil,

I like you, and you often have insightful comments to offer.

Those you expressed above I do not count among them.

America is a young country by the world's standards.

We are a wonderful amalgamation of many different heritages.

We are a country of great ideals and principles and a sense of anything being possible.

This ability to remember and honor the past and yet look forward and create the new is uniquely American.

Your posts threaten to derail a productive and friendly discussion.

It is so very very easy to find differences to split us.

It takes better eyes to see the common ground.

I respectfully ask of my American Brothers and Sisters to show a bit of restraint and forgiveness for some of the less than pleasant thoughts in Phil's posts toward our country.

Americans are nothing is not big hearted

Respectfully

Jamie

Apologies for resurrecting this thread but I have just returned from a week's holiday and missed the later postings. Jamie I understand what you are saying but we Scots here sometimes get to feel like an oppressed minority and I felt Jock was in need of some moral support (although I am sure he is big enough and ugly enough to look after himself). I sincerely apologise to any here that I may have offended and hope none will think the worse of me for that.

[Jock Scot]

Apologies for resurrecting this thread but I have just returned from a week's holiday and missed the later postings. Jamie I understand what you are saying but we Scots here sometimes get to feel like an oppressed minority and I felt Jock was in need of some moral support (although I am sure he is big enough and ugly enough to look after himself). I sincerely apologise to any here that I may have offended and hope none will think the worse of me for that.

Well, big enough, anyway!

[The Barry]

But he uses both his knowledge and imagination to create his own look.

I think that this is what we X Markers do all the time.

This, I believe, gets us to the point.

I personally really enjoy the input/knowledge of the "staunch traditionalists". If I'm going to a Burn's night, or a Scottish Arts event (like I am this Friday, woo hoo!), then I want to dress in a kilt, have it look amazing, be properly accessorized, and have the ensemble pass the standards of the "traditionalists".

I'm never going to please everyone, and I'm not trying to. If I'm "going casual", I could care less about historically accurate footwear, I'm throwing on a SWK, my leathe sporran, my combat boots, a futbol jersey, and heading to the pub.

But, and this is big, I still tip my cap/tam/whatever to the traditionalists that taught me the "rules", or as I call them, the ropes, because armed with that knowledge I can dress however I want. But I still have the knowledge and the accessories to get "all done up" when the situation/need/want warrants it.

But that's just me, I'm not trying to offend.

[drobin]

The Rules of Fashion constantly evolve.

Someone may bend or even break a rule and come up with something that works so well that it becomes the new rule.

Men's formal fashions seem to evolve at a much slower rate that casual ones.
.......

Cheers

Jamie

The Duke of Windsor (circa 1920's) single handedly changed mens fashion during his time. He left his last vest button undone, he liked a big knot for his neck tie too....

[Highland Logan]

The Duke of Windsor (circa 1920's) single handedly changed mens fashion during his time. He left his last vest button undone, he liked a big knot for his neck tie too....

Check your facts.. it was King Edward VII (9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) with the waistcoat button (he was a tad round). And he also claims the tie, not his grandson, the Duke of Windsor.

Frank

[English Bloke]

... not his grandson, the Duke of Windsor.

Frank

Who was a fairly big cheese in Britain at one point in the 30's...

[McClef]

And yet the big knot is known as the Windsor Knot...

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

And yet the big knot is known as the Windsor Knot...

Probably because George V changed the family name to Windsor (from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) on the outbreak of WWI. Not that it fooled anyone. They were still as German as sauerkraut. It was German Geordie's (er... sorry, HM King George V) son, the short in stature and short to reign, Edward VIII who popularized The Big Knot of which he was so fond. Rumour has it that he was so fond of his neck wear that upon abdicating he asked to be granted the title "Duke of Necktie". This was thought to be a bit frivolous, and he had to settle for "Duke of Windsor".

We die-hard fashion plates still refer to the knot as the S-C-G knot. Isn't that so, Rex?