from matchy to anti-matchy in 30 years

[ForresterModern]

OC Richard, I've seen worse cases of matchy-matchy than your before picture, but you definitely look much more relaxed and at home in your clothes in the after shot.

Tobus' comments about not over-thinking are important, especially for a place like Xmarks where we tend to specialize in minutiae On the other hand, I think there is a certain amount of forethought and consideration that goes into looking like one didn't waste any time getting ready. Experience, a wardrobe of things that go well together (like Tobus' earth tones), and a willingness to mix it up are key, but "studied carelessness" is perhaps even more important as an overall stance.

In Italian, one might call this "sprezzatura" and I wonder if there is an equivalent word in English, or, even better, in Gaelic? Many words have been spilled on this point in various threads and it would be nice if there a better way of saying it than "not matchy-matchy"

English equivalent? perhaps nonchalant, eccentric, unique, individual, progressive, non-conformist, unconventional, self-assured, unconcerned----any or all of these might meet the criteria for this definition, or as the Oxford English Dictionary uses, which I personally like myself, is "studied carelessness". En France', perhaps laissez faire?

I do not think I can go as far as Jock's approach of just reaching into the closet and casually grabbing whatever is there to wear with the kilt----I have seen the catastrophe of my dressing in the dark far too often when I had early morning meetings and a sleeping wife in the bed adjacent. But I understand the concept of not overthinking the issue as well. Although I must admit that my personal fashion sense does have some problems with many random pairings, and in large part my "comfort" in the kilt in dressier situations comes from knowing that my accessories are coordinated to some extent. So you folks are wearing off on me a bit as I have shifted toward the less planned from the matchy-matchy, although not that far yet. Some of that my also come fom having a few more options in my closet when it comes to shirts, ties, bonnets and hose, but then I have always been a collector.

[OC Richard]

I do not think I can go as far as Jock's approach of just reaching into the closet and casually grabbing whatever is there to wear with the kilt

I do know many pipers who just grab whatever: because they only have one of everything, one "kit" which they wear whenever they pipe, so no thought ever goes into it.

For myself, as I have three kilts and several sporrans and a few different kilt jackets and hose etc, some decision-making is called for, but in general I grab my "go-to" kit (the one shown in the photo).

As a piper though I oftentimes try to match the event, wearing Full Dress at military functions where the men will be in military Full Dress, wearing tartan hose and buckled shoes for very formal events, etc.

[Lime]

In Italian, one might call this "sprezzatura" and I wonder if there is an equivalent word in English, or, even better, in Gaelic? Many words have been spilled on this point in various threads and it would be nice if there a better way of saying it than "not matchy-matchy"

Would "Studied insouciance" work?