Critique my outfit, please

[Panache]

Tobus,

I am in accord with the others and think the first outfit is best and looks good. In fact, I think I have that exact waistcoat from Target and think it can work well with a kilt unaltered.



There are a couple things I would advise but they are just nitpicking. You look great. If you are interested in what I would do see my list below.



(1) Unbutton the last button on the waistcoat

(2) Lower you sporran by about an inch and a half

(Both of these things will make the waistcoat fit in with highland attire better)

(3) Move your flashes back a bit, they seem to far forward. You seem to have them at 11:00 and 1:00, I wear mine far more forward than most and go for 10:00 and 2:00

(4) Lose the sgian dubh (It is a workplace situation and this could be an easy out for the manager to not allow further kilted outfits to work because of you bringing a "weapon" into the workplace).

(5) Shoes, listen to MoR and Jock Scot

(6) Target sells Coleman pocket watches with a chain for $20. Think about picking one up to wear with the waistcoat. A watch chain in one's waistcoat is a very nice accent.

(7) As others have noted SMILE! (You look great and should be happy)

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Scotus]

Move your flashes back a bit, they seem to far forward.

I'm in agreement with most; your first outfit is the best. You look very proper. Well done!

As Jamies wears his (10 and 2) is good, but I think yours look right as well, as flashes should be more forward than a lot of people wear them. But that's just the opinion of someone who wears his kilt A LOT less than Jamie.

[EagleJCS]

IMHO, I think either outfit 1 or 3 would work fine as pictured. I think the black leather accoutrements look a little dressier. Your choice would depend on how formal your office environment is.

(Minor) nitpicks:
Wear either the tartan flashes or the red ones - every outfit needs a spot of color, and the red flashes will help bring out the red stripe in the tartan. I think the position of your flashes is just fine. The guideline I use is to line up the leading edge with the front midline of the shin. That should put the trailing edge about the side midline.

Definitely polish the shoes and give the sporran a light buffing (it doesn't need to shine, but be sure it's not scuffed).

I agree with Panache that you should lose the sgian dubh.

[Scott West]

I think you've nailed it in all three versions. But, i agree with the others, your supervisor's reservations may be forever quashed if you go with option #1. However, if you can score some blue hose in time, option #2 is a great relaxed look!

[Tobus]

I don't mind the nitpicking; I asked for it specifically!

I will unbutton the bottom button on the waistcoat. I didn't know which was proper. I actually did that in one of my pictures on purpose, for variation.

Lowering the sporran, good idea. This waistcoat is a tad long for my tastes in the front, as it tangles up with the sporran. I didn't want to wear it too low and look foolish, but if you think it would look better a little lower, I'll listen to the experts.

On placement of the flashes, I seem to have a hard time with that. I've read that they should be at the 'front quarter' of the leg so they can be seen from in front, but I can never seem to get them in the exact same place each time. I've been kind of using the method EagleJCS mentioned, where I put the leading edge of the flashes at the centerline of my shin. I'll move them back a smidge, though, if that seems correct. My legs are so narrow, though, that a little movement seems like a lot.

The sgian dubh shouldn't be a problem in the office, as most guys carry large knives here anyway. I usually carry a much larger knife than that in my pocket. But I suppose it couldn't hurt to lose the sgian dubh just for presentation purposes, since undoubtedly someone will want me to show them the blade. And I don't want the attention to be on weaponry (which they'll undoubtedly see it as). Good point there.

I actually have several pocket watches at home. I just need to dig them out. It's not exactly a traditional Scottish item, but my finest looking pocket watch is a commemorative WWII Russian pocket watch. It's not functional at the moment, but that's OK. I'll give it a whirl.

EagleJCS, unfortunately, my sporran will not shine. It's made from a type of leather that has a felt-ish look. It's meant to be non-shiny. It was the only black leather I had laying around when I built it. So it'll just have to look dull like that until I get something better.

[Lyle1]

I think the black sporran looks fine. It has an understated look, which I think is often good for business attire, particularly when you are trying to make a good impression. You can add a bit more flash, if you like, the next time you wear a kilt to work. I like all three options, though the brown sporran has a slightly rough or very casual look.

I also would not have noticed that you were wearing a casual style kilt, if you had not mentioned it, I guess because of the vest /waistcoat. Go for it!!

[JSFMACLJR]

#1 gets my vote, hands down.

If the new garters come in before the appointed day, I would suggest wearing the red ones, instead of the tartan flashes.

[andyfg]

I think number 1 looks great for work.

[Zardoz]

Number 1 would be my choice, with #3 a close second. Looking good in all of them though!

I wouldn't worry too much about the sgian dubh. We live in a free state, and if everyone at your work carries a blade anyway, I doubt it will even come up.

[ChubRock]

I like all three! I think #1 looks like a nice suit of clothes to wear. I like the blue shirt as well. Nice vest, you make it all look great.