Less Can Be More

[eclarkhb]

Definitely seeing a trend in this thread towards jackets with no epaulettes on the shoulders & without all of the "extra" buttons that we see on typical kilt jackets. I think its a more contemporary look & I like it.

[CMcG]

I really like these examples as well:

...

Of course, some of the Highland day attire shown above has more "bells and whistles" than others, yet I think each person represented has a unique style and approach all their own. However, you can begin to detect a common theme throughout the series of photos; i.e. - tweeds, Regimental striped/crested ties, traditional kilts, colour contrasts, the use of patterns in either subtle or bold ways, not really worrying too much about matching everything to a tee, etc.

I also really like those examples! Nonetheless, the extra "bells and whistles" is exactly what I'm moving away from in my personal style. If anything, I'm moving towards the vacuum created by your previously more reserved approach, though I might take it one step more towards simplicity. It's not to say that either way is right or wrong; they are just personal variants of the much larger THCD continuum

[creagdhubh]

And some more from my collection:












Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

I also really like those examples! Nonetheless, the extra "bells and whistles" is exactly what I'm moving away from in my personal style. If anything, I'm moving towards the vacuum created by your previously more reserved approach, though I might take it one step more towards simplicity. It's not to say that either way is right or wrong; they are just personal variants of the much larger THCD continuum

Hahaha! Well said, Colin. I hope that I didn't create too much of a vacuum, my friend.

Seriously though, I do understand where you are coming from and don't get me wrong, even though I have moved more towards having those "bells and whistles" featured on my tweed jackets and such, doesn't necessarily mean that there may be times or specific occasions where I will choose to dress in a more simplistic, causal, laid back manner. Less can definitely be more, I don't dispute that. Like we have all discussed before in similar threads, I think context can play a huge part in how you decide to wear your Highland dress, as well as what you decide to wear. It's a very personal choice. However, I don't necessarily believe that contextual factors are always key (unless of course you are invited to a special event where a specific manner of dress is explicitly stated/required, i.e. - black or white tie events), rather, I think being comfortable in your own clothes is vastly more important in the long run.

I strive to find a balance between what I really like to wear and the more traditional, "old-school" approach to Highland dress. Most people are aware of this. Have I failed miserably in some areas, sure, have I succeed in others, yes. I understand there are no rules to all of this and nobody really cares, or is keeping tabs, but all of these things are important to me and I would argue are also important to many of us on this forum, otherwise, the vast majority of the rabble wouldn't even be on here chatting about every little detail in regards to Highland dress and the kilt!

Cheers,

[O'Searcaigh]

Ahh yes, I just noticed the coats without the "archaic" style sleeves and sans epaulettes but still seems a lot of coats, waistcoats and ties, which were I live is far from considered "less is more." [I suspect a bib-overall kilt would be more the "style" here ] More examples of short sleeved attire? Military examples (e.g., Indian regiments) are no doubt abundant but examples of civilian "hot weather" dress are likely to be more difficult to find (?) [other than the fine examples already provided] due to the fact that Scotland and the UK in general don't typically have the "tropical" temperatures one finds in Bangalore, Arizona or Tennessee (or anywhere in the south-eastern/southern U.S.) where the issue is: how to be "appropriately kilted" in tropical heat. Right now, it is beautifully "comfortable" here but in a few months.....

[Andrew Breecher]

I'm really liking all these different tweed coats and waistcoats (in this thread and the houndstooth thread). I think I see a houndstooth coat in my future.

[CMcG]

Ahh yes, I just noticed the coats without the "archaic" style sleeves and sans epaulettes but still seems a lot of coats, waistcoats and ties, which were I live is far from considered "less is more." [I suspect a bib-overall kilt would be more the "style" here ] More examples of short sleeved attire? Military examples (e.g., Indian regiments) are no doubt abundant but examples of civilian "hot weather" dress are likely to be more difficult to find (?) [other than the fine examples already provided] due to the fact that Scotland and the UK in general don't typically have the "tropical" temperatures one finds in Bangalore, Arizona or Tennessee (or anywhere in the south-eastern/southern U.S.) where the issue is: how to be "appropriately kilted" in tropical heat. Right now, it is beautifully "comfortable" here but in a few months.....

You raise two issues here. The first is formality, which traditionally tends to be a bit more rigorous and inspires me to put in extra effort when I kilt up. I tend to wear a kilt most often for special events, so the coat & tie look is the target when it comes to dressing nice, such as at a wedding. The other examples I posted with a shirt and sweater are more casual, which is what I would wear to go to the pub or to a buddy's place for an informal dinner.

The second issue is climate. I live in Canada, so I guess I'm lucky that it isn't as much of a concern for me as it is in the southern US... there isn't much of a tradition of high-heat kilt attire because the Highlands are about as different from the tropics as can be! There are a number of Xmarkers who have done the research and development in this area, so I'll post a few more pics. I think the idea is to adapt to the weather while maintaining a generally traditional look:






Polo/golf shirts are also a popular choice, though I think that is a step away from tradition:



One of our mods has done a particularly good job of maintaining a more dressy appearance, while adapting to the heat. Check out Mael Coluim's converted seersucker jacket, cotton hose, no belt, and a straw hat:


As for kilts in India, a few of our members have imagined a look involving a pith helmet, but again, this is certainly another step away from the Highland origins of the kilt. I hear they are practical, though!

[Jock Scot]

Great thread this. I fully endorse the less is more train of thought, even so it is a fine line that we tread, between the more traditional and costume.

[OC Richard]

I'm a less is more guy... no kilt pin, no weaponry, no lapel pins, no belt, no waistcoat... just the basics

[CMcG]

I'm a less is more guy... no kilt pin, no weaponry, no lapel pins, no belt, no waistcoat... just the basics

You look great, OCR. I can see how this look is striped down in terms of accessories and it also uses a somewhat muted, well coordinated colour scheme. Respectfully, however, that sporran is anything but less! You've also got ghillie brogues and flap cuffs on your jacket, but I suppose we can grant you a special dispensation because you're a piper