Kilt and necktie in matching tartan?

[Tobus]

I'm not so sure that the photo of Alan Cumming would be something I'd point to as a "proper" example of Highland attire. The boots and oddly non-symmetrical sporran, for example, show that he's putting a modern (non-traditional) twist on it. Not to mention the modern cut of the jacket, the modern style kilt pin, and the zany hair-do. And while he seems mostly well-turned-out, I still wonder (as I have since I first saw that picture a while back) whether he was using that much tartan to make some sort of wild fashion statement, or simply trying to go for a more traditional look while not completely giving in to old-fashioned styles. Discounting the boots, the rest of his outfit is right on the line between traditional and modern. It's a very interesting look in a streamlined and modern, yet heavily influenced by tradition, style. Still, though, while it's a good example of "it can be done", I'm not sure it proves any point as to whether "it should be done".

A more historical example of tartan saturation would be the fellow below. Not saying I think it's a particularly attractive look, but it certainly has historical provenance.



Another modern example of tartan overload would be Malcolm MacGregor:



Personally, I think that much tartan is hideous and should not be done. But like Jamie so excellently points out, it may just be a function of the tartan itself. Maybe going for a full-scale tartan explosion look would be less horrid with a more subdued tartan.

(edited to add: note also that in both these examples, the jacket and waistcoat are both on the bias.)

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Tobus,

Yes, that photo of Cumming is an example of a very modern take on Highland attire, which is actually why I chose to use it. Your examples of the MacLeay portrait from 1870, and the more modern photo of the MacGregor from his wedding a few years back, help me to illustrate my point.

And that is that things such as tartan waistcoats, doublets and jackets do have a precedent in the Highland tradition and continue to be part of that tradition today - either with a traditional or a contemporary flare.

[Jack Daw]

Regardless of tradition and my color-blindness, for myself I don't care to wear a tartan tie that matches my kilt. I don't even like to wear a different tartan of the same clan with my kilt. I do wear several tartan ties with my business suits.