over doing the bling?

**Kornkob** · 10th September 10, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I am posing the question that black tie events are generally not the time for too much "Bling" and I have asked an open question to what you think.Is this the time for the less is more effect?

I would think that would depend on the black tie event. Generalized examples: Largely social function, with little connection to business and not in honor of a specific attendee--- sure-- primp it. A business function honoring someone who isn't you--- might want to pull back a little.

**muirkirkca** · 10th September 10, 07:35 AM

I am with Jock Scot on this one. No Brigadoon styles for me to indicate your attachment to being "Scotch". Don't care for velvet jackets, fly plaids, gillies with laces to the knees, no lace shirts. Each to his own though. More for a contemporary look that parallels a tux or appropriate dark business suit.

**Mark E.** · 10th September 10, 07:40 AM

I may be out of line here, but...

Perhaps it is the level of self confidence that we have that pushes us to "excessorize" to a level bordering on overdone? With all of the available "stuff" that is out there for us to load down with, it seems that the quantity, rather than the quality, is what is what sets us apart in the modern era. Breaking the mold may be difficult-but I feel someone who has no adornment but a brooch 300 years old with a chunk of amber, and a dirk of quality or sgian of worth can pull off the highest of class beside the commoner with more gold plate than the King...

**auld argonian** · 10th September 10, 07:52 AM

It's just a family thing for me...do not be ostentatious, dress modestly and in good taste.

Sometimes I have to wonder what's going on because I see some of the forum members putting absolutely every possible thing into a outfit and mixing elements that seem to me to be conflicting and out-of-sync in terms of historical period. Not that I'm concerned about recreating some kind of historic look since I personally feel that there should be a nice, neat contemporary look for those wearing tartan kilts where the historic elements are referred to but not made to prominent...hey...it could happen!

Best

AA

**ohiopiper** · 10th September 10, 07:56 AM

KornKob made a point that I happen to heartily agree with. Whether or not you are overdressed depends largely upon what the others around you are wearing.

I think this goes back to the point I made about conventions of dress not being widely observed anymore. There are no more "rules" about what level of dress is appropriate, everyone just takes their best poke at it. I remember several times going to events, dressing in what I felt to be appropriate for the venue and event, only to be conspicuously overdressed, compared to others around me. Had nothing to do with Highland attire, either. I was wearing a suit and tie.

Personally, I think it's a shame that the expectations have been discarded. There was a time when people would have both the nicer clothes to wear and the occassion to wear them. Now we have generally adopted such informal manner of dress that many, if not most, men can get by owning one suit, two or three shirts and a handfull of ties. The concept of Daywear, Eveningwear, Black tie and White tie are foreign to most people.

**Kornkob** · 10th September 10, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Mark E.

I may be out of line here, but...

Perhaps it is the level of self confidence that we have that pushes us to "excessorize" to a level bordering on overdone? With all of the available "stuff" that is out there for us to load down with, it seems that the quantity, rather than the quality, is what is what sets us apart in the modern era. Breaking the mold may be difficult-but I feel someone who has no adornment but a brooch 300 years old with a chunk of amber, and a dirk of quality or sgian of worth can pull off the highest of class beside the commoner with more gold plate than the King...

I agree in part but I'm not sure even quality is the end all be all either. One can put on a high quality, historically accurate, high value piece that is still terribly out of place by itself. The overall picture needs to be considered.

**Jock Scot** · 10th September 10, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Mark E.

I may be out of line here, but...

Perhaps it is the level of self confidence that we have that pushes us to "excessorize" to a level bordering on overdone? With all of the available "stuff" that is out there for us to load down with, it seems that the quantity, rather than the quality, is what is what sets us apart in the modern era. Breaking the mold may be difficult-but I feel someone who has no adornment but a brooch 300 years old with a chunk of amber, and a dirk of quality or sgian of worth can pull off the highest of class beside the commoner with more gold plate than the King...

OK I am keeping the pot boiling here-----not criticising-----but I do wonder if we have a cultural thing going here? I think so and I suppose it is almost inevitable.

You see, I and most Scots in the know would not dream of wearing a dirk, or fly plaid and 300 year old silver brooch with a large chunk of Cairngorm in it to a black tie event. Its just not done.

To a kilt wearing Scot, whilst he is immensely proud of his national attire, wearing the kilt is not such a big deal. I will strap on the kilt without thinking about peacocks, or, strutting my stuff, in Inverness High Street, the local club, going to a dinner dance or a formal ball and it is no real effort.I am no different to many a Scot, although I do probably wear the kilt more than most.

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

**Kornkob** · 10th September 10, 08:17 AM

That is probably an element in this discussion as well, which I somewhat obliquely alluded to in my comment related to being over dressed being something that is relative to the other attendees. Despite the fact that people on both sides of the pond like to pretend that rules of dress (and behavior for that matter) are hard, fast and consistent on both sides of the pond, there are some cultural and even regional differences.

**piperdbh** · 10th September 10, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

I think you're right on target. It's sort of like a hobby. When one first starts a new hobby, he/she learns everything about the hobby, buys all sorts of equipment and supplies, and drives everyone crazy with all the new information that he/she has just learned. As time goes by, some of the initial excitement fades, and a new comfort level replaces it. I think kilt-wearing is like this. Jock and others of his age who have worn the klilt for many years, or who have lived in a place where the kilt is worn, are at the "comfort level", in which there is no need to bedazzle people with their accessories and brand-new acquisitions, whereas those of us who are just getting into kilting, or live in an area where it is not worn that often, like to show off the new pieces we have or to wear everything all at once. With time and experience, I believe the "less is more" outlook will take over, as the kiltie becomes more comfortable and some of the upfront excitement fades.

**Cygnus** · 10th September 10, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

OK I am keeping the pot boiling here-----not criticising-----but I do wonder if we have a cultural thing going here? I think so and I suppose it is almost inevitable.

You see, I and most Scots in the know would not dream of wearing a dirk, or fly plaid and 300 year old silver brooch with a large chunk of Cairngorm in it to a black tie event. Its just not done.

Nor would I; though I've read a couple of Scottish sources (admittedly a bit dated) that say that diced or tartan hose are necessary for evening wear and that buckle shoes are acceptable for such occasions.

Most seem to not like the fly plaid, so I fully intend to steer clear!

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

To a kilt wearing Scot, whilst he is immensely proud of his national attire, wearing the kilt is not such a big deal. I will strap on the kilt without thinking about peacocks, or, strutting my stuff, in Inverness High Street, the local club, going to a dinner dance or a formal ball and it is no real effort.I am no different to many a Scot, although I do probably wear the kilt more than most.

You chaps new and fairly new to kilt wearing, in an environment that does not necessarily understand the finer points of kilt wearing and living in a more "up front" society seem to have the need to do "the peacock" bit. Particularly as it seems that the opportunity does not arise that often.

I wonder if I am getting a handle on this at last?

I think that's it exactly. People's perceptions in Inverness High Street and your local pub are very different from people's perceptions on Main Street USA and Uncle Sam's Local Pub - you put on a kilt here and you most certainly and noticeably have your tail feathers spread! And as long as you're drawing attention to yourself, you may as well go the "whole hog"!