Less Can Be More

[Dale Seago]

Speaking of what the OP was going for...

I started this thread to discuss a certain approach to traditional Highland civilian dress (THCD), namely being guided by a more reserved approach to colours, patterns, and design. This "less is more" look is predicated on three things: the correct level of attire for any given event, homology between kilted and non-kilted attire, and avoiding the extremes ends of the THCD range.

Great clarification, Colin, thanks!

In that vein, here are a couple of pics from back in December when I went to a theatrical performance, the Christmas Revels in Oakland.

Attendance is an annual tradition I've observed for over a decade, and I do like to dress up a bit more for this one; but I still like to "keep it simple". Here are two pics from that day, one indoors on the stage at the Scottish Rite Center and the other outdoors across the street:

[creagdhubh]

Well done, Dale! You always look well turned out and at ease/confident in your Highland dress (not to mention in another type of ethnic garb).

[MacLowlife]

Thanks Colin- well done, again and again.

[CMcG]

Allow me to make another jeans/kilt parallel, this time a bit lower down the formality scale. Here are two pics from casual dinners, one in jeans, the other in a kilt. I'm wearing a tattersall shirt in both cases and no jacket, vest, or sweater because not only were the events low key, the temperature was also quite warm! I know a solid colour kilt is not too common in THCD, but it does happen e.g. hodden grey or tweed kilts.



At a casual event that was a bit colder, I'd just throw on a sweater, like so:



Looking back at this thread has made me realize a few things that I need to do to tweak this "less is more" approach. I'd like to acquire a charcoal tweed jacket with matching waistcoat and replace my AWOL plain leather sporran. I also need to start using flashes again because of their flatter profile vs. garter ties.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me in regards to how I can streamline my Highland attire, while still keeping it traditional? How about ways that this thread may have inspired you in your own approach to Highland attire?

[Nathan]

Allow me to make another jeans/kilt parallel, this time a bit lower down the formality scale. Here are two pics from casual dinners, one in jeans, the other in a kilt. I'm wearing a tattersall shirt in both cases and no jacket, vest, or sweater because not only were the events low key, the temperature was also quite warm! I know a solid colour kilt is not too common in THCD, but it does happen e.g. hodden grey or tweed kilts.



At a casual event that was a bit colder, I'd just throw on a sweater, like so:



Looking back at this thread has made me realize a few things that I need to do to tweak this "less is more" approach. I'd like to acquire a charcoal tweed jacket with matching waistcoat and replace my AWOL plain leather sporran. I also need to start using flashes again because of their flatter profile vs. garter ties.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me in regards to how I can streamline my Highland attire, while still keeping it traditional? How about ways that this thread may have inspired you in your own approach to Highland attire?

Colin,

You are indeed a sharp dressed man and a classic gentleman. Might I respectfully suggest that you reconsider your habit of wearing crew neck t-shirts under the open button of your collared shirts? It's a look that sort of says 1990s and has been largely abandoned in contemporary western fashion. Nothing wrong with showing a peek of bare neck. If you're doing it to extend the laundry cycle, some v-neck Ts might serve you well. Just my two cents.

[artroland]

Post removed … my bad.

[Jock Scot]

Artroland.

Errr, with the greatest of respect this is a traditional section of the website and whilst there is absolutely nothing wrong with your attire , apart from, it is not traditional, even in a modern sense.

[Jock Scot]

Post removed … my bad.

No worries my dear chap, we all post in the wrong place from time to time, well, I have anyway!

[Nathan]

Not to be contrarian, but I thought the traditional aspect of this section was limited to the "Traditionally Made Kilt" and did not extend to the accessories. Since Artroland's kilts are tartan and not Utilikilts with cargo pockets, chains and the like, isn't he showing his way to wear a "Traditionally Made Kilt"? Wouldn't his pics be more out of place in the "Contemporary Made Kilts" section?

Just curious about the guidelines for the sections.

[CMcG]

You are indeed a sharp dressed man and a classic gentleman. Might I respectfully suggest that you reconsider your habit of wearing crew neck t-shirts under the open button of your collared shirts? It's a look that sort of says 1990s and has been largely abandoned in contemporary western fashion. Nothing wrong with showing a peek of bare neck. If you're doing it to extend the laundry cycle, some v-neck Ts might serve you well. Just my two cents.

Not to be contrarian, but I thought the traditional aspect of this section was limited to the "Traditionally Made Kilt" and did not extend to the accessories. Since Artroland's kilts are tartan and not Utilikilts with cargo pockets, chains and the like, isn't he showing his way to wear a "Traditionally Made Kilt"? Wouldn't his pics be more out of place in the "Contemporary Made Kilts" section?

Just curious about the guidelines for the sections.

Thanks for the heads up about crew neck tshirts under an button up shirt worn with the collar open... I was unaware of the style points you raised, but I'll look into it.

As for the sections, the traditional section is for traditional kilts, worn in traditional ways. A traditional kilt worn in contemporary ways would be more germane to the contemporary or general sub-forums.