New Help With What to Wear to Work...

**Ayin McFye** · 4th September 07, 11:22 AM

For over 3 years now I have been trying to convince the upper management here at my work to allow me to wear my kilt to work. The answer has always been No. Very recently the VP of Operation told me that he would let me wear it on Halloween to prove to him that it can be business appropriate. I need all of you who wear your kilt to work, to please post pictures of your business attire in your kilt if possible. This is going to be my one and only chance to prove to them that it can look good. I have included a photo from the internet to show what our regular daily dress here looks like.

We have to wear nice slacks, button up shirts, nice shoes, and a belt. I wear a tie about 2-3 days a week, but it's not required.

I found this picture of Steve Martin online and I kind of liked how he looks in this. But it's "slightly" overdressed. I'm not sure that I want to wear the suit jacket, because people here at work don't normally wear them.

Any pictures and advice that you may have will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

**Kid Cossack** · 4th September 07, 11:35 AM

Here's a darn good place to start: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=22432 These mostly lean towards the "jacket and tie" look which I understand you'd like to avoid. Check out UglyBear's pic on page 3, however. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...6&postcount=25

Hey, I think the waistcoat and tie look works great---and who's gonna tell Ugly Bear that his look doesn't work?

As much as I love 'em, in this case I'd avoid the boots with scroonched down hose. I'd pick out complementary hose to go with my ensemble, go with black leathers, and a nice button-down shirt. (Um, as we Americans understand a button-down shirt.)

**Ayin McFye** · 4th September 07, 11:44 AM

Those links are great. Thanks a bunch. Most of them look like their for very formal occasions but I should be able to get a bunch of ideas from them. I obviously don't want to go with the Prince Charlie Jacket, or anything like that, because that's way too dressed up. But the vest and tie might work perfect. I'll have to see what I can find in ways of a vest that'll look good with my kilt.

**ardchoille** · 4th September 07, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Kid Cossack

Here's a darn good place to start: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=22432 These mostly lean towards the "jacket and tie" look which I understand you'd like to avoid. Check out UglyBear's pic on page 3, however. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...6&postcount=25

Hey, I think the waistcoat and tie look works great---and who's gonna tell Ugly Bear that his look doesn't work?

As much as I love 'em, in this case I'd avoid the boots with scroonched down hose. I'd pick out complementary hose to go with my ensemble, go with black leathers, and a nice button-down shirt. (Um, as we Americans understand a button-down shirt.)

Those are excellent links!

creativeaccents · 4th September 07, 11:59 AM

Maybe more than a little old fashioned, but YOU have the right and responsibility to decide whether you want to work there. If your career is more important and your employment is integral in that decision, then which is most important? Dress codes may be as important for your employer as your desire to dress to express yourself. Sometimes this means a bit of personal responsibility and the willingness to live with your decision.

**Ayin McFye** · 4th September 07, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by creativeaccents

Maybe more than a little old fashioned, but YOU have the right and responsibility to decide whether you want to work there. If your career is more important and your employment is integral in that decision, then which is most important? Dress codes may be as important for your employer as your desire to dress to express yourself. Sometimes this means a bit of personal responsibility and the willingness to live with your decision.

Well I'm not willing to quit my job, if that's what you mean. But wearing a kilt to work is something that I truly do what to do. I'm excited that after 3 years my boss has finally given me the go ahead to prove to him that it can look professional. If he likes what he sees, then he might let me wear it more often.

I understand that I might not be able to "Have my cake and eat it too" but here is a chance for me to do so, and I don't want to mess it up.

**Streetcar** · 4th September 07, 12:22 PM

I wouldn't think you'd have to make too great a change from what you wear now - based on the picture you posted.

I'd pick a button down shirt that compliments a lesser color of the kilt you plan to wear. Stone or oatmeal hose and dress shoes.

And when in doubt - check Hamish's gallery...

**McMurdo** · 4th September 07, 12:33 PM

Well I wear my kilt daily even when I'm working, here are some business casual looks that I have pictures of

The one thing I would say, if you can match your shirt and hose then do so it helps to pull the entire ensemble together and will look more professional.

**davedove** · 4th September 07, 12:36 PM

Here's a business casual look:

**Archangel** · 4th September 07, 01:37 PM

The kilt can fit into any situation, if your employer allows it.
For a business look, try this and explore the site.

Problem is most people can't get their mind around that you're not part of a parade. It's very hard to have a casual look without going to t-shirts. I find that people accept a sort of military casual look a lot better. Some sort of khaki tone, short sleeved shirt, seems to work.

Business, but more formal than you want.