Please help the fashion challenged

[DryFly]

I've noticed a lot of great helpfull advice on this and other sections of the forum. I am however a bit flustered when it comes to "the rules" with regard to formal kiltwear. On the one hand, folks are generally given positive feedback on kilt wearing but the next thread in a forum resounds with statements like "one must never..............." or some other expectation of gentlemanly fashion conduct. I get the basics (Mother did well thank you) but my interest in this part of my celtic heritage seems to have created many unexpected questions.

Might one of you more experienced contributors start a sticky thread with the "gentlemans guide for the wearing o the kilt"?

What type of kilt is considered formal?
Which jacket and or waistcoat for which degree of formality?
Is formality determined by time, event type, both? other or more?
Hats? Fly plaids? Hose? Doublets? Tweed? Footwear?

I'm looking for a formalwear 101 course that won't take me hours of thread searching.

Oh yes, and with pictures please. I'm a visual learner!

Any takers? Please?

Thanks in advance.

DryFly

[ForresterModern]

Try starting here:

http://albanach.org/

Matt Newsome is a phenomenal source of information about kilts and kilt outits, besides being a master kiltmaker and curator of the Scottish Tartan Museum, a sponsor of this very web site.

enjoy

[CDNSushi]

This may not have quite the sufficient detail you're after, but one good primer is "Kilts & Tartan Made Easy" by Dr. Nicholas J. Fiddes. Have you read that yet? It's available as a free e-book from Scotweb here: http://www.scotweb.co.uk/kiltsandtartan/

The whole book is interesting, but if you start on pg. 40, it gives some info about different outfits and how they are characterized.

[Bugbear]

You are right, there is a mess of disagreement on this subject. I have tried to sort it out by sticking to the advice and posts of three or four spesific members, who know what they are talking about, when I read about formal attire. And that's all I've ever done: read about formal attire. When the experts start disagreeing, it's a monster, though.

[Carolina Kiltman]

ForresterModern beat me to it, you can't do better than that site. Enjoy the hunt.

[Frank McGrath]

As a self appointed Kilt Kop, I believe in the following:

1. I wear what I like. You should too.
2. Judge not lest ye be judged.
3. I will be bribed. (beer is best)
4. Rules Schmules.
5. The only problem with fashion is the man not wearing a kilt. I dislike pants. But, some don't see things MY way.

Wear the kilt. Look at our pictures for guidance. But, wear the kilt with pride.

[McMurdo]

OK here are a few photos to help you out

Black tie, most men in Black tie Highland wear will be wearing a Prince Charlie Jacket




White tie, there are several Doublets that are perfect for White tie, mine is a Montrose Doublet




Semi-Formal or smart day wear, an Argyll, Braemar, or Crail jacket with or without a waistcoat depending on the event with an appropriate sporran




Casual, just about anything goes for casual, however I always try to at least look well put together.




I hope this helps a bit.

[Riverkilt]

Welcome DryFly,

There's also a thread of formal kilted pics on this forum, should be an easy search. And there's the olde So Your Going To Wear the Kilt by Thompson, available from many bookstores and resellers of things Scottish. Just find it at $15 -20.00 don't pay the $70 you sometimes see advertised.

There are two levels of kilting in my mind. One is the "Traditional," but the other is the current kilt fashion boom that pushes the edges of fashion. Its up to you to decide what works FOR YOU. And that can vary from venue to venue.



Extreme Casual in the HOT summer




Tartan overload



Even biker vests work, don't need no sporran.



Piper's jean jacket, why not?



Mardi Gras, Hawaiian shirt, why not?

The only rule is that there are no rules.

The fashion answer for you is often found out at the edge of the envelope, or beyond...

Okay...one rule...take the basting out before you wear the kilt.



Ron

[McFarkus]

Take out the basting before you wear the kilt

Hahahahahahaha!

[The Barry]

I've seen that kilt pic before.. I love the "don'ts", they entertain me even more than the "do's"