I hear you loud and clear echoing the complaints I first heard forty-odd years ago. The truth of the matter is that highland attire has always been expensive-- and the better the quality, the more it costs. It is also an excellent investment because, if well cared for, it will last for decades. With this in mind I always suggest that a person should buy the very best available-- 16oz traditional kilt; silver mounted sporran; a proper sgian dubh with silver mounts; tartan or diced hose; buckle and strap shoes; made to measure (or bespoke) doublet and waistcoat. You don't have to buy it all at once, but if you budget wisely, in 3-5 years everything on this short list could be in your closet. Believe me, what may seem like an extravagance today will seem like the bargain of the century in ten years time.