Newbie question - I am doing this right?

[Army]

Ok, here is my first attempt at incorporating some of the very helpful comments that you guys have been kind enough to give...


I switched out the plain white shirt with a patterned one, the plain wool tie with a striped one (admittedly the knot sucks, I'm really going to have to work on that four-in-hand), the "chunky" shoes were swapped out for a pair of thinner soled dress shoes and I pulled the kilt hose down a bit (hopefully not too far). I'm going to order a pair of self-tie garters, because after looking into them a bit more, they really do look cool. I had decided on using sporran hangers as I would be considered a "gentleman of substance" (love that term by the way), but am also looking into a sporran belt as well.

[CMcG]

Good job, Army, you've upped your trad kilt game already!

[BCAC]

That's much better!

I am afraid that I just can't handle those "sporran hangers", but to each their own. Some people do like them, but I don't.

Well done.

As an afterthought it might be interesting to try that outfit with a contrasting colour of hose (red, yellow or mustard perhaps).

[Tobus]

I switched out the plain white shirt with a patterned one, the plain wool tie with a striped one (admittedly the knot sucks, I'm really going to have to work on that four-in-hand), the "chunky" shoes were swapped out for a pair of thinner soled dress shoes and I pulled the kilt hose down a bit (hopefully not too far).

Well done on all counts! The patterned shirt and striped tie add a nice effect, don't you think? Now if you can just find a patterned shirt that doesn't have a button-down collar, it will be darn near perfect. I wouldn't worry too much about the tie knot being imperfect. That's how a Four-in-Hand looks: crooked. To me, the hose height looks great; I wouldn't go any lower than that. And I like the shoe choice. All in all, I think everything you've changed is an improvement, especially when it comes to proportions.

I'm with BCAC on the sporran hangers, though. However, I'm not a "man of substance" (which I fear makes me an "insubstantial man" or a "man who lacks substance" ), and I can understand why you might choose them over a traditional sporran belt.

[guardsman]

Leather sporran belt for me too,apart from that ,you look a lifer>Jacket is superb by the way

[Army]

As an afterthought it might be interesting to try that outfit with a contrasting colour of hose (red, yellow or mustard perhaps).

I'm having a hard time picturing that. Would something like this look alright? http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/...re_mustard.jpg

The patterned shirt and striped tie add a nice effect, don't you think?

They really do. Thanks again for all of the suggestions.

[Jock Scot]

Well done Army you are really doing well, but let's learn to walk before starting on the sprint! The hose that you have in mind are fine and they almost match the sofa!

Might I suggest you start with a plain colour hose from top to bottom, so as not to confuse your novice eyes and brain.How about starting with a dark claret colour, nothing bright, nothing too flashy, but a distinct contrast. I think you will surprise yourself! Go on give it a go. Failing that, dark bottle green will give a rather less adventurous contrast for you to try.

My tartan is much like yours and claret is one of my favorite colours for kilt hose and maybe if you look around some of my old threads you may get an idea from some of the pictures that you will not be struck down by lightening should you try to be a tadd more adventurous.

[Army]

Thanks Jock Scot... but make no mistake, my novice eyes and brain are already confused. This not being to "matchy" but also looking well put together is not an easy concept for my North American sensibilities. I am very glad to have all the help figuring it out though.

[Jock Scot]

I came accross this picture that might help you decide which way to go. I not saying this is going to suit you just because I say so! I am just demonstrating an option for you to think about.