Less Can Be More

[CMcG]

I really like these examples as well:

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Of course, some of the Highland day attire shown above has more "bells and whistles" than others, yet I think each person represented has a unique style and approach all their own. However, you can begin to detect a common theme throughout the series of photos; i.e. - tweeds, Regimental striped/crested ties, traditional kilts, colour contrasts, the use of patterns in either subtle or bold ways, not really worrying too much about matching everything to a tee, etc.

I also really like those examples! Nonetheless, the extra "bells and whistles" is exactly what I'm moving away from in my personal style. If anything, I'm moving towards the vacuum created by your previously more reserved approach, though I might take it one step more towards simplicity. It's not to say that either way is right or wrong; they are just personal variants of the much larger THCD continuum

[creagdhubh]

I also really like those examples! Nonetheless, the extra "bells and whistles" is exactly what I'm moving away from in my personal style. If anything, I'm moving towards the vacuum created by your previously more reserved approach, though I might take it one step more towards simplicity. It's not to say that either way is right or wrong; they are just personal variants of the much larger THCD continuum

Hahaha! Well said, Colin. I hope that I didn't create too much of a vacuum, my friend.

Seriously though, I do understand where you are coming from and don't get me wrong, even though I have moved more towards having those "bells and whistles" featured on my tweed jackets and such, doesn't necessarily mean that there may be times or specific occasions where I will choose to dress in a more simplistic, causal, laid back manner. Less can definitely be more, I don't dispute that. Like we have all discussed before in similar threads, I think context can play a huge part in how you decide to wear your Highland dress, as well as what you decide to wear. It's a very personal choice. However, I don't necessarily believe that contextual factors are always key (unless of course you are invited to a special event where a specific manner of dress is explicitly stated/required, i.e. - black or white tie events), rather, I think being comfortable in your own clothes is vastly more important in the long run.

I strive to find a balance between what I really like to wear and the more traditional, "old-school" approach to Highland dress. Most people are aware of this. Have I failed miserably in some areas, sure, have I succeed in others, yes. I understand there are no rules to all of this and nobody really cares, or is keeping tabs, but all of these things are important to me and I would argue are also important to many of us on this forum, otherwise, the vast majority of the rabble wouldn't even be on here chatting about every little detail in regards to Highland dress and the kilt!

Cheers,

[O'Searcaigh]

Ahh yes, I just noticed the coats without the "archaic" style sleeves and sans epaulettes but still seems a lot of coats, waistcoats and ties, which were I live is far from considered "less is more." [I suspect a bib-overall kilt would be more the "style" here ] More examples of short sleeved attire? Military examples (e.g., Indian regiments) are no doubt abundant but examples of civilian "hot weather" dress are likely to be more difficult to find (?) [other than the fine examples already provided] due to the fact that Scotland and the UK in general don't typically have the "tropical" temperatures one finds in Bangalore, Arizona or Tennessee (or anywhere in the south-eastern/southern U.S.) where the issue is: how to be "appropriately kilted" in tropical heat. Right now, it is beautifully "comfortable" here but in a few months.....

[Andrew Breecher]

I'm really liking all these different tweed coats and waistcoats (in this thread and the houndstooth thread). I think I see a houndstooth coat in my future.

[Peter Crowe]

Colin, this is a great thread and I agree that less can be more with THCD as well as many other things in life. My only caveat is that minimalism (IMHO) can become inverted ostentation which defeats the original purpose.

I like tweed day-wear and it has been the most consistent form of kilt attire that I have owned and worn since my boyhood. I have always worn the Argyll style of jacket with gauntlet cuffs (in lovat blue and lovat green) and never really thought about any other until I joined XMTS. I must admit I do like the Crail style of jacket, but my ideal for my next tweed day jacket is a brown herringbone tweed with hints of red carried by Rocky at USA kilts (won't be for a couple of years yet) with gauntlet cuffs, two fastening buttons and buttoned scalloped pocket flaps but sans epaulettes which I find superfluous and a five button waistcoat.

I have worn the kilt often with shirt sleeves and/or various woolen jumpers (sweaters) with more casual shoes (moccasins or monk-straps), as well as hiking boots, even with wellies and a wax jacket (for Scottish weather). I find that my THCD tastes are merely a kilted version of my regular clothing tastes which are heavily made up of tweed sports jackets or a navy blazer, cords, and/or chino type trousers.

[CMcG]

Colin, this is a great thread and I agree that less can be more with THCD as well as many other things in life. My only caveat is that minimalism (IMHO) can become inverted ostentation which defeats the original purpose.

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You have a good point there, Peter, about extreme minimalism becoming ostentatious. I was wondering how long it would take for someone to point that out! There is a fashion trend in the kilt world towards monochromatic outfits, which are quite striking, but not quite what I'm talking about. Nor am I referring to a "kilt suit," where the kilt and jacket are made up in the same fabric. Not that there is anything wrong with these, but they aren't quite traditional enough for my taste at this point.

...

I have worn the kilt often with shirt sleeves and/or various woolen jumpers (sweaters) with more casual shoes (moccasins or monk-straps), as well as hiking boots, even with wellies and a wax jacket (for Scottish weather).I find that my THCD tastes are merely a kilted version of my regular clothing tastes which are heavily made up of tweed sports jackets or a navy blazer, cords, and/or chino type trousers.

I made a similar point about seeking a parallel between kilted and non-kilted attire, which makes for a more natural look. My caveat here is not to drag one's THCD down to the modern, relaxed standards of dress, but rather to have THCD bring one's overall standard up.

This is, of course, dependent on context and I'm not suggesting that people should put on a jacket and tie to go to a very informal event. And of course one needs to dress for the weather and terrain that they find themselves kilted in. Nonetheless, my experience is that kilt wearing has had a positive impact on my wardrobe in general, so I now have nicer, more traditional clothes to wear; a tattersall shirt and/or a repp tie looks just as good with p@nts as it does with a kilt

My point is that people shouldn't feel compelled to load up on all kinds of colours, patterns, and detailing, just because some people go for that very vibrant and bold type of THCD. It is possible to dress well -- and be traditional -- while still being somewhat reserved.

[OC Richard]

There is a fashion trend in the kilt world towards monochromatic outfits

Ugh... I love colour too much to have a very high opinion of this sort of outfit. Talk about matchy-matchy! The charcoal hose, jacket, and even matching tweed necktie!

Many pipers nowadays, for their solo outfits, wear all black: hose, plain black kilt, jacket, shirt, necktie. Too much for me.

[creagdhubh]

My point is that people shouldn't feel compelled to load up on all kinds of colours, patterns, and detailing, just because some people go for that very vibrant and bold type of THCD. It is possible to dress well -- and be traditional -- while still being somewhat reserved.

Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach though - if done well and not to the point of becoming too "costumey." Balance is key.

[Nile]

My caveat here is not to drag one's THCD down to the modern, relaxed standards of dress, but rather to have THCD bring one's overall standard up.

Nonetheless, my experience is that kilt wearing has had a positive impact on my wardrobe in general, so I now have nicer, more traditional clothes to wear; a tattersall shirt and/or a repp tie looks just as good with p@nts as it does with a kilt

It is possible to dress well -- and be traditional -- while still being somewhat reserved.

***... I couldn't agree more Colin! I've become more cognizant about how I dress since I started wearing a kilt and set my sights on THCD. Being a product of my generation (baby boomer or old hippie if you will) and not having to wear a suit and tie except to church and a few special occasions, my overall manner of dress and wardrobe has definitely changed and is still evolving. And... I would like to think, for the better.

Nile

[CMcG]

Ahh yes, I just noticed the coats without the "archaic" style sleeves and sans epaulettes but still seems a lot of coats, waistcoats and ties, which were I live is far from considered "less is more." [I suspect a bib-overall kilt would be more the "style" here ] More examples of short sleeved attire? Military examples (e.g., Indian regiments) are no doubt abundant but examples of civilian "hot weather" dress are likely to be more difficult to find (?) [other than the fine examples already provided] due to the fact that Scotland and the UK in general don't typically have the "tropical" temperatures one finds in Bangalore, Arizona or Tennessee (or anywhere in the south-eastern/southern U.S.) where the issue is: how to be "appropriately kilted" in tropical heat. Right now, it is beautifully "comfortable" here but in a few months.....

You raise two issues here. The first is formality, which traditionally tends to be a bit more rigorous and inspires me to put in extra effort when I kilt up. I tend to wear a kilt most often for special events, so the coat & tie look is the target when it comes to dressing nice, such as at a wedding. The other examples I posted with a shirt and sweater are more casual, which is what I would wear to go to the pub or to a buddy's place for an informal dinner.

The second issue is climate. I live in Canada, so I guess I'm lucky that it isn't as much of a concern for me as it is in the southern US... there isn't much of a tradition of high-heat kilt attire because the Highlands are about as different from the tropics as can be! There are a number of Xmarkers who have done the research and development in this area, so I'll post a few more pics. I think the idea is to adapt to the weather while maintaining a generally traditional look:






Polo/golf shirts are also a popular choice, though I think that is a step away from tradition:



One of our mods has done a particularly good job of maintaining a more dressy appearance, while adapting to the heat. Check out Mael Coluim's converted seersucker jacket, cotton hose, no belt, and a straw hat:


As for kilts in India, a few of our members have imagined a look involving a pith helmet, but again, this is certainly another step away from the Highland origins of the kilt. I hear they are practical, though!