Less Can Be More

[Jock Scot]

A Robertson.

Crumbs! Actually I do agree with much of what you say. However, would you wear a pair of Levi's to a "Black tie" occasion? You would? OK read no further. However, probably you would not, so whilst there are no rules there are conventions, traditions, aesthetics and a responsibility in some form or other, not to cause offence to others, thus an ability to conform is a requirement in a civilised world.

Now that may sound rather straight laced, but in reality it does give the individual huge freedoms to make choices. We in the UK, as you quite correctly point out, have "Dress"(white tie, black tie and morning[day] dress), "smart"(suits) and "casual" (anything from blazers, sports jackets to swimwear) and even in this day and age most of us in the UK can work with that. In passing the kilt hire trade have been responsible for the peddling as much misinformation about Scots attire and Scotland as have the Scots tourist trade, so please do not regard the "hire" industry in general as reliable in any way.

Those in the USA and probably in the rest of the world are having to re-learn some of these conventions particularly when it comes to kilt attire. To some it does not come easily, to others it is a tad more difficult and some-----as in the UK too-----find it impossible to conform even for a few hours.

Fair enough, each to their own, but with freedom of choice comes responsibility and one of those responsibilities is an ability to conform in all sorts of ways, including the choice of how we choose to dress. However whilst there are, as you quite rightly say, no rules, there are indeed other considerations to be taken into account on how we choose to dress. Even in this day and age.

[sailortats]

Jock, I must say that I agree with everything you are saying in the above post. Right on the mark I would say.
But it appears that I am in the minority when it comes to the last picture above in OCRichards last post. I really like the look of the all black with the gray tartan kilt. I would call that a very smart look.

[GG]

If somebody would ask me if I would ever wear a pair of tuxedo pants when walking in the street or in the woods or along the beach I should (of course) answer “NO, never ever.”
If anybody should ask me if I would wear some pants doing the same things, I should answer “but of course”.

The same it is with the kilt. If someone is of the opinion that the kilt is only for black tie or white tie and the like situations, then consequently the kilt should not be worn in a casual context.

Is the kilt, however, considered just an alternative to pants, it can of course also be worn casually (versatility arguments). Here you might also find the rationale for cheaper kilts of fewer yardages and perhaps another fabric than wool. The eight yard sublime kilt is for special occasions, the cheaper one for informal tasks. Nice pants versus jeans or shorts.

The conservative, traditional approach to kilt wearing versus a more liberal and open minded view.

As far as I know the kilt was once daily attire to a lot of people in the Highlands and not just for special occasions.

[AJBryant]

Y'all need to watch Monarch of the Glen. There's one guy there who never wears anything BUT a kilt -- formal, informal, hunting, working on the land, chopping wood... whatever. ;)

[David Thorpe]

Y'all need to watch Monarch of the Glen. There's one guy there who never wears anything BUT a kilt -- formal, informal, hunting, working on the land, chopping wood... whatever. ;)

That would be Duncan.

[AJBryant]

That would be Duncan.

Yes, it would. I was hoping someone would chime in. Is there anything more scrumptious than Dawn Steele?

[creagdhubh]

That would be Duncan.

***

Aka, Hamish Clark.