Christmas Gift to Myself: A Full Formal

**Grizzled Ian** · 27th December 16, 02:59 PM

Isn't it grand to wear a kilt at Christmas: I wore my Duke of Fife to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

I will anticipate Jock Scott with this comment, that we need to see your knees. It could be parallax that hides yours from view, or you may be making your own choice about the following levels. In the opinion of many, the most aesthetically pleasing effect is achieved with the hem of the kilt at the top of the patella, and the top of the hose no higher than a couple of finger-widths below.

But what a fine Christmas gift, well chosen, I wish you many years of enjoyable wearing.

**TandemGeek** · 27th December 16, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Grizzled Ian

...that we need to see your knees. It could be parallax that hides yours from view,

Appreciate the feedback and yes, it was the camera angle that makes the kilt look longer than it is and the hose a bit higher than they are in true view.

My kilts generally fall at the center of my kneecap when worn at the true waist, although I have one tartan kilt that's a bit shorter but I that I wear at my jean waist.

The hose have been a bit of a challenge in that I like to wear thicker Merino wool blend socks and most of what I'm finding in the hose are synthetic blends or wool but all quite thin. Getting them in the right height adds yet another factor in correct sizing when the tops have a clearly defined weave that makes the fold-over look odd when I adjust for the proper height. Perhaps 3rd time will be the charm.

**McMurdo** · 27th December 16, 04:42 PM

Great first effort, a few little tweaks should bring the outfit to the next level. If it were me I would leave the fly plaid at home, bring the hose down a touch and the kilt up, show some knee. Also if wearing the Prince Charlie with the waistcoat, there is no need for the belt and it tends to make the waistcoat lay funny. I would suggest looking at this thread.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

**Profane James** · 27th December 16, 07:05 PM

Hose are difficult for me as well - thin legs. The only style with thickness to my liking (VERY thick) are Rocky's 'hand knit hose', but are only available in a few colors. Anyone know of this style available anywhere else? Other than custom?

**TandemGeek** · 27th December 16, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

If it were me I would leave the fly plaid at home, bring the hose down a touch and the kilt up, show some knee. Also if wearing the Prince Charlie with the waistcoat, there is no need for the belt and it tends to make the waistcoat lay funny.

Appreciate the constructive feedback.

As for the fly plaid, my dear wife was the advocate so I'll likely indulge her desires and wear for the early part of the evening on New Years; however, it will definitely be put aside once dancing begins in earnest for practical reasons. ;)

The kilt length is probably correct per feedback from the group but not well illustrated with the photos. However, the hose as worn that evening were too high... so that will definitely be corrected.

I also appreciate the suggestion on going without the belt. In doing my homework and looking at various photos of folks dressed for black tie events it appeared that 1/2 were wearing a belt with the jacket/vest while the other 1/2 did not. I included in on my trial fitting "because it was there". However, based on your suggestion I will likely go without the belt as I would agree that it does interfere with the lay of the waistcoat and, well, adds more bling where no additional bling is needed.

Cheers!

**McMurdo** · 28th December 16, 06:59 AM

It sounds like a good idea to go with the fly plaid at least for the first wear. The outfit does look good and you would be at home in any number of events wearing it the way you've got it. Wear it well.