Re the sock thing, I think it was Kilted Code Warrior who suggested wearing regular over the calf socks under the kilt socks as another layer...

I've heard that pro golfers used to wear pantyhose under their trousers when they ran into cold weather (not suggesting that anyone wear pantyhose under their kilt...this is just an example of men who needed freedom of movement adapting to cold weather)...no one was the wiser and I guess that these modern "under armour" men's tights and high-tech thermals weren't available at the time (I'd bet that that's what they've gone to nowadays).

And I really think that extreme weather should make the wearing of, let's say, some dark colored boxer briefs permissible...the "regimental or nothing" crowd notwithstanding. I mean...we don't all have 8yd wool classics to wear and it can get pretty extreme out there.

best

AA