Coordinating colors with tartan

[Big Dave]

Well I think this lad proves Cawdorian's point about the light/tan/oatmeal color shirt working well with your tartan - but he also proves that he knows very little about wearing a kilt. :rolleyes:

That pic should get moved to Kilt Do's and Don'ts.

smaughazard, it's a great looking tartan you have there, so wearing light coloured socks and shirts would really bring out the colour of your cilt.

[Archangel]

You know, as beautiful as that belt is, and it is, I think that is what is throwing off your look.

I'd also recommend lighter coloured socks that will first, not make your moontan so obvious, and second, add the illusion of bulk to the structure. Hamish explained it well somewhere else, it's the opposite reason why women don't wear wear white kneesocks. Generally, you'd have to have real thunder calfs to look good in dark, IMNSHO.

On the plus side, you have the kilt on the right way around. Well, there's more than that. Just be confident and take any critique with a grain, except mine and Hamish's, Ha. Some of these people were thinking of buying Abbie's sporrans so there you go....

[Hamish]

Well, Smaughazard, many thanks for asking for me by name. However, those who have already responded are as qualified as I to give you an answer!

I would certainly opt for Oatmeal hose with a beige, or similar, shirt/top. Black hose are far too formal if you're aiming for the 'casual' look, and you're right about green hose too.

That is certainly a fine-looking belt - but it dominates! It might be great for re-enactment events (or even weight-lifting!!), but I don't personally think it is suitable for everyday wear. I'll probably be shouted down now, but it really is too 'strong' for your kilt - in my 'umble opinion!

[smaughazard]

Thanks, all, for the advice! The black hose were chosen simply to coordinate with the shirt for some quick pics (I only received the kilt yesterday morning!), and I'll try the other combinations as soon as I can manage. I think there's a beige shirt in the closet somewhere, and I'll try to find hose to match when I visit the Tartans Museum next weekend. This is my first non-casual kilt, and I need to build the rest of the kit to go with it- exactly why I asked for opinions… Hamish, I mentioned your name because I've looked at all the photos in your album, and I certainly admire your sense of style.

And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! That may have something to do with all the black motorcycling leather that I use. I do have a more conservative 2.5" belt as well.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

...And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! ...

Which is all that matters! You have embarked on the road less traveled by (to quote Frost), so everybody else's opinions are no more than dust in the wind. Wear what you want and wear it proudly and with respect and no one will question you.

(On review, I must be in some kind of philosophical mood tonight.)

[Hamish]

Which is all that matters! You have embarked on the road less traveled by (to quote Frost), so everybody else's opinions are no more than dust in the wind. Wear what you want and wear it proudly and with respect and no one will question you.

(On review, I must be in some kind of philosophical mood tonight.)

I quite agree, Rob, but I gave my opinion because I was asked for it!

Fair enough, I was not asked to comment on the belt but it was the first thing I saw in those photos - it hit me before I even noticed the super kilt!!

I really must learn that most of us over on this side of the pond have rather different sets of standards to those held on your side of it. Neither of us is either right or wrong - just different!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

I quite agree, Rob, but I gave my opinion because I was asked for it!

Fair enough, I was not asked to comment on the belt but it was the first thing I saw in those photos - it hit me before I even noticed the super kilt!!

I really must learn that most of us over on this side of the pond have rather different sets of standards to those held on your side of it. Neither of us is either right or wrong - just different!

Ham, that is because you are the epitome of the modern kilt wearing man! I, and many other welcome your opinion and seek your advise. We may not take it, and my comment to Smaug was to realize that, he being new to the forum.

And I think that everybody saw the belt. Some loved it, some did not, but Smaug has to wear what he feels comfortable with and defines his style. While I don't think I would wear that belt, I do think it looks awesome!

[Archangel]

And, with due respect to all, I'll probably continue to wear the belt at times, as I like it! That may have something to do with all the black motorcycling leather that I use. I do have a more conservative 2.5" belt as well.

Darn right.


I've got a book here that pictures some lord of the isles in a kilt that would cause serious angst to many here. However, it's not a costume to him, it's his everyday outfit and he looks like he wouldn't give tuppence for anybody's opinion of him.

[cloves]

I really dig that belt too. It's awesome!
It won't dominate quite so much if you wear it with more casual attire. For instance, if you have heavy black boots and push your hose down, that will add visual weight to your lower leg and look more balanced.

[smaughazard]

I really dig that belt too. It's awesome!
It won't dominate quite so much if you wear it with more casual attire. For instance, if you have heavy black boots and push your hose down, that will add visual weight to your lower leg and look more balanced.

Great idea, Cloves. I can manage that easily enough with what I have on hand.

BTW, my wife and I both cracked up over your signature phrase.