Coordinating colors with tartan

**Hamish** · 7th June 06, 04:41 PM

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** · 7th June 06, 05:33 PM

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** · 7th June 06, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

...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** · 8th June 06, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

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** · 8th June 06, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Hamish

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!

**Riverkilt** · 8th June 06, 09:13 PM

I'm with PDCorlis on the natural white shirts. If that's still not too white for you...the linen/unbleached cotton color.

For me, that sort of non-color goes well with any tartan kilt.

I happened to have a stock of old western style shirts (not the new rodeo cowboy with snap ones, but the reproduction ones) in natural white. They go well with tartan kilts...particularly my more casual tartan kilts. I save the Jacobite cut unbleached cotton shirts for the hand sewn kilts and the old west reproduction shirts for the casuals. Gives a similar look.

I get mine from Wild West Mercantile in Mesa, AZ.

www.wildwestmercantile.com

Ron

**David Dalglish** · 9th June 06, 12:57 AM

A light beige shirt would look good with your kilt, I think the belt is fine, but would look better if the kilt was worn a little lower

**Archangel** · 7th June 06, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by smaughazard

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** · 7th June 06, 07:52 PM

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** · 7th June 06, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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.