Quote Originally Posted by James MacMillan View Post
As for the initial purpose of spats - weren't they made to protect the shoe? High formal wear for the pants crowd would see black or grey spats. Pipers and the gun carriers wear them also.
Initially, when they were still "spatterdashes". By the time they evolved into ankle spats they were mostly decorative. Spatterdash.com is the best place to go for ankle spats, I haven't bought a pair myself yet, though once I've got the money I will. They should be coming out with boxcloth spats with leather straps and buckles, though I'm not sure when.

Grey was the most common color, along with tan and white. White is the most formal, though it did depend on the time of day and climate. Grey is the best all around.

I've seen the piper's spats with the level tops for sale a couple times. I'll take a look 'round and see if I can find them again.

Cheers,
Nick