Ghillie brogues, yes or no?

[English Bloke]

Mmmm; We're all a bit edgy on this thread me thinks.

At the risk of chucking water at the chip-pan.

I don't really like Ghillies and think they are a bit too dressy for my taste but then again I think PC's are a bit on the grand side too. If you are attending a formal function where everyone is dressing the same (Wedding, Formal Dinner) then that ensamble can really look the business. but unless everyone's doing it I think one in a crowd looks overdone and I certainly would not pop to the shops in Ghillies and Prince Charlie.

I do like BobsYourUncle's example of a smart black brogue shoe and would wear these for smart casual or formal (and do so, I have a pair exactly like those in the photo) I don't have a problem with Ghillies on other folk, I just prefer a less ornate type of footwear on myself. When casual I wear Cat Boots or a rather dapper pair of dark brown X-trainers I recently aquired which I like alot. Wouldn't dream of wearing these to a dinner but they are fine for slobbing about town and go well with T-shirt and fleece. Wore them to a house party last Saturday wearing Black Watch, black leather, black hose and flashes, royal-blue T-shirt and Levi denim jacket. I liked the look and don't really care what anyone else thought. I was the only kilt there anyway.

I personally regard Ghillies (and PC for that matter) as ultra formal and as I have little occasion (or desire) to attend such functions I don't possess them. I like to chill in my kilt and to be bound up like I'm oven-ready doesn't do it for me. No disrespect intended to those that do like them and as I've said, in the right setting they can be exactly right. If I was invited to a 'posh' do I may well consider them if it was to be the norm on the occasion.

When I first delved into the world of kiltedness I hadn't really got a clue about what to wear or how to wear it and it's through this fine forum and it's discussion threads and pictures that I have learned from others what I like and dislike without having to go out and buy it all to make my decision. It's vital that we use this medium to discuss and disagree where appropriate otherwise we'll all just be blowing smoke up each others hinterland.

Kilt on Gents and lets exchange ideas and opinions with each other but lets not fight over it or take the huff. There's no slight or intentional insult here. We're all mates in the kilt. I'd like to think we are anyway.