Two Modalities of Kilt-Wearing

[Coinneach]

I think the only exception I have is the term CFW. A suit and a tie would be dressing in drag for me. I wear my clothes casually, which has nothing to do with the "F" word, Fashion. It's my personal style, a comfortable style, a casual style.

Of course, that reduces the abbreviation to CW, which to some will indicate Country Western. The question is, as k. d. lang used to ask, which country?

[RockyR]

Thank you for expressing this so well. I'm with you, Andy.

I think that XMTS is at its best when these two modalities coexist peacefully. I believe it drives people away when one side or the other attempts to assert itself too much over the other.

Regards,
Rex.

Ditto's Rex's Ditto and Ditto what REX said.

[MMorgan]

Nothing else to add!! I to believe both modes of Kilting should be equal..... Suit pants and blue jeans are for completely different occasions.. different cuts different materials... but both pants....... WHY should kilts be any different.....

[csbdr]

Thank you for this. I enjoy some "balance" being expressed. Some recent lectures on "correctness" and implications that if you do anything which deviates from THW you are ill-informed,uncaring, and 'cheapening' the national dress have left me feeling cold towards XMarks, frankly. There needs to be room in the collective consciousness of this board for those who do NOT always go out in THW, and may even prefer CHW, or even occasionally wear *gasp* contemporary kilts (and yes, I am one and feel they are "kilts") .

[Detroitpete]

Well done! Great post and attempt to give evidence of our often unspoken but sometimes clearly defined continuum

Now for those of us who shade to the THW side for formal or formalish occasions, but then also shade the CFW/CHW side for less formal activities...does this make us "Bi-Modal"?

[Monkey@Arms]

As supplemental reading, may I also suggest Matt's essay: Why We Wear the Kilt which I think helps explains the tensions that sometimes arise.

Best regards,

Jake

[Kiltman]

Well done. Like you I believe both are acceptable at the proper times. The kilt is so versatile and can meet the requirements of both.

[blackbeard]

Bravo, Andy!

I think the only exception I have is the term CFW. A suit and a tie would be dressing in drag for me. I wear my clothes casually, which has nothing to do with the "F" word, Fashion. It's my personal style, a comfortable style, a casual style.

Websters Revised Edition

Fashion:
2.The prevailing mode or style, especially of dress; custom or conventional usage in respect of dress, behavior, etiquette, etc.

Coinneach,
The term Fashion does not have to be seen as an affectation. Just the way you currently choose to dress. In your case; casually.

I think that Andy's term: “casual fashion wear (CFW)” and your style blend perfectly.
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And let me just add:
Fear not the jacket, white shirt, and neck tie. They can be your friend in certain situations. They can be the great equalizer.

[andyfg]

[QUOTE=blackbeard;791362]Websters Revised Edition

Fashion:
2.The prevailing mode or style, especially of dress; custom or conventional usage in respect of dress, behavior, etiquette, etc.[/SIZE][/FONT]

Thanks Blackbeard. I was using "fashion" in that broader sense rather than as in the phrase, "A follower of fashion." The broad sense is "a general manner of doing something," in this case kilt-wearing. It's helpful to be clear about meanings!

[Coinneach]

I hear what you are both saying, but I will probably always see a difference between fashion and style. The "prevailing mode" definition of Fashion almost makes me think I can expect to see guys with their kilts belted well below the waist and showing 6 inches of boxers (I apologize for that mental image).

In doing some of my own study, I found these interesting quotes about style from fashion leaders:

"Fashions fade, style is eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

“A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period. When there is an incompatibility between the style and a certain state of mind, it is never the style that triumphs.” - Coco Chanel

And then there is this from the Scottish author Margaret Oliphant, "Oh, never mind the fashion. When one has a style of one's own, it is always twenty times better."

For now, I will be content to be a CFWer.