Panache! (And everybody else) Help me build a wardrobe!

[toadinakilt]

Alrighty. I need a plan. A strategem, if you will. The purpose? To have enough kilts (I know, there's no such thing), accessories, footwear, etc., that I can be kilted whenever I feel like it, in whatever situation.

Here's what I've got. One X-Kilt, black denim, made for me by a friend, and one Stillwater Heavyweight Black Shadow acrylic. I also have a black leather casual sporran. I believe it's a Buzz Kidder... it has three tassels and no badge. I also have some black front laceup Ren boots, the tall ones from Celtic Croft.

That's it. It's a pretty bare closet, fellas.

Here are my thoughts.

I need at least two wool kilts, probably the casual 4-5 yard sort, from Scotweb or my man MAC Newsome. (Or USAKilts, whoever You're all beautiful people.) I have tended towards the solid kilts in the past because in my mind they're easier to match up with shirts I currently own. But Tartan is just so awesome...

Bear in mind that I may never attend a blacktie event, ever. Just don't tend to run with that sort of thing. So a PC is not at the top of the list, priority wise. Nor is a fancy-schmancy dress sporran.

I think new kilts and footwear are the place to start. Ren boots tend to get more funny looks than the kilt! And they are not comfortable for longer than a few hours. (I bought them for a medieval themed wedding a few years ago... I was the Best Man, the only one in a kilt, and the only one carrying a sword... strange wedding, but fun.)

So what shoes and kilts to buy? To start off, I think casual outfits? Then we can work our way towards more formal.

[toadinakilt]

Bump!

[piperdbh]

I'd say to save your pennies and get a tartan kilt, and a pair of good walking shoes that don't look like tennis shoes/sneakers. If you'll ever wear a jacket with the kilt, get yourself a black Argyle, or have a jacket converted. Add a couple of pairs of hose in different colors, maybe some garters, and you're set.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Sounds like you need a wonderful box pleated wool kilt to start off with. Handstitched from our own Matt Newsome or John(?) at Keltoi. Or machine stitched from Skye Highland Outfitters.

Then of course some hose, Lewis hose available from Keltoi or the Tartan Museum or the best deal in town for the expensive fancy argyle hose is Josh at Skye Highland outfitters. If you're on a budget like the rest of us, Matt at the Tartan museum is introducing a new line of economy hose similar to the more expensive Lewis Hose.

Footwear I find that my athletic shoes (sketchers) in a matte brown leather have worked fine for casual occasions and that is what you will find me in 90% of the time. For dress up occasions you can use some simple dress shoes or brogues. If you're the sort that would wear them, some nice hiking boots are quite appropriate.

For cold weather turtlenecks and wool tweed jackets are nice but if you're in southern Tenn you can wear polo shirts and cotton short sleeved button-up shirts most of the time.

If you're addicted to head-wear a balmoral is best and quite comfortable.

Really if you want to kilt all the time your kilt will last as long as you care to have it last. I wore my regimental weight Black Watch kilt for three months straight it's still in fine condition and is my all time favorite. I found though that full-time kilting really wears through the kilt hose.

[NorCalPiper]

Get you kilts first. Then accessories. There are tons of places to get hose and other stuff. kilts first. I suggest if you are going to be a daily wearer, or a wearer-more-than-average then get 1 PV and 1 wool. I think if I were (GULP) forced to just have the bare minimum of kilts, it would be that line up. Fashion is then up to you. Right now I'm just t-shirt, belt and PV kilt and sandals or flip flops. Thats my norcal sense of kilt comfort!

[Bugbear]

First, you need a bunch of money.

* Oops, everyone else posted while I was typing. Never mind. *

[toadinakilt]

NorCal, love that tartan! 1 PV and 1 Wool minimum, sounds about right. And the Stillwater/X-kilt for knocking about/drinking

In terms of footwear: hiking boots for casual, shoes/hose for slightly more formal occasions?

[Panache]

I tackled the idea about how to go about creating a kilted wardrobe in a thread entitled "Ideal vs. Budget" some time ago. here is what I wrote :


Panache was lounging in his library enjoying a gin and tonic and one of the darker works of William Sakekespeare when his butler informed him of a visitor. The young man, obviously distraught, explained he had come for advice. "Certainly dear fellow, please have a seat and explain your problem" said Panache motioning him toward a comfortable chair. The young man said "I need to have a highland outfit for my wedding and my wife wants me to wear a kilt on our honeymoon. I need a formal outfit and a day wear outfit. A rental is not an option and I am on an extremely limited budget"

Panache thought.

"Do you have some skill in sewing? Or have a friend who does?"

The young man nodded.

"I assume that you can manage with dress shirts, bow ties, ties, and such without my aid?"

The young man nodded.


"Then I recommend the following..."


And here is what Panache recommended

1. The kilt

Stillwater Kilts, their Heavyweight Model (let's assume Black Watch tartan) $130

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...Watch%20Tartan

The standard length of 24" might need to be hemmed and a few simple modifications to the underapron and first pleat will make it hang better)

Also purchase a pair of matching tartan flashes from Stillwater for $5 (total $135)

2. Shoes, daywear

Target

Brown simple Oxfords $30 (total $165)

http://www.target.com/Cherokee-Teddy...&searchSize=30

3. Shoes, eveningwear

Target

Black dress shoe $34.99 (total $200)

http://www.target.com/Merona-Ramiro-...&searchSize=30

4. Hose, daywear

USA Kilts Wool blend kilt hose

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cart.p...uct_detail&p=4

2 pairs (bottle green and navy blue) $40 (total $240.00)

5. Hose, eveningwear

From the Scottish tartans Museum Gift Shop 1 pair Lewis Hose (charcoal) $48

Also 1 pair of traditonal garter ties in tartan red $24 (total $312)

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/hose_lewis.htm

6. Sporran, daywear

Buzz Kidder Rob Roy Sporran from USA Kilts $60 (total $372)

http://www.usakilts.com/store/cart.p...t_detail&p=268

7. Sporran, eveningwear

Chrome Cantled Economy Sporran from the Celtic Croft $65 (total $437)

http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Highlan...me_cantle.html


8. Jacket and/or waistcoat, daywear

Tweed Jacket conversion (per XMTS instructional threads)

Second hand stores typically have a number of tweed jackets for sale for under $10, including dry cleaning we will put the price at $30 (total $467)

9. Jacket and/or waistcoat, eveningwear

Tail coat and waistcoat conversion (per XMTS instructional threads)

Used from a second hand store or ex rental. Budget $120 including cleaning and buttons (total $587)


10. Belts

From Stillwater Kilts

Brown leather embossed kilt belt $34

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...0with%20Buckle

Black leather embossed kilt belt $34

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Sti...0with%20Buckle

One thin (1/2" wide) plain brown ladies belt for use as a day wear sporran strap, new or second hand $10 (total $665)

Use the chain that comes with the Buzz Kidder sporran for your formal outfit (it will be better quality than the one that will come with the formal sporran) and pick up a simple black sporran strap from Stillwater Kilts for $11 (total $676) for when you use your cantle sporran with your tweed jacket.

Total $ 676 (not including tax)


"Assuming that the tailoring on the kilt and jackets were done well (and that the jackets were well chosen for conversion) the above items allow one to dress well for most occasions.

When finances permit you should purchase

a handsewn kilt (though keeping SWK Black Watch one as it would still be a usefull asset for one's closet).

a black argyll kilt jacket and waistcoat (for occasions where the PC style coatee is too formal and the tweed jacket not formal enough

and good quality fur or leather sporran"

The young man, far less distraught thanked Panache and walked to the door. He stopped and paused there before leaving

"What about the sgian dubh and kilt pin?" he asked

"Surely you must leave something for your bride to gift to you on this special day?" said Panache with a wink.

"Of course" said the young man who then adjourned.

Panache, his work done, resumed reading of kings, ambition, and witchcraft whilst happily sipping his G&T.

If a PC doesn't interest you then by all means go for a black Argyll or black jacket conversion instead.

Hope this was of help

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[toadinakilt]

Panache! This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for. I am indeed grateful to you and the others. I need to consolidate this list and print it out...

By the way, I've been trolling your photo albums. Someday.

[robthehiker]

And a pith helmet. Don't forget the pith helmet.