Something that Hamish wrote years ago that stuck in my head

[The Wizard of BC]

And it is this same thinking that makes me advise my customers who come into my shop and want to select hose colors to match their kilt. Those who want Tartan flashes and bright silver or chrome accessories. Those who want a fly plaid or a tie or cummerbund in the same Tartan.

To me it is the Tartan that we want to shine. We want our kilt to stand out. Why would you push the Tartan into the background? This is what you are doing when your entire color palette is based around the colors of your kilt.

Does anyone pick sock colors to match their pants? Nope.

The same can be said for all the bright accessories. Especially guys who come in to rent an outfit for a wedding. I tell them about the one - unbreakable - inviolatable rule - when it comes to wearing a kilt at weddings. NEVER, EVER, outshine the bride!


I am a strong believer in the KISS Principal. Keep It Simple Stupid. Sure you can wear bright colors, but they should be small, accent pieces. I dislike hair sporrans for the same reason. The eye is drawn to the sporran and the kilt is just there, in the background, somewhere.
The extreme example of breaking the KISS Principal would be a drum major. I've seen many when you can't see the kilt at all.

When people look at me I want them to notice the kilt and the Tartan.