Casual utility kilt wear - socks high or scrunched?

[OC Richard]

I'm a kiltwearing oldtimer/traditionalist who had been kilted for decades before Utilikilts were invented.

I well remember their novelty the first time we saw them, at a Utilikilt booth at one of our Games.

It seemed to me that from the start Utilikilts were a new Fashion Culture distinct from Highland Dress. This Fashion Culture usually included high Doc Marten boots, scrunched-down socks, and black t-shirts. Often seen also was long hair, piercings, and tattoos.

The whole "look" struck me as looking all of a piece, everything fitting the style.



This being the case, what has always looked odd to me is the mixing of Utilikilts with elements of Highland dress: kilt hose, sporrans, ghillies, Scottish bonnets, and so forth.

Highland Dress, likewise, is a unique Fashion Culture. I don't see any overlap or connexion between the two styles whatsoever.



Of course anyone can dress any way they please and I couldn't care less. With my background I do notice things though.