Since I came to this as the chairman of the Children's Highland Athletics and part-Irish with not a bit of Scot, my philosophy has been more how can a father outfit his son without beggaring himself and how can the father outfit himself?

1. The kilt itself.
IDEAL: A 16 oz. 8-yard, hand-sewn kilt pleated to the sett in either the main clan tartan or dress tartan by a trustworthy kilt maker.
BUDGET: A 13 oz. 4-yard kilt from Pakistan in Black Watch or one of the other 7 regimental/clan tartans.

2. Shoes, daywear.
IDEAL: Ghillie brogues with ankle laces and Doc Marten soles for marching.
BUDGET: Florsheim or Bass kiltie loafers.

3. Shoes, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Same as above except with smooth leather soles for dancing.
BUDGET: Florsheim or Thom McCann wingtips.

4. Hose, daywear.
IDEAL: Light wool kilt hose in dark colors to match tartan.
BUDGET: Same as above.

5. Hose, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Argyle kilt hose in colors that compliment the tartan, handmade.
BUDGET: Machine-made kilt hose in either off-white. However, my preference is snow white.

6. Sporran, daywear.
IDEAL: Targe sporran with chromed pewter cantle in black or grey fur.
BUDGET: Black leather targe sporran with chromed knotwork cantle.

7. Sporran, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Targe sporran with chromed pewter cantle in white fur and plaque-chain strap.
BUDGET: Targe sporran with chromed cantle in black or grey fur and a chain strap.

8. Jacket and/or waistcoat, daywear.
IDEAL: Charcoal tweed Craill with matching vest.
BUDGET: Denim twill Argyll with matching vest.

9. Jacket and/or waistcoat, eveningwear.
IDEAL: Bonnie Prince Charlie or Brian Boru in black Barathea.
BUDGET: Argyll in denim twill or Spencer tuxedo jacket in wool worsted with cummerbands instead of vests.

10. (Because it has to be a round number), your one other piece of personal advice.
IDEAL and BUDGET Kilt Belt: Once was Craigie's at sporrans.com with laminated layers and velcro closure. Very comfortable and very adjustable.
RUNNER-UP: Celtic belt and buckle from Lee River of Ireland.

And get at least one piece from Art Pewter.