At a bit of a quandry...

[creagdhubh]

I am in the process of ordering new kilt hose (House of Cheviot, Lewis style) and traditional garters to accompany them, however I cannot come to a decision about what color scheme to choose! Normally I am very good at this.

I currently own many pairs of Gaelic Themes kilt hose in every color, and also own every color of Lochcarron's garters with the double flashes. I love them both very much, as they are the only style of kilt hose and garters that I worn to this day, with the exception of my diced and argyll hose, reserved only for evening wear.

My question is, what are some ideas that you all may have for color combinations for the House of Cheviot kilt hose and traditional garter ties? I am asking this mainly because I am still unsure what kilt to wear for our local upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebration, which is extremely traditional in the main Irish/Scottish neighborhood here in Saint Louis.

I have narrowed my choice of kilt to the following two: Macpherson red ancient, and Macpherson red modern-both 16 ounce weight from Lochcarron. I understand that there are the typical kilt hose and garter pairings with those specific tartans, such as modern shades with the modern variation and ancient shades with the ancient variation-I get that. However, I am looking to possibly change things up a bit and perhaps, "clash" some colors if you will. Often times you see this being done with kilt hose and garters in Scotland, especially at clan gatherings or Highland games. For example, pink or purple hose with yellow traditional garter ties and a Campbell ancient kilt. I have seen this worn with the current Duke of Argyll. May not be for everyone, but I am quite fond of it!

So, please feel free to suggest your recommendations for what color hose and garter ties I should wear with either tartan choice. I have provided images of the tartans below. Thanks everyone!

Macpherson Red Modern


Macpherson Red Ancient


The present Duke of Argyll, with his wife and child. Note his choice of kilt hose and garters.