Quote Originally Posted by Phil View Post
There is a great deal of contradictory advice available here on this forum, most of which has developed over the years that I have been here. In the beginning white hose and gillie brogues were the norm, montrose doublets and jabots were unheard of, headwear was whatever hung on the hallstand, jacobite shirts and those 'swordsman' doublets were rife. Then, almost imperceptibly, voices were heard proclaiming the evils of such kilted abominations. These voices pronounced with such an air of authority, bolstered by an oft repeated claim to be the oracle in all such matters, that the ingenues here began to believe them and hang upon their every word as if from on high. And lo, it came to pass that the old beliefs in white hose, gillie brogues and all those false abominations from the past were cast out. Sadly your tartan flashes seem to have joined these ranks, the likes of which must never be mentioned here except to bring down scorn and derision upon the perpetrator.
On the other hand, if you have been wearing them for the last 25 years, then you are probably eminently better qualified to do so than the majority of such contributors here, the majority of whom would not have known a kilt from a tartan rug 10 years ago, never mind 25.
So no, you haven't been getting it wrong. Just that there are, unfortunately, many people in this world who live their lives with the misguided conceit that they know better and never hesitate in expressing their fatuous opinions to all and sundry at every possible opportunity.
Well put Phil, I know in the 7 or so years I've been active here I've seen a lot of things like that trend in and/or out. I recall in my first few months here I asked about white hose with formal rig, I thought black would be the way to go, but was assured by a majority of people that white was the only way to go. After seeing some photos from the event all I could think of was how I didn't like those damn socks. I have not worn any since. But I have to say, in those days it was just the advice of the majority, not the loud voice of a couple 'oracles' as you say.
I seem to have missed the memo on the tartan flashes early on too, I don't recall them being a problem in my early days here. I have some for 3 of my kilts, and I'll choose to wear them based on the same criteria I choose solid ones on; if I think they will look good with the outfit.