Graham,

I favour bomber-style leather jackets in the winter, or a chunky sweater when it's not quite so cold (and I have no need of pockets!) I have two brown 'bombers' but am sort-of looking for a black one now. However, as you say, they cost the equivalent of two kilts!!

The secret of maintaining the visual 'balance' I am always going on about, is to ensure the jacket you wear with a kilt is absolutely no longer than hip length. You will be aware that the traditional formal and semi-formal kilt jackets are styled to that length. Anything longer simply looks wrong and also impedes the swing of the pleats - something no kilt-wearer wants! I really do not think you can do better than go for a 'bomber'.