Over doing it

[Grizzly]

Nathan

I suppose we are each trying to achieve what we want to achieve in our own way and in many ways we are probably attacking the situation from opposite ends.One the "less is more" and the other, well, errr, ummm, how about " theatrically loud"? My childhood training in Highland attire and still holds true for me today, was most certainly to be smartly dressed at all times,(we agree there!) not only that, at all times, in all occassions was brashness and loud attire to be avoided at all costs and it was easy--and still is in my opinion--- to do so for those who do not know the form. Your mindset is quite foriegn to me, but I cannot honestly say its wrong, so each to their own, eh?

I have absolutely no wish to stereotype but we British are renowned for being reserved in all things. Throughout this thread I have noticed that largely our friends from across the pond have been in favour of ostentatiousness (is that a word?) whereas largely GB folk have urged restraint and caution.

What the heck, it's your party in your country go for it. No doubt you will glow like a peacock, just don't do it over here as it may not be accepted in quite the way you would like.

As Jock says above "each to their own". Above all the most important thing is to enjoy it and don't forget the pictures!!!

[StevieR]

I have absolutely no wish to stereotype but we British are renowned for being reserved in all things. Throughout this thread I have noticed that largely our friends from across the pond have been in favour of ostentatiousness (is that a word?) whereas largely GB folk have urged restraint and caution.

What the heck, it's your party in your country go for it. No doubt you will glow like a peacock, just don't do it over here as it may not be accepted in quite the way you would like.

As Jock says above "each to their own". Above all the most important thing is to enjoy it and don't forget the pictures!!!

Well said mate, I was always taught that "understated elegance" was the objective, but I defy anyone not to be thinking "well. . . maybe" when confronted with a picture of the late, great John D Burgess in all his pomp

[Grizzly]

Absolutely mate. John D Burgess never knowingly undersold -

[Jock Scot]

Absolutely mate. John D Burgess never knowingly undersold -

I know many will think that I am talking heresy here, but you make my point perfectly Simon. Pipers are showmen, performers, love the limelight, the world is their stage, they love the attention ----its what makes them tick after all and whilst in CIVILIAN dress they can and do, on occasion, push the boundaries of Highland attire way beyond what many of us would want to do. No one would argue, least of all me, that they are not entitled to dress how they please, no one could criticise them for not being well turned out, but make no mistake the theatrical influence is plain to see , if you want to see it and their attire can sometimes be way beyond the norm and well into the realms of theatrically loud. It would be unwise to regard these brilliant musicians' attire as any sort of example to follow if you want to be within the realms of traditionally and tastefully attired and you chaps need to be aware of this when deciding your future purchases and how others may view your attire. Just saying.

[Nathan]

I know many will think that I am talking heresy here, but you make my point perfectly Simon. Pipers are showmen, performers, love the limelight, the world is their stage, they love the attention ----its what makes them tick after all and whilst in CIVILIAN dress they can and do, on occasion, push the boundaries of Highland attire way beyond what many of us would want to do. No one would argue, least of all me, that they are not entitled to dress how they please, no one could criticise them for not being well turned out, but make no mistake the theatrical influence is plain to see , if you want to see it and their attire can sometimes be way beyond the norm and well into the realms of theatrically loud. It would be unwise to regard these brilliant musicians' attire as any sort of example to follow if you want to be within the realms of traditionally and tastefully attired and you chaps need to be aware of this when deciding your future purchases and how others may view your attire. Just saying.

When I read this and your previous statements about Clan Chiefs and the Duke of Rothsay and deep pockets, the subtext comes across like, "These people can get away with it because they're big shots. If you're not important, it's tacky to try to dress like you're important."

I'm not trying to put words in your mouth, so correct me if that's way off base.

[Jock Scot]

When I read this and your previous statements about Clan Chiefs and the Duke of Rothsay and deep pockets, the subtext comes across like, "These people can get away with it because they're big shots. If you're not important, it's tacky to try to dress like you're important."

I'm not trying to put words in your mouth, so correct me if that's way off base.

You are not only putting words into my mouth, you are, I am sorry to say, also seemingly determined to draw the wrong conclusions from what I actually said.

[rondo]

Nathan,
I try very, very hard to refrain from commenting in this particular forum as I feel like an alien here, but, like you, I find it difficult to understand this "two different sets of rules" thing that seems to be prevalent. I am a flamboyant personality myself and while not a musician, or actor [anymore] the [perceived] pretentiousness of some of my sartorial decisions puts off some folks. Screw them, they are my clothes, I'll wear them as I see fit and appropriate [this is not a slam against anyone or anyone's opinion]. I have found that if I wear my clothing with confidence, in a smart manner, and brush off the odd look or comment I am fine. This holds true whether I am wearing black leather motorcycle gear, kilts, or a dashiki. Confidence is the key.
I love your balmoral coatee, it looks stunning. Wear it with pride and confidence to your event. I think it is entirely approriate given the photos you've shown of past events. When I was considering the balmoral doublet as an addition to my highland attire it would have been used in place of a PC. Alas, being a somewhat rotund man, it wasn't flattering on me and I went with an open coat alternative. Don't overthink it.
As for the Pipe Major, I think he exudes confidence. He always presented himself sharply and squared away[in every photo I've seen]. Best regards.
Rondo
P.S. My flame suit is on.

[Nathan]

You are not only putting words into my mouth, you are, I am sorry to say, also seemingly determined to draw the wrong conclusions from what I actually said.

I'm certainly not determined to draw the wrong conclusions, I'm just doing my best to read between the lines as I feel that in your efforts to be diplomatic some things are perhaps hinted at and left unsaid directly.

That's why I asked for clarification. If it's not that the aforementioned high profile gentlemen can get away with flamboyant choices due to their status or public personas, perhaps it is that you're not a fan of these attire choices even on those gentlemen.

I ask for clarification in order to actually understand your point not to malign you.

So my question is how does one stand out in the crowd without going too far in your opinion or is such a goal impossible to attain?