Accessories for a new kilt.... questions from a newby

[James Hood]

Personal preference for jacket parallels XMTS founder Steve Ashton's; a Saxon blazer (not cut down) in wool or tweed, rather than Argyll, for daily wear (with day sporran).

In other words, treat the wool tartan kilt as a pair of wool trousers.

In this experience, an Argyll at non-Highland affairs is a bit much. Am strongly considering toning down (only) Argyll with horn or bone buttons; the (as jacket made) square silver-metal ones are too garish for this writer's preference.

[McMurdo]

First off welcome to XMarks. Second off, good choice on the grey argyll it will serve you well for years. As for the loud hose if you are happywith them and comfortable wearing them then I say go for it, after all it is your outfit no matter what others may think. I would suggest looking at he 1 kilt 10 looks thread here:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

You will notice I used my grey argyll in this thread a few times. I did that simply because the grey argyll just works. As for the stag hose I am glad OC Richard used the McLeay portrait of Thomas MacKenzie as those stag hose were the first thing I thought of after reading your post.

[Nathan]

Personal preference for jacket parallels XMTS founder Steve Ashton's; a Saxon blazer (not cut down) in wool or tweed, rather than Argyll, for daily wear (with day sporran).

In other words, treat the wool tartan kilt as a pair of wool trousers.

In this experience, an Argyll at non-Highland affairs is a bit much. Am strongly considering toning down (only) Argyll with horn or bone buttons; the (as jacket made) square silver-metal ones are too garish for this writer's preference.

I can't support this advice. A non cut Saxon jacket looks quite sloppy with a kilt
It is unbalanced and covers too much of the kilt and sporran. If you want to avoid the embellishments of the standard Argyll, there is always the option to get a kilt jacket without epaulettes, scalloped pocket flaps or fancy cuffs. Steve's line of jackets of this nature are called the kilt kut jacket I believe but you can also find them referred to as Wallace jackets or simply tweed kilt jackets. HRH prince Charles Duke of Rothesay, HRH Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh, Lord Macdonald of Macdonald and Clanranald all prefer this simpler take on the Argyll.

Indeed many if the gents featured in The Highlanders of Scotland preferred this, too. But to just wear a Saxon jacket with a kilt looks unbalanced and like the wearer doesn't have the necessary kit and is simply making due.

[Nathan]

To the OP, this thread was mentioned earlier as a good one to consult. Here is the link:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...xamples-85511/

[DyerStraits]

First off welcome to XMarks. Second off, good choice on the grey argyll it will serve you well for years. As for the loud hose if you are happywith them and comfortable wearing them then I say go for it, after all it is your outfit no matter what others may think. I would suggest looking at he 1 kilt 10 looks thread here:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...-attire-46888/

You will notice I used my grey argyll in this thread a few times. I did that simply because the grey argyll just works. As for the stag hose I am glad OC Richard used the McLeay portrait of Thomas MacKenzie as those stag hose were the first thing I thought of after reading your post.

I fully agree with you regarding the arguably under-appreciated versatility of a good grey argyll coat, and it reminds me that I really do need to wear my own arrochar coat and waistcoat more often. Your 1 Kilt, 10 Looks thread remains as definitive a guide as any for someone new (or even not-so-new) to Highland attire.