Plaid with a regular suit?

[WillowEstate]

<snip>

I don't want to sound too critical, but I do feel that some points in this discussion <snip> make me question whether coming to X marks the Scot is the best decision. It appears that if I am not wearing trad highland wear in exactly the way and settings that I "should", then I am considered a phony, or in bad taste. <snip>

Again, sorry if I'm overstepping here, but I would like to think that the forum community is not so staid that there is only one correct viewpoint.

I would refer to post #22 in this thread.

As a new member of the forum, it can be a little difficult to grasp its style - it was for me, when I joined. I hope you stay with us and persevere. There is a vast range of ages among members here and there is a difference in the way we see the world and kilt wearing in particular. Like Jock, I've seen my biblical "three score and ten" and as such come from a more gentle world - some would say more formal and strict. But we have accumulated much experience during that time, though that experience may sit uneasily with the faster more modern times in which we live today.

For many native Scots, particularly Highlanders like Jock, the kilt is much more than clothing, it represents their national identity, as does the identity of the other members, either by birthright or adoption. The forum, at least in my opinion, is the richer for this diversity and we can all benefit from it, in our traditional civility.

I very much appreciate Jock's experience and advice. Do I always follow it? No, living about as far as it's possible to get from Scotland, like you, some isn't appropriate to our climate but I try to adapt his advice, with respect to the traditional meaning of Highland dress.

So thank you for your post, it's good to see new opinions; I hope you will stay with us and take the advice, offered in good faith by all members and adapt it to your purposes.

[OC Richard]

I've just never been one who is great with set "rules"!

People here often speak of "rules" and "police" and such, conjuring images of written laws and so forth.

To me it's a completely different thing, though something perhaps hard to put into words.

When you see a large number of images of, say, a particular historical period your eye gets a strong sense of what things belong and what things don't.

If a costume designer creates costumes for a movie set in that time period anything that doesn't belong will stand out to the person who is familiar.

Modern traditional Highland Dress is like that in a way. It's a tradition. It didn't come from nowhere. The dress evolved into the present forms from an unbroken line of antecedents going back into an unknown past. Those that are familiar with the tradition have a feel for what belongs and what doesn't. Viewing the tradition as a canon of arbitrary and wanton rules seems wrongheaded to me.

[Jock Scot]

People here often speak of "rules" and "police" and such, conjuring images of written laws and so forth.

To me it's a completely different thing, though something perhaps hard to put into words.

When you see a large number of images of, say, a particular historical period your eye gets a strong sense of what things belong and what things don't.

If a costume designer creates costumes for a movie set in that time period anything that doesn't belong will stand out to the person who is familiar.

Modern traditional Highland Dress is like that in a way. It's a tradition. It didn't come from nowhere. The dress evolved into the present forms from an unbroken line of antecedents going back into an unknown past. Those that are familiar with the tradition have a feel for what belongs and what doesn't. Viewing the tradition as a canon of arbitrary and wanton rules seems wrongheaded to me.

Exactly so. The last paragraph of your post and especially the last sentence, are particularly pertinent.

[ThistleDown]

Very well said, OC. Thanks. I understand the 'wear the kilt just as you would trousers' school of thought, but trousers have traditions that have led them to where they are today, too. We don't ever wear them back-to-front, but for brief periods of time some wear them slung low (and some even lower), baggy or skin-tight, buttoned up or zipped, big pockets or no pockets, belted or unbelted; still, trousers are trousers and there are slowly evolving ways to wear them. That's what 'tradition' is: the forward movement of styles and customs from generation to generation.

[Liam]

Is it my imagination, no I think not, but while interesting perhaps, or perhaps not this thread has drifted from the original post considerably and has digressed into one of our regular themes. At least politely so.

For all of you new to Xmarks, this can be a regular occurrence so don't be frightened away. No harm or malice is intended, and you may over time either learn from it or al least find it amusing!

Slainte

[OC Richard]

this thread has drifted from the original post considerably and has digressed into one of our regular themes.

The OP asked

"If someone would be so kind as to inform me on sashes, laird plaids, fly plaids, mini fly plaids, and day plaids and their differences..."

It seems to me that such questions can't be answered without coming to grips with the notion of "tradition".

Otherwise, all such questions will be met with "do whatever you want" which is a non-answer.

[Jock Scot]

The OP asked

"If someone would be so kind as to inform me on sashes, laird plaids, fly plaids, mini fly plaids, and day plaids and their differences..."

It seems to me that such questions can't be answered without coming to grips with the notion of "tradition".

Otherwise, all such questions will be met with "do whatever you want" which is a non-answer.

Well said OCR!

It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that the "what ever you want" reply is actually what many here require, particularly by those who did not actually ask the question!

Unsurprisingly to some here, in my book that train of thought should be resisted at every opportunity with quiet, firm and polite advice nevertheless. Ultimately though, we do live in a free world where, fortunately, we do have choices, where these days instant gratification rules the day, sadly to the detriment of traditions, which tend ----and do---- develop at a slower pace.

It actually is understandable in some ways. The kilt and its attire to name but one case, has gone international where tradition is a minor detail to many , due largely to the internet where misinformation, ignorance, impatience, wishful thinking, a historical disregard of old world tradition and climate differences all play their part. Some would say that is a good thing, but not from where I am standing.

[Taskr]

A page or few back, the OP mentioned he would wear a tartan bow tie and were deciding on which, and she would wear his tartan in a sash after the ceremony. I wonder if we'll see pics of the happy newly weds.

[ThistleDown]

Who knows, Taskr? The last time she was in the forum was May 19.

[Jock Scot]

A page or few back, the OP mentioned he would wear a tartan bow tie and were deciding on which, and she would wear his tartan in a sash after the ceremony. I wonder if we'll see pics of the happy newly weds.

Sounds like she worked out a plan from the assorted advice given. I like that!