My style of dress with the kilt is still evolving, but I think you've seen some pics already. Normally I wear black shoes, kilt hose, the kilt, a black day sporran, black belt. I'll wear a sweater with some colors to match some of the colors in the kilt and a tee shirt under the sweater with colors that also go with the kilt. Sometimes the sweater and tee shirt will be different from each other but both will bring out colors from the kilt. It's casual, but not "boots & black tee shirt" casual. It's sharp enough for a business casual work environment.

I've never tried stepping the dress level up any so I can't say my experience is any different. Though part of what I am trying is going to get rid of all collars in my wardrobe, even for formal use, and it goes without saying that the tie is going to go out the door as well.

I can sort of understand this behavior at pubs because there is alcohol being served and it's already a little bawdy of an environment anyway. But to get that in retail stores or convenience stores... wow.