Newbie needs advice - kilts and cruising

[Jock Scot]

1. Unlikely you would do something offensive. No real no-nos but I would avoid white or ecru hose unless you want to go for the hire-shop look - and steer clear of those hideous rouche ties. Just keep it simple and classy.

2. Black Argyll with silver buttons is more versatile and can be worn with a tie or a bow tie - both this and PC would appropriate for evening wear so it's down to personal preference. Tweed jackets are for day wear.

3. ?? if you mean the buttons then that's typical for evening jackets and doublets - although you can also get these with an antique finish or in black if you don't like the chrome look - but most folk wont even notice the buttons - whatever you go for.

4. Not at all - the idea is more for things that complement each other rather than matchy-matchy - but again it comes down to personal tastes and preferences. The lion rampant has been a Scottish symbol since the 13th.

5. Up to you - there are plenty of leather evening sporrans - the thing to look for is a metal cantle (day sporrans generally have a leather flap instead).

6. There are hundreds of universal tartans to choose from and Black Watch is a classic and in no way seen as lame - but here's the thing, this whole clan tartan thing is really a 19th flight of fancy so if you like a particular tartan go for it - no-one is going to ask to see you pedigree or "entitlement" to wear it.

7. Don't bother - it's completely unnecessary and largely an invention of the hire industry

Very good advice above. The only thing that I take issue with is in point 2, is the "Tweed jackets are for daywear".

Tweed jackets are never worn for formal attire whether thats for day or evening kilt attire. However tweed can be legitimately worn in the evening for less formal events that just require a lounge or business suit. For example, a smart but not formal evening drinks do, or taking the wife out for a smart, but not a formal dinner or occasion, then the tweed kilt jacket is entirely suitable.