Ghillie brogues - why the dislike and resentment..?

[Ivor]

From an interested observer’s view, my consideration is that highland dress is a distinct form of dress, not a divergence from what some may call “Saxon dress” i.e. a suit, 2 or 3 piece, with shirt and tie and usually black shoes, sometimes described here in American terms as “wingtips”. Presumably this distinctiveness derived from a separate source and a truly representative form of distinctive Scottish dress would be a kilt(obviously) with Doublet and jabot, patterned hose perhaps to match the tartan of the kilt and footwear of a distinctive Scottish kind. Anything else becomes a parody of English or “ Saxon” clothing and, while perfectly acceptable and perhaps even more practical, detracts from the purpose of dressing in an authentic way. A great deal of scorn is expressed here from time to time about dress choices, particularly when it comes to footwear but also socks and even shirts, but if Scottish dress is to continue as a unique and distinctive form then ghillie brogues and even buckle brogues must remain an integral part.