Adding my $0.02 to the hose selection concepts:

> A shade darker/lighter: bag that idea - bad juju.

> Matching a color in a tartan kilt: works - go with it. I haven't braved red or yellow hose yet but what the heck...

> Match to shirt/tie in a neutral kilt (Nightstalker, contemporary, UK..): sounds good to me.

Wearing a long-sleeve shirt open and outside the kilt: your call. My kilts are mostly SWK tradional tartans so I usually stay conservative vs. grunge. I could see myself wearing a chamois or other heavy shirt outside the kilt as a light jacket. Not certain if I'd do so otherwise but, like red or yellow hose, what the heck...

When going out with your better half? Somehow they always seem to look better than we do so I'm in the "Go for broke and tog it up" camp. If she's putting in the time to look good for you/the world, then return the favor. Then she won't be the only one getting checked out. :-D

Wishing you a ballistically uneventful New Year's Eve!