what kilt hose to wear?

[Bugbear]

Would it be wrong, in formal attire, to wear solid colored hose with a contrastingly colored hose cuff?

For example, black hose with a gray cuff. I'm thinking of the STM's Royal Cuff kilt hose.

If there is an issue with skin tone and a color it can be buffered with a favorable color between it and the showing skin. One is probably already wearing a black formal jacket which is buffered by the white shirt.

And as I posted above, I understand that it is best to wear tartan or diced hose with the formal outfit.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Would it be wrong, in formal attire, to wear solid colored hose with a contrastingly colored hose cuff?

For example, black hose with a gray cuff. I'm thinking of the STM's Royal Cuff kilt hose.

I'm not 100% convinced it would work-- my shooting socks have a different cuff than the leg, so perhaps I'm blinded by the fact that to me, at least, it would look like one was wearing shooting socks.

That said, if it was subdued (which my shooting socks aren't), it would probably look okay-- the black with grey cuffs you mentioned sound as if they'd probably pass muster.

[Bugbear]

I'm not 100% convinced it would work-- my shooting socks have a different cuff than the leg, so perhaps I'm blinded by the fact that to me, at least, it would look like one was wearing shooting socks.

That said, if it was subdued (which my shooting socks aren't), it would probably look okay-- the black with grey cuffs you mentioned sound as if they'd probably pass muster.

Thanks, MacMillan of Rathdown.

[Nanook]

One is probably already wearing a black formal jacket which is buffered by the white shirt.

Black is not the only formal coatee colour about... but leaving that aside.. since we're on the subject.. White is not always the right shirt colour to choose. Those with fair cool complexions (reddish versus yellowish), light hair (blond, ash, amber etc) and blue or gray eyes in the winter--- sans tan--- are probably better drawn to ivory and light pastels (such as pink or blue) while those with warm complexions would find earth colours better suiting. White shirts can be perfect with tanned skin but with fair cool tone (whitish pink) skin and light hair it tends to make the wearing look paler and move the focus of attention to the tie, or worse still, the kilt and hose rather than face. Its about first impressions and they should be clearly focused on the face, especially eyes and not the floor (but when they do move downwards, shoes should be of good quality, condition and shine as they are typically considered the true giveaway between a well dressed gentleman and a poseur)....

[Phil]

I am from the old school where you wore self-coloured hose with daywear ( some colour to match your kilt) and tartan hose for formal wear. I realise, however, that not everyone can justify spending a lot of money on socks and why be a snob about it? I actually like off-white hose with the PC outfit, preferably a bit chunky-knit hose. It reminds me of the Fred Astaire look, mussing up the white tie, the white scarf etc.. What I think looks terrible are hose that you can see the underlying ghostly white legs shining through - and that goes for black as well as white. Whatever you get go for the best quality you can afford but just make sure your legs don't shine through them!

[gilmore]

Should we powder our calves?

[Bugbear]

Should we powder our calves?

Yes, but don't forget your knees.

Actually, I'm looking into diced hose now because, with planning, I might be able to squeeze enough blood out of the turnip.

I only seem to learn by making an idiot of myself.