Freedom in Tradition

[MacLowlife]

I'd like to add my faint echo of what has been said above. First, we may as well keep thinking of rules, even if they are mostly suggestions. Next, I believe the details are the thing:

Cut and color and texture do not have to be the same every time. Combination of patterns, individual twists like cufflinks and buttons ( I am getting a good covet on all over again for those salmon buttons) and overall confidence all work together to make this "free dress" individual and personal.

Finally, I suspect the answer is never going to be at the Rental Shops.

Here is a picture of two "gentlemen" in Highland dress. The one on the right is wearing a PC converted from a tailcoat in a great vintage doeskin. Note the pocket and pocket square. He is wearing a saxon formal vest in a jacquard silk. His tie is the stripe of the organization whose function he is attending. Next to him, a person of dubious character is wearing a made to measure red coatee. I have it on good authority that he wore his shirt to work all day. And yes, he is wearing a tartan bow tie. Both are wearing Stewart tartan kilts, one in Ancient hunting colo(u)rs and one in the Royal Stewart. Love it or hate it, it is pretty much Traditional Highland Dress as practiced in these parts:

http://picasaweb.google.com/MacLowlife/20101130#