Looks and why they work.

[Shuteye]

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I'd like to follow up on the modern kilt look. Once upon a time I made a pilgrimage to the Utilikilt flagship store in Seattle. I was wearing baggy jeans, skate shoes, a hoodie, and a ballcap, which I figured I should be able to swap a Utilikilt into without difficulty. Wrong! I looked like a dude in a skirt

Where did I go wrong? After some reflection and Google image searching, I've come to realize some things about the modern kilt aesthetic. The best accessories are the ones that symbolize toughness and/or manliness: facial hair, boots, muscles, tattoos, chains, leather, sunglasses, and dirt.

This is not to say that one can't wear a modern kilt in other ways. I'm sure a tee shirt and flip flops, for example, is very comfortable. But to my eye, the lack of traditional indexes pointing to Highland masculinity are a weak point that must be taken into account.

Look at Shuteye, in post #11. Facial hair and boots!

So I throw these pics out there for evaluation in hopes of changing your mind, CMcG. In the hot California central valley summers, I go about town dressed like this all summer and feel comfortable and "manly". I have to admit, I prefer UK's "original" as seen in these pics (vs the heavy "workman") with flip flops, not just for the light and cooler fabric, but for the visual balance. Note one pic has heavier Sperry topsider sandals, the other pics are my preferred light Reef flip flops. In 100+ heat I would feel overdressed, not to mention uncomfortable, in boots when everyone else is cruisin' around in shorts and sandals. On truly hot days, I'll lose the leather wrist brace also. A leather and etched stone pictish necklace from Scotland is year round though, either pony, owl, or raven depending on my mood