Looks and why they work.

[Shuteye]

***

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

[Dale Seago]

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".

Well, I'd agree were it not for that persistent glass of insipid grape juice in your hand instead of a proper whisky.

Though that IS a part of the whole California thing.

And I hope you realize I'm totally pulling your leg here. I think it's a great look!

[Shuteye]

Well, I'd agree were it not for that persistent glass of insipid grape juice in your hand instead of a proper whisky.

Though that IS a part of the whole California thing.

And I hope you realize I'm totally pulling your leg here. I think it's a great look!

I grew up tasting wine in Napa and Paso Robles regions from my early twenties on. It gets under your skin as I am sure good whisky does. Taken as it was meant, Mr. Seago! And thanks for the complement

[CMcG]

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". <snip>

I think you look fine in flip flops with a t-shirt and this would certainly be appropriate for that kind of heat. IMHO though, as a "look" goes, this is definitely practicality over appearance. A UK just looks better with boots because, to my eye, it is more balanced. But you can't argue with mother nature...

[Shuteye]

I think you look fine in flip flops with a t-shirt and this would certainly be appropriate for that kind of heat. IMHO though, as a "look" goes, this is definitely practicality over appearance. A UK just looks better with boots because, to my eye, it is more balanced. But you can't argue with mother nature...

Agreed 100%! While I definitely don't feel "unmanned" by the hot weather look , it is definitely not up to par with the look of boots. The Workman looks even more out of balance with flip flops than the lighter Original UK. I do, however, wear a Workman around the house in the summer only because I have a caramel colored one that is a soft, faded, beater that is stained and abused, and it holds tools and pruners well. My wife raises heck when I try to wear it out and about because it is so beat up. Occasionally I manage to sneak out alone in it on Saturday errands In the winter with a thread bare old jacket, it provides a good, hard worked look .... gets some good double takes at home depot.