Kilt attire add-ons. Are they necessary?

[CBH]

Jock, very interesting question. I am struck by two possible trains of thought for those kilt wearers outwith Scotland. They are:

1. I bought it, so I'm going to wear it.
2. More accessories make me feel more authentic.

The second item also speaks to "kilt as costume," in that it is not everyday wear for most outwith Scotland and as such more is more or in some cases more is way too much.

Agreed this is likely the case in America. I fall into the 1st camp - it's only everyday wear - and I live in a very warm climate, so I never accompany it with any accessories.

[Cherie]

New here, and but I think that every occasion can has its own needs. So add-on as the occasion sees fit, sometimes a little is enough but sometimes dress to the hilt.

[Tomo]

Hmmm the only 'add-on' I see as necessary is a sporran (due to the absence of pockets, and even then not needed for some activities) and, personally, I can't see me wearing a kilt without hose.

The rest are then either largely optional or personal preference. The choice (if any) of shirt, jacket, vest, neckwear, socks, footwear and everything else may be driven by the occasion - but not always.

The 'add-on' I see as optional - and don't always wear - include:
- SD
- Belt
- Flashes
- Kilt Pin
- Jacket
- Vest
- Shirt & Tie
- Cufflinks (depends on the shirt)
- Balmoral (rarely worn)
- Ghillie Brogues (not worn in at least 15 years)
- Pocket Watch and Chain (worn once, 20 odd years ago)
- Dirk (never worn one)
- Plaid (don't own one or see the need to do so)
- Plaid Brooch (see previous)
- Glengarry (not in a pipe band)
- Cromach (not a shepherd, nor a serving or retired officer of a Highland Regiment)

I think there is sometimes a bit of push from the outfitters to have the whole kit and caboodle and perhaps that drives expectations to some extent.

[Father Bill]

Only quibble I'd have would be the flashes - I wear self-tied garters because I don't like socks sliding down my legs.

The rest depends on the occasion. If other men are 'black tie' for instance, I'll wear a proper jacket and perhaps either a belt or a waistcoat. The rest? Utterly optional.

Hmmm the only 'add-on' I see as necessary is a sporran (due to the absence of pockets, and even then not needed for some activities) and, personally, I can't see me wearing a kilt without hose.

The rest are then either largely optional or personal preference. The choice (if any) of shirt, jacket, vest, neckwear, socks, footwear and everything else may be driven by the occasion - but not always.

The 'add-on' I see as optional - and don't always wear - include:
- SD
- Belt
- Flashes
- Kilt Pin
- Jacket
- Vest
- Shirt & Tie
- Cufflinks (depends on the shirt)
- Balmoral (rarely worn)
- Ghillie Brogues (not worn in at least 15 years)
- Pocket Watch and Chain (worn once, 20 odd years ago)
- Dirk (never worn one)
- Plaid (don't own one or see the need to do so)
- Plaid Brooch (see previous)
- Glengarry (not in a pipe band)
- Cromach (not a shepherd, nor a serving or retired officer of a Highland Regiment)

I think there is sometimes a bit of push from the outfitters to have the whole kit and caboodle and perhaps that drives expectations to some extent.

[OC Richard]

I bought it, so I'm going to wear it.

More accessories make me feel more authentic.

"Kilt as costume."

You've perfectly summed it up.

The issues I so often see

-wearing too many accessories

-mixing items from different genres and time-periods

-wearing things in strange and overly fussy ways

can be traced back to viewing Highland Dress as costume (even historical costume) rather than clothing.

The popularity of Outlander isn't helping.

[OC Richard]

About Tomo's list I will say that as a piper-for-hire I'm expected to look smart so a jacket, tie, and bonnet are required.

Around 15 years ago Pipe Bands suddenly all stopped wearing jackets and went with just waistcoats, and most pipers wear their band kit when doing weddings and funerals, but to me that looks underdressed for those occasions.