Looks and why they work.

[Cowher]

My post above shows my ignorance at posting photos on this ( or any ) forum, I was trying to master the photo posting process by follwing the FAQ step by step guide and have ended up posting my practice run photos! I didn't mean to hijack or derail the thread. So be it, to put some facts to the photos Argyle district tartan ( or Campbell of Cawdor) modern, Lochcarron 16 oz , 6 yards knife pleated by Bonnie Heather.

There ya go

[AKScott]

Hey, AKScott ..... My wife was looking through this thread and really likes your fedora look. Something tells me I may be looking for one for next winter's wear We both agree that all you need on this outfit is a belt to set it all off. One in honey leather might look really cool with the boots, sporan and fedora.

I test drove that same outfit with a 2" brown leather belt I got at Home-Depot for $12. That belt has a few years of patina on it. My fiance liked it even better with the belt. It muddies up hiking in bear country with respect to rule eleven, but I'll figure something out. Thanks for the tip ;-) The hat is my third Scala. This one, though I found it local. (the imbedded link posted here is no longer active and we removed at the request of the business linked to) They are impervious to rain up to extended downpours, and hand crushable. My two retired ones were both permanently creased by mechanical means. When it gets wet, I have a way to rest it on its headband so neither the crown nor brim dry in a misshapen way. Maybe be a little warm for your area. I am used to seeing these in olive and forest green as well as a couple khaki variants.

[AKScott]

Shuteye, looking good.

[CMcG]

Shuteye, looking good.

***

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! Also check out a thread I started a while back for Xmarkers' modern kilt pics.


And here are a selection of pics courtesy of Google:

[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.

[TheNaughtyScot]

Major point of fashion that has been true regardless of trends:

Your belt, shoes, and sporran should match. Brown with brown - Black with black.

It's the most noticeable flaw when properly accessorizing your kilt. If you take time to match these items, it will pull the rest of your outfit together with a unifying theme. Please do so.