"Ritualistic circumstances"?

[Chirs]

The book I'm reading right now is called The Quest for Meaning: A Guide to Semiotic Theory and Practice by Marcel Danesi who is an anthropologist focusing on language. In his final chapter - Applications - he discusses clothing and fashion, and how these differ and interact. On page 146 he talks about how clothing trends fluctuate and create new meanings for both the clothing and the culture.

Feminism was symbolized largely by women wearing pants. In the 1960s, gender equality was symbolized by unisex fashion, emblemized by the wearing of jeans by both males and females. This dress code gave material substance to feminism and to the social ideology that it was constructing. The reverse situation, incidentally, has not as yet transpired. Except in special ritualistic circumstances - for example, the wearing of a Scottish kilt - Western men have never worn skirts. When they do, it is typically labelled an act of 'transvestitism.'

I had planned to visit him in his office; now I will be sure to be wearing a kilt!