When are colored hose appropriate?

[Semiomniscient]

Yeah, that's total bunk. Off-white hose are common--but they are rather boring. The most formal would be Argyle hose I think--and those are multiple colors! I can understand trying to set someone straight on the proper wearing of highland attire--you SHOULD tell someone that they are wearing their kilt backwards... but too many people simply don't know what they're talking about. It amazes me how often I hear stories like this... but I've never experienced it, and I've committed some of these so-called faux-pas... I even once wore a belt with a waistcoat... my Dad told me I shouldn't, but he's my dad--not some random guy.

[Semiomniscient]

Those hose (and flashes) look really good with that tartan. It wouldn't look bad with off-white hose though. Put you in a white dress shirt and an Argyle or PC Coatee and it would have a totally different feel, but not a bad one.
I only own a maroon/burgundy Argyle jacket. I kind of stand out at formal events because black is just so rampant... I considered that I should conform with my next jacket... but I think that going colored is more fun and striking.
I think all highland attire has historically been particularly colorful--particularly with civilian wear. Hose, Jackets, waistcoats, etc.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

How about instead of your wife knitting you pure white hose, you have her knit themin some other light color, such as cream, or a light tan or oatmeal? These would retain all of the advantages that she just mentioned, plus they wouldn't show dirt as readily. (And you won't have to deal with everyone's opinions about white hose).

~M

[sharpdressedscot]

^^ Wise man!

[Julie Hahnke]

I think the best dressed Scot I've ever met is Gordon Walker (yes, his mother actually does dress him!) He typically wears colored hose at all the top world piping events, so I've gone with the practice of wearing colored hose for important events where knowledgeable (Highland attire knowledgeable) folks are in attendance.

I pipe a lot of gigs, so I have lots of pairs of hose. I save the off-white for what I call the "tourist" events, but I like their look too. Variety never hurts.

Now, here's the real question: when you tie your ghillie brogues, who ties the bow in the front and who ties it on the outside?

Julie

[JS Sanders]

<< Now, here's the real question: when you tie your ghillie brogues, who ties the bow in the front and who ties it on the outside? >>

Julie -
Why don't you start a new thread with that question?

Slainte yall,
steve

[Farlander]

I'd take any good hand knitted hose no matter what color and wear them with pride . That takes alot of work.

Oh' yea', you got that right!!!

How about instead of your wife knitting you pure white hose, you have her knit themin some other light color, such as cream, or a light tan or oatmeal? These would retain all of the advantages that she just mentioned, plus they wouldn't show dirt as readily. (And you won't have to deal with everyone's opinions about white hose).

~M

Thanks Matt. Actually, the wife's comments were a bit tongue in cheek. They do provide a view though that perhaps most of us would not have otherwise thought of.

[cacunn]

Deleted by Cacunn

[Jack Daw]

First, let me say that if I had my own woman to knit me kilt hose I would wear them even if they were neon orange with purple polka dots (He-e-e-ey!). BUT, what I don't like about any light colored hose is, you can sometimes get a bit of shoe polish from your black/brown shoes to rub off on them, even if you are careful about wiping the polish off.

[Semiomniscient]

First, let me say that if I had my own woman to knit me kilt hose I would wear them even if they were neon orange with purple polka dots (He-e-e-ey!). BUT, what I don't like about any light colored hose is, you can sometimes get a bit of shoe polish from your black/brown shoes to rub off on them, even if you are careful about wiping the polish off.

Had that happen with my red hose even... grrr... They are kinda ready to be retired anyway.