Over doing it

[GRKilt]

P.S. My flame suit is on.

I think you wear your flame suit in a tactful, well restrained manner.

[Nathan]

You are not only putting words into my mouth, you are, I am sorry to say, also seemingly determined to draw the wrong conclusions from what I actually said.

I'm certainly not determined to draw the wrong conclusions, I'm just doing my best to read between the lines as I feel that in your efforts to be diplomatic some things are perhaps hinted at and left unsaid directly.

That's why I asked for clarification. If it's not that the aforementioned high profile gentlemen can get away with flamboyant choices due to their status or public personas, perhaps it is that you're not a fan of these attire choices even on those gentlemen.

I ask for clarification in order to actually understand your point not to malign you.

So my question is how does one stand out in the crowd without going too far in your opinion or is such a goal impossible to attain?

[neloon]

rondo,
"Screw them, they are my clothes, I'll wear them as I see fit and appropriate."
That's just not the way it works on this side of the pond - yet another US/UK cultural difference with Canada somewhere in the middle?
Alan

[rondo]

rondo,
"Screw them, they are my clothes, I'll wear them as I see fit and appropriate."
That's just not the way it works on this side of the pond - yet another US/UK cultural difference with Canada somewhere in the middle?
Alan

Neloon,
The comment was not intended to rile anyone up. It is simply this: My money, my taste in clothing, my appearance to the world quite simply is my business. I am aware of the cultural differences which is why I normally just read this forum and rarely post here. I have been over there several times, it is unlikely I will ever go back. The OP is a North American, not a native Scot. I feel his choice of wanting to wear a balmoral doublet is fine given the event and the locale. I have found, like the OP, that it is nearly impossible to understand many Britons due to the subtle nuances and double entandres inherent in the way Britons use English. Perhaps someone might reply to Nathan in a PM directly, without the nuance, to help him.
Rondo

[Jock Scot]

I'm certainly not determined to draw the wrong conclusions, I'm just doing my best to read between the lines as I feel that in your efforts to be diplomatic some things are perhaps hinted at and left unsaid directly.

That's why I asked for clarification. If it's not that the aforementioned high profile gentlemen can get away with flamboyant choices due to their status or public personas, perhaps it is that you're not a fan of these attire choices even on those gentlemen.

I ask for clarification in order to actually understand your point not to malign you.

So my question is how does one stand out in the crowd without going too far in your opinion or is such a goal impossible to attain?

I am sorry I thought you were wanting clarification that you were putting words into my mouth, which I have clearly done.

However, you require answers to more questions, to which I will happily oblige.

It matters not of one's station in life, Duke or Dustman both have the right to dress as they please, they both can wear the the most super and splendid example of Highland attire, IF and I repeat IF the occassion warrants it. And whilst we are at it. Yes, deep pockets do help! If we use the Duke of Argyll's "salmon " jacket as an example, there must be at the very least a couple of thousand UK Pounds worth of silver buttons(salmon) on it. Never mind the fact that I suspect there are only a very few bespoke tailors( beyond expensive) within the UK who would be able to make it. Should the dustman , for example, win the lottery then his pockets may well gather some depth!

As I have said before, many times, the trick is choosing ones attire to suit the occasion and that goes for the Duke as much as the Dustman.

For your information more than a few "salmon" type jackets, tartan cut on the bias jackets etc., owned by lesser mortals that can and do put in an appearance at the appropriate time in the Highlands, but again as I have already said, they are more the exception than the rule.

I do think that those that live a higher profile life, be that a Duke, megga Pop Star, Pipers, actors , etc. do tend to be drawn to the higher profile attire and like us all they can and do get their Highland attire and the occasion wrong. BUT that does not mean that we should not try to fit one's attire to the occasion and that is something that we in the UK seem to try hard to do and on the whole, many of us succeed in doing so. Its not impossible! I have to say it is something that many outwith these shores seem to find so hard to understand and it would help them no end if they rid themselves of the plethora of preconceved ideas and often ignoring the obvious in that they are WEARING SCOTTISH HIGHLAND ATTIRE and not some bastardisation of it. Sorry to shout, but it is true! To be fair though, you are not assisted by internet pictures that have little or no explanation of context,or are just plain wrong, which is often unhelpful.

Whilst on the face of it the "I can wear what I like, when I damn well like" does hold true, but I am afraid with Highland attire, and other forms of attire too, there is this minefield------it exists whether we like it or not-------of unwritten conventions that we need to be aware of, if you want to do it right. If this is not your intention, then carry on and "wear what you like, at any damn time you want". One thing for certain sure though, if you choose your attire with that method you will rarely match your attire to the occasion.

[Grizzly]

I fear that this is a subject on which different sides of the pond will not agree, we on this side of the pond err on the side of caution and restraint our friends on t'other side of the Atlantic have a more freestyle attitude where it comes to formal attire. I consider that I am more flamboyant in my dress style, at least it would be considered so over here, but then I have always liked to be a bit different. Would my latest commissioned outfit be considered over the top, (more to follow in due course), yes definitely so. But that is my choice, I would imagine my friend Jock will shake his head in bemusement.

However, there is a time and a place, for every outfit, no doubt I will make a glaring error in wearing it at a totally inappropriate time, I think what we are trying to say here Nathan is that there is nothing wrong with your level of attire just that the occasion may not merit such a level of formality and thus rather than being a peacock amongst the penguins you will more likely stick out like a sore thumb, at least to our reserved British eyes.

[Jock Scot]

Somehow Simon, I doubt that you will be too far out!

[Grizzly]

Lol you haven't seen it yet Jock. Am on a fabric search at the moment. The waistcoat is done, just need the jacketing fabric.

[TheOfficialBren]

I think that the MODS should take a look at this thread. Just saying.

[StevieR]

Somehow Simon, I doubt that you will be too far out!

Well I've had somewhat of a heads up on this one Jock and must say I am looking forward to the finished garments very much. I will say no more!

Must be time for a new year beer Simon?