Hogmanay Outfit Guide: What Scots Wear to New Year Celebrations
Many festivals take place in Scotland every year, and some of them have gained global popularity. A common example is Hogmanay, which is Scotland’s legendary New Year celebration. It is an event for tradition, style, and festive flair. Following the tradition, Scots ensure they are wearing their cultural dress on this event, and this guide is meant to break down classic kilt attire, modern alternatives, and women’s fashion to help you celebrate Hogmanay in true Scottish style. Before exploring Hogmanay kilt outfit ideas, let’s have a look at what Hogmanay is.
What is Hogmanay?
The entire world celebrates New Year in its own style, and so do the Scots. They named it Hogmanay, which is a farewell to the last year and a welcome to the newer one. It is not new but a traditional celebration that is filled with customs that go back centuries, including music, gatherings, and symbolic rituals. All of these celebrations are the return of light and good fortune and they are all meant to bring luck, warmth, and a fresh start for the year ahead.
The Essential Hogmanay Kilt Outfit
Along with all the celebrations mentioned above, people in Scotland ensure dressing up in their traditional dresses, which are kilt outfits. Those who are new to Scottish culture or want to adopt it at their cultural event remain concerned about Hogmanay kilt outfit selection. For them, we have some exceptional ideas and products available at our store, “The Utility Kilt.”
Choosing the Right Kilt for Hogmanay
When choosing the right dress for Hogmanay in Scotland, the first thing that comes to mind is the selection of the right kilt. Depending on the celebration’s formality, you have different options, from traditional tartan or plaid kilts for culture appreciation to hybrid, leather, and utility kilts for modern looks. Start building your Hogmanay outfit by finding a suitable kilt. Some of our top kilt products to choose from are mentioned below:
The Sporran: Function and Festive Style
Keep in mind that the event’s formality should be the primary concern while making a dress choice. The next accessory you should opt for is the sporran, a traditional Scottish pouch, which is a traditional and decorative ornament. The utility kilt has several variations. Horsehair sporrans are for strictly formal settings, while dress sporrans perform excellently in both formal and semi-formal settings. Those who want simple bags can opt for simple leather sporrans.
The Jacket & Waistcoat
Kilt jackets and waistcoats are also important parts of outfits, as they are traditional, stylish, and practical parts. To help you complete your Hogmanay dress, The Utility Kilt offers different types, such as Prince Charlie jackets for ceremonial celebrations and Argyll jackets for less formal commemorations. If you prefer a simple, more comfortable, and casual jacket, we also have tweed jackets.
Shirts & Accessories
A well-chosen shirt is one of the most essential tasks for a true Scottish look. For them, we have a wide range of Ghillie shirts, including crisp white or off-white shirts for traditional looks. Our collection does not rely on one or two shades, but we have different ones that you can explore in our online store. Along with shirts, you will also need other accessories, including neckwear (kilt ties), and we also provide a range.
Footwear and Socks
Many types of footwear are worn with kilt outfits at different events, but Ghillie Brogues are the best option to pair with traditional tartan kilts. This footwear is not worn with simple socks but with kilt socks. These socks are a bit different from standard ones, as they move up to the calf of your legs. The Utility Kilt is always helpful to complete an outfit and offers its customers both things.
Tartan Pants and Trews
Though a less common choice compared to kilts, tartan pants are also worn. Those who don’t want to wear kilts because of their unique looks and feel shy can wear tartan pants. They also have the same patterns and signify the connection of the wearers with their clans. The Utility Kilt offers trews with all patterns, including clan and universal. Some of our popular choices are given below.
Casual Winter Layers
Practical winter clothing is needed since Hogmanay often involves cold outdoor celebrations. Many individuals wear their tartan or kilt with waterproof coats, wool cardigans, scarves, or cozy knitwear. These layers keep you warm without taking away from the classic style. Neutral tones or mild tartan elements assist in creating a balanced ensemble while assuring comfort throughout the night.
Hogmanay Outfits Based on Event Type
As mentioned above, even type is important when choosing a Hogmanay outfit; it indicates the essentiality of mindful selection. So, we made a list of the few events and how to dress up accordingly.
For Formal Dinners & Black-Tie Balls
Formal dinners and black-tie balls are the common celebrations of Hogmanay. For such events, you can wear Prince Charlie outfits, as they include everything to complete Scottish looks.
For Street Parties and Live Music Celebrations
Live musical celebrations are an important part of Hogmanay celebrations, and so are the street parties. That’s why it is important for you to balance your outfit, keeping both comfort and Scottish tradition in mind. Utility kilts, hybrid kilts, or tartan kilts paired with warm jackets or knitwear work perfectly. Likewise, opt for the comfortable boots and thicker kilt socks to stay warm.
For Fire Festivals
Fire festivals, such as the legendary Stonehaven events, necessitate clothing that focuses on safety, warmth, and utility. The majority prefers wearing thick coats, gloves, and thermal layers with tough utility kilts or tartan pants. It helps them stay protected while appreciating Scottish tradition.
Why Shop Your Hogmanay Outfit at The Utility Kilt?
Did you notice that we only mentioned The Utility Kilt while thousands of online and physical stores are performing services in different countries? We are a US-based online store offering several benefits to our customers.
- We are a team of experts comprising years of experience. Our buyers are aware of the quality craftsmanship and accurate fit for Hogmanay and other events.
- Our collection does not comprise tartan kilts only, but we have different men’s kilts as well as for women and kids.
- Along with kilts, we offer all types of kilt accessories that are mentioned above in our discussion.
- Last but not least, The Utility Kilt has a goal to make the Scottish outfits accessible for everyone. That’s why we have set the prices to very low compared to other stores.
FAQs About Hogmanay Outfits
What makes Hogmanay attire different from regular New Year’s Eve outfits in Scotland?
Hogmanay attire is a bit different from New Year’s Eve because of having several traditional accessories that modern outfits lack.
Are formal jackets like Prince Charlie required for Hogmanay balls?
Prince Charlie Jackets are the most appropriate option for formal settings. So, yes, these are required when the celebrations are formal.
Are sporrans necessary for Hogmanay outfits, or are they optional?
Sporrans are necessary not only for Hogmanay but for all Scottish events. Scots consider it the most essential part of outfits for their completion.
Are tartan scarves and shawls appropriate for Hogmanay gatherings?
How early should I buy or fit a kilt outfit for Hogmanay events?
If you want a Scottish outfit for the Hogmanay event, make sure to buy it at least a month before the event. Stores like The Utility Kilt customize every accessory, which may be a time-taking process.
