Almost everywhere you look, in almost any publication concerning Scottish and Highland wear, you'll see an article on what the well-dressed Scotsman wears, and how it's worn. The one thing you very seldom see, is what the well-dressed Scotswoman should or could wear. Let's see if we can come up with a little something for the ladies....

In his book "So You're Going to Wear The Kilt", the late J. Charles Thompson touched on the subject of lady's wear only briefly - except for the statement that they should not wear the kilt! This is understandable, and I, myself also subscribe to this theory - ladies are not built to wear the kilt (with the possible exception of those designed specifically for Highland Dancers and Band members). I'm not a "purist", but kilts were not intended for, nor should they be worn by the ladies. It does not look right (especially from the rear).

Anyway, Mr. Thompson goes on to suggest a "tabard" type dress, and continues with the proper wear of the sash which, by the way is only for either formal wear, or by Scottish Country Dancers. He does not go into detail about what it should be worn with except to suggest, strictly speaking a long, white evening dress. Personally, I think it looks nice with any color with which it doesn't clash!

The tabard is okay, but the traditional dress of the Highlands was the Arisaid, a garment which was worn much as the Highlander wore his breacan feile, or great kilt, with several yards of cloth, (tartan or otherwise), gathered and bound at the waist by a belt or cord, bottom half hanging down over a long gown or full chemise, and top half worn either as a cape-like upper covering, or one corner pulled up over your right shoulder, much as the man's plaide is over his left, and fastened with a brooch. Not exactly an attractive garment, as pictured, is it?

Today, a more modern, modified version of the airsaid is available for the ladies, and it's a very attractive, feminine dress, either calf or ankle-length. I'm no expert on ladies fashion, but I know what I like.... Again the matter of rules of wear. It's said by some that this is for formal or ceremonial wear - I think I'd have to argue this point - and I think others would join me. I'm pretty sure that the original was worn for almost any and all occasions, and I see no reason why today's version can't be also, or why a lady in Highland wear should not be just as distinctive as the man.

Pictured are two examples of the modern arisaid, the left being my daughter, Kathi, and the lower right being Kathleen McGrew who, in partnership with her sister, M'Lissa, has patterns available for just such a dress and other lady's wear of the period and may be contacted by writing McGrew Artistry 645 W. Rose, Lebanon, Oregon 97355. For more fascinating information on the arisaid and other early Celtic ladies' wear go HERE.

Another alternative is a selection of dresses offered by Chivalry Sports Renaissance Store., including one termed as an "Irish Dress" (top of page) which, I'm told are very nicely done, and with the addition of a tartan shawl or sash, should do the job nicely.