Wine or Navy Tie With a Grey Tartan Kilt?

Try a plain wine tie to draw attention to a muted red line in a grey tartan. Try navy to bring out a blue line. If your kilt has neither colour, either tie can add an accent. Compare both with the outfit you plan to wear.

When a wine tie works

Look for a red, burgundy or plum line in the kilt. Hold a solid wine tie next to it by a window. The shades can differ and still look related. If a bright tie draws your eye away from the kilt, try a deeper shade or a fabric with less sheen.

When a navy tie works

Try navy when the cloth has a blue line you’d like to repeat. Put the jacket on before you decide. Dark navy may look almost black beside charcoal in dim light, while the same tie can look clearly blue against a white shirt near a window. The Scotland Kilt Company’s outfit walkthrough describes using a plain tie to pick up an existing tartan colour.

Compare the ties with the same outfit

1. Put on the shirt, kilt and jacket you plan to wear. Tie the same knot with both ties so you can focus on the colour.
2. Look at each version from a few paces back. Check whether you notice the whole outfit or mainly the tie.
3. Compare the two in light similar to the event. If you take photos, use the same spot so the light stays consistent.

With a grey-and-black tartan, either tie adds a new colour. Start with simple accessories and see how much of that colour you want. Our pocket square guide gives a few ways to balance the accessories.

Check the dress code before choosing a colour

If you’re part of a wedding party, check the agreed colours and tie style first. MacGregor and MacDuff’s occasion guide starts with the invitation and shows the bow tie as part of a traditional Prince Charlie outfit. See our necktie and bow tie guide if the style is still open.