Should I wear a Utilikilt as a 'rep'?

[mugman]

The problem would not be with kilts, Uncle Al, but with skirts. I have no problem with kilts. I love them, and wear them most places now with no worries. But a man in a skirt venturing down the road, with an approaching fivesome of army guys killing time...well. I'm sorry, I can't do that. What am I? Man or mouse? Mouse I'm afraid, especially if it's a darned sight easier not to place myself in that picture. Skirt wearing isn't that important to me to attempt to make some kind of stand against 'trouser tyranny'. I'm not looking for misery as well.

[Peter v]

Peter,
This is what I really like about you, you are always the cheerleader! Always reminding us of the core value and what really matters.

While I do absolutely believe and agree with what you say deep in my heart, I still have concerns regarding clients and so forth and don't want to loose them because of what I choose to wear. Little by little I will be in a position where that will no longer be a concern, but not yet today.

Keep cheering us on, it is good to be reminded!

John, no matter what others say in wisdom or otherwise, jou are responsible for your self and as such should act acordingly as found suitable.
Thanks for calling me a cheerleader!

[Peter v]

The problem would not be with kilts, Uncle Al, but with skirts. I have no problem with kilts. I love them, and wear them most places now with no worries. But a man in a skirt venturing down the road, with an approaching fivesome of army guys killing time...well. I'm sorry, I can't do that. What am I? Man or mouse? Mouse I'm afraid, especially if it's a darned sight easier not to place myself in that picture. Skirt wearing isn't that important to me to attempt to make some kind of stand against 'trouser tyranny'. I'm not looking for misery as well.

Mugman, I believe in the case of joung soldiers, they may be looking for anything with which to up their stance in the pack, so discression is best there. It is then a shame to live in such close proximity to many joung men who are in a very manly, dominant life style, soldier. I expect real kilts should be respected, I suppose, but there may be some unwanted attention if you were wearing any other form of skirt. As you live there and are not just passing, you do take any obvious "dangers" into account and act acordingly. Better move...

As for clients, you don't ""Lose"" people who don't respect you. But it is a bit scary to try and see who really respects you ( respecting and especially being respected is probably one of the most important things in life. ) when dealing with people who bring in money.... Yet it also has to do with the value of life. I would rather not deal with people who for any reason didn't respect me. We may feel that that is no option, there is only one way to find out.......

"we all do our bit for society" What are we doing if we support people, give them our services, whilst we know they do not support or even hate us? Especially for such a triviality as wearing a skirt. Are we then not supporting the ones we don't want doing well in OUR sort of society? Like people with a non-white European background, serving Kluklux clan members .... even though they get paid for their work. Luckily I don't think skirt wearers meet such a stark contrast. The question remains, would people stay away if they were to know / see you in a skirt? Who amongst us is able to make a stand for what he believes in? ( regarding skirt wearing / frestyling)

It isn't what we do that is any problem, it is other people who wish to make it ours. (our problem)

[mugman]

I wouldn't move home as, in all other ways, this is my ideal plot in the UK, and I'll be very happy to see my days out here without further upheaval.
Things are not all negative though on the skirting front, and I'm making small bite sized progress in a self-assurance way.
Yesterday I got into brief conversation with one of the carers who calls to attend to my parent each morning. With a Sportkilt on (the lightest one they do), I mentioned that with the warmer weather now with us, she might find me one morning in a shorter lightweight skirt. She's used to my kilts already. Actually, the cost of Sportkilts is too high for my current carer's allowance (with customs duty added on as well), so I have to resort to other items that do much the same job of keeping me cool.
She had no problem with this, as what I wear in private is my business. Obviously I wasn't seeking her OK, but just telling her that's how it is.
However her added advice was not to go out in a skirt as it would look stupid. Kilts, great - and she thinks I look good in them. Skirts on a man, not a good idea. Just passing on the unsupportiveness as an indication of what we're up against here. But I scored on the 'home' front at least.
Today I had three women call - two sitters introducing themselves, and a district nurse. I of course had my kilt on again (that's all I wear here now) and at a pause when we were searching for the next conversational subject, I could see they were dieing to ask about the kilt, as they kept looking at it. So I explained that I find them more comfortable and less restrictive than jeans, and they said they were actually impressed by it. I wonder what the reaction will be with these random callers when I'm in a denim semi-mini skirt (I have two waiting to be used) - any time now, as the Sportkilt needs washing.

[Pythos]

To whoever posted Suit and Tie...You are the problem.

Borrrrrrring as watching molasses pour.

When I hear crap like that I grit my teeth. (excepting of course if I could wear a skirt suit, without the friggin phallic symbol known as the tie.)

[Skirt Chaser]

John - if a kilt, I don't want it to be tartan as it will confuse the client, and confound my selling pitch. I can see me coming out having used up his/her valuable time explaining the tartan, but with the main issue of business unsettled. It would have to be neutral blue denim...oh, I have got a plain black one. Maybe that will do. I could do with a plain black jacket though to go with it.

I wouldn't rule out a tartan, mugman. That is something people recognize while a Utilikilt is what I think would be bound to bring up questions that either get asked or if unasked lead to an unknown opinion of you. Also, a tartan kilt is a more dressed up a look than Utilikilts, especially if you went with denim. Whatever you end up doing I think a kilt of any kind will help you be memorable as others have said. When you are representing yourself that is good, I'd certainly advise against it if you had been suggesting wearing a kilt to sell on behalf of another person or organization unless it had been cleared with them in advance. If your clothes come up in conversation keep comments brief along the lines of Uncle Al's signature line- When asked "Why the Kilt?" an answer like "For the fun of it" is enough. If they keep coming back to the clothes you can even tell them that you'd love to help others find the benefits of kilts but regrettably your time is limited and you are there on business. I think the professionals you encounter will understand that and kilt questions will not be asked other than your musical style.

And for Pythos, there are times when a suit and tie will help get someone's message across. While ideally people could wear whatever they want it is unrealistic to ignore the reality of how people react. When family income is on the line, going with what is known to make a favorable impression is not to be sneered at.

[Pythos]

Yes, support "all hail the almighty dollar" and forget your individuality. Everyone look the same. Let's strive for mediocraty.

Understand, I get the notion that when the family income is at risk you gotta do what you gotta do. However I think this notion has been taken way to far in allllll societies. I just wish we humans could recognize that a suit DOES NOT MAKE THE MAN. It is what services he offers.

[mugman]

I can see where you're all coming from. I agree that a suit is safe going, and the all time expected image of a salesperson is a suit, tie, briefcase and last year's model rep's company car.
To be honest, I'm fed up with always taking the safe option. My life has been one of countless safe options, and has proved at times to be a very grey existence. Although always there over the years, my music has recently evolved into a more important part of my happiness, but not to the extent that it's required to provide bread and butter. If folk don't like my efforts, that's fine, and not a problem I shall lose sleep over.
Wearing kilts has also become one of my daily choices, and I see selling my music as all part of selling myself as an artist - the complete package. If I maintained shoulder length hair as a choice, I wouldn't have it all cut off especially for a sales call as it wouldn't be me anymore.
Anyway, I've put the project on hold for a while as I've done more compositions since, and may have to revamp the nature of what I intend to sell. That I do have to get right.
I feel for songwriters who are under pressure by record companies to churn out work for their artists that have to sell by the million. Thankfully I'm not part of that big bucks scene. A suited image for gaining orders from outlets would, in that case, probably be imperative, as with so much at stake there's no room for personalised clothing statements.