I'm updating my Highland costume for faire and found someone selling Blackwatch tartan fabric since I don't have a family tartan of my own to wear. However, I'm not sure what would be the best way to use it. Should I make a full skirt, a skirt overlay (half skirt), or should I drape it over my shoulder? I don't know what is more traditional because I've seen all three. I will have a green bodice and I plan on wearing my navy blue skirt and natural muslin chemise. Thanks!
Edit: The pattern on the fabric is too small now that I've seen a measurement. However, I still plan on redoing my Highland garb once I can find a proper fabric, so I still would like input.
You might have enough of the plaid (tartans being associated with a certain clan are post 1745 and appear to possibly be a 19th century invention. Either way, not applicable at the Renn Fest) to make a proper brat (sort of like a shawl/cloak with it being fastened over one shoulder with a pin). This is what a woman would have worn with her dress being of a plain fabric anyway.
Do you have any reference pictures?
This is one of the better articles (http://www2.nau.edu/~wew/celt-clothing/)
This one is good too but it has the better pictures (http://www.mcginleyclan.org/nativeclothing.htm)