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There are many ways to accessorize your new kilt in order to express your own sense of Celtic style. The range of choices in kilt accessories can be as bewildering as selecting a kilt fabric or tartan. Among other items, you can shop for hose, sporrans, waistbands, linings, straps, bonnets, and buckles, any of which can enhance your new look.

If you're wearing a kilt and can't locate your car keys, chances are you've mislaid them inside a leather pouch known as a sporran. In dress versions, the metal cantle on the top edge of the sporran may feature inset gems or finely etched filigree work.

The Sporran. Because of its size and prominent position, the accessory that most people will notice first is the sporran, a purse made of leather or fur that compensates for the lack of pockets on a kilt. The sporran hangs from a chain around the waist, just below the belt. When you're wearing a kilt, this is definitely the first place to look for those car keys or hip flask you seem to have temporarily misplaced.

Sporrans for everyday wear are relatively simple and free from adornment, while dress sporrans are larger and more ornate. A dress sporran may feature a metal cantle across the top edge (see box), decorated with inset gems, etchings of Celtic knots, or fine filigree work.

Kilt Hose and Garter Flashes. Proper socks are considered a necessity for kiltwearing. Kilt hose are knee-length, and available in a variety of fabrics and colors. Black, cream or tan will go with almost anything; if you are selecting a color, make sure it goes well with your tartan design. Garter flashes are woolen ribbons that are worn around the cuff of the kilt hose, attached by means of elastic garters, and help keep your socks from drooping down. The same selection rules apply: Get a pair whose color doesn't clash with your tartan. If possible, choose a color that contrasts with the color of your kilt hose.

At this point, you're all set. The sporran, kilt hose, and garter flashes are the only "mandatory" accessories you need as a novice kiltsman. Now let's get to the optional equipment.

Belt Buckles. With the proximity of the sporran to the belt, many kiltwearers take great pains to ensure that the design of the sporran is a close match for the belt buckle. Many manufacturers produce buckles that match the cantles on their sporrans, and kilt retailers will carry the matching set. Most kilt shops will carry a selection of buckles to complement their inventory of sporrans.

Kilt Pins. These are a fun, decorative touch, and serve a practical function as well. The most common design is in the shape of a small sword, and can feature the clan's armorial crest. Options are numerous, ranging from pins that are in the shape of Celtic knotwork to ones that look more like repurposed diaper pins.

Shoes. If you already own a pair of standard black dress shoes, there's no pressing need to invest in Ghillie brogues, the official shoes of kiltwearing. Ghillies can be identified by their long laces - we're talking long enough to wrap clear around your calf. While specialty shoes like Ghillies are standard, they're by no means mandatory.

Bonnets and Caps. The two bonnet styles recognized as the most distinctively Scottish are the Glengarry and the Balmoral. The Glengarry, the more obscure of the two, is wedge-shaped, and is more closely associated with the military than with civilian use. The Balmoral is more familiar, a round bonnet knitted from wool, and usually black. Both styles feature a torrie, which is the small round ball centered on top of the cap, as well as ribbons that hang down the back. Ribbons should be tied in a bow on the Balmoral cap, and always left untied on a Glengarry. As with other accessories, there are no hard and fast rules; just wear whatever pleases you.

Shirts. Again, use your own best judgment here. There is no requirement that your shirt in some way reflect Scotland; any shirt will do (even a patterned one) as long as it doesn't clash too loudly with your kilt and tartan. Follow the same guidelines in selecting neckwear, if you choose to wear a tie.

Jackets. Jackets are a good idea in the cold, or for more formal occasions. For kiltwearing purposes, there are two main styles: the Prince Charlie, a Scottish tuxedo-like jacket usually worn only on occasions calling for black tie; and the Argyle, a more all-occasion model that comes in a wide variety of fabrics, cuff styles, and colors.

The Sgian Dubh (or "The Black Dagger"). They're small, convenient as hell, fast to the hand and potentially quite lethal. Just slip one discreetly into your kilt stocking, and you're ready to take on all comers at your next pub brawl or club soccer match. Deserving of our utmost respect, this critical accessory demands a separate (and illustrated) article all its own. You'll find it here.