Of all the prints we see in fashion—from polka dots and stripes to chevrons and seersucker—plaid is perhaps the most enduring, malleable and beloved. From schoolgirl (ala Alicia Silverstone in those old Aerosmith videos) to grunge (like the Kardashians themselves are reliving), there’s a plaid for every style this season.
The fall runways were full of tartan options this year, and it’s looking to stay a trend long into winter this year. We saw styles in full plaid coats from Celine and Mulberry, little dresses from Saint Laurent and long sweaters from Tommy Hilfiger. Even off the runway, plaid has been making the rounds from handbags and socks to coats, tops, skirts and everything in between.
Plaid can get a bit tomboy looking. Don’t be afraid to girl it up a bit by pairing a plaid grungy shirt with a cute mini skirt or mixing a boho-style shirt with a floor length, cotton skirt.
Play with the traditional notion of plaid by taking a normally conservative schoolgirl skirt and adding a buckle or unexpected lace hem. Or, for those cooler days, punk up your colored denim by going with form fitting plaid trousers instead.
If a head to toe plaid dress seems too much for you, check out some of this season’s takes. You can wear more subtle plaid with an overlaid pattern to distract or one with intricate, surprising details. Plaid also works well in jackets from moto styles to blazers.
Pick your plaid and gear up for the season!
