Fashion Trend: Plaid, Tartan, and Check Prints
There’s More to Plaid Than Just Checkered Button-Downs for Prepsters
Sep 15, 2009
There was no doubt that plaid was coming back on the scene after umpteen cast members of the Twilight saga (Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, etc.) were photographed numerous times practically living in their plaid button-downs. Thanks to the paparazzi for keeping us on top of the trends!
But seriously, plaid has been seen on the runways and all over the streets. It’s the easiest pattern to wear and super-flattering. And you can pull it off without looking like you’re resurrecting the grunge trend of the early 90s.
Must-Have Plaid Pieces for Your Closet
- Tops – You can go for the typical button-down plaid shirt and layer it over a solid tee for a casual look, wearing it with skinny jeans and ballet flats. But think outside the box. Go for a fitted design that shows off your curves. Or latch onto an uber-feminine design by selecting a top with neck ruffles or a scoop-neck blouse with bell sleeves.
- Dresses and skirts – To avoid looking like you’re wearing a flannel nightshirt, give yourself some shape and pair your plaid dress with a super-skinny or super-wide belt and accessorize with long necklaces. Or go with a strapless mini with a sweetheart-neckline and add a boyfriend jacket and over-the-knee boots to complete the ensemble. If you’re pulling on a plaid skirt, know that the school-girl look is just around the corner, so be sure to ward off any Britney Spears comparisons by pulling on a tunic or hip-hugging top and strappy heels.
- Scarves – If you’re reluctant about the reemergence of plaid, the quickest and easiest way to add this pattern to your wardrobe is through Fall 2009’s favorite accessory: scarves. Long, short, fringed, little checks, big checks, and any multitude of colors help you make a statement without even getting close to toeing the line for the cowgirl look. Just make sure you knot that scarf in an on-purpose, messy kind of way – no draping allowed!
- Coats – Plaid coats, believe it or not, are always in style. And if you find yourself a soft, trench in flattering shades of grey and black, this is a coat you’ll wear for years. Look for one in an especially unique design, perhaps with an extra-wide collar and diagonal buttons.
Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to work the plaid. This season is all about color and plaid patterns aren’t limited to black and white or black and red checks. Purples, yellows (especially yellows), and soothing grays are a supremely flattering way to modernize this trend.
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