Pretty in Plaid

If you've had your eye on plaid these past few years you've probably tried to steer as far clear of it as possible! However it's impossible to ignore this season, appearing on everything from shirts, coats, and skirts to dresses. Plaid is back in a big way and in surprisingly wearable forms. No matter what your age, taste or style mantra this pattern is likely to add some richness and color to sometimes dull, cold weather ensembles.

Short-sleeved plaid shirt paired with skinny jeans and heals by Jane Norman has serious sex appeal.

The fitted blouses in light fabrics are soft, reminiscent of country western songs, as gone are the days of grunge and heavy, formless flannel shirts. This simple piece transforms with what it's paired with: appearing casual worn with comfortable denim, feminine tucked into trousers and sexy when belted at the waist with pencil jeans.

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Black and white plaid shirt with puff sleeves and fitted jeans by Internacionale when accessorized with a wide belt and decorative heels and bold makeup dress up this trend.

Ruffled plaid shirt and ripped jeans by Next have a casual and comfortable look that's still feminine.

Traditional plaid paired with high water trousers and pumps by Firetrap are a perfect look for the office.

The same pattern used so simply on a shirt when applied to high fashion shapes creates haute couture images. Crafted dresses in plaid evoke images of the designs originally envisaged by Vivienne Westwood. Party dresses in plaid patterns are now available to the consumer but with the same high fashion feel as the designer versions. Vivid pencil skirts and frock skirts in plaid paired with sheer tops are striking and dynamic for fashion risk takers.

Plaid frock with Vivienne Westwood influence by Primark.

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Strapless, prom style dress with bow accent by Oasis in bright tartan.

Tartan frock skirt by River Island Clothing Co. paired with leather belt and strapless bustier makes for an interesting combination.

Plaid frock skirt worn with sheer black blouse by Oasis looks daring but youthful.

Red tartan pencil skirt by Penneys is sure to vamp up the scene at the office.

 

Burgundy and black plaid, belted shirtdress by Tesco demonstrates the softer side of plaid.

A dress made entirely in plaid only sounds overwhelming. In winter shades, an elegant, understated pattern applied to simple forms is classic. Belted sheaths and shirtdresses are instantly more interesting, engaging and updated in plaid patterns. Fans of summer's floral and geometric patterns can embrace this more seasonally appropriate pattern for fall and winter.

Large plaid print on a belted sheath by Principles is striking without being overwhelming.

Modern take on a plaid print creates a dynamic but wearable concept on a satin, belted sheath dress paired with a faux fur coat by Tesco.

For those who convert to more muted styles as the temperature drops, in favor of simpler patterns and darker colors, a plaid jacket or coat can add a dynamic touch of color, pattern and texture. Coats vary in length, weight and boldness of plaid print and can be built into many outfits already in your wardrobe for a quick fix update. Picking a coat containing the shades commonly featured in your wardrobe will ensure maximum wear. Picking a level of boldness you're at ease with will ensure your coat gets worn. Therefore trying on different coats for comfort is key. Accessorize with plain colored hats, gloves and scarves so that different patterns don't compete for attention.

 

Even a simple black and white plaid adds flair to simple winter wear on a collarless, double breasted coat by Wallis.

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A colorful, non-traditional tartan coat by Next instantly brightens basic black.

Red and black plaid overcoat with tie waist is sharp and sophisticated with black winter accessories.

Fitted, cropped, zippered jacket in black check by Firetrap is a perfect fit for denim.

Shawl collar short jacket with belt by Principles can be worn as soon as fall with skirts, dresses and pants.

  River Island Clothing Co. - items could easily be substituted for basic black for a more conservative look.

Notorious for use in Catholic girl's school uniforms, the plaid skirt has become synonymous with youth. A fresh a take on this youthful pattern has been to abuse the stereotype, not so much as Britney Spears did, but by making it "not that innocent" in punking it up - Rocker Chick style. Wearing it fashionably doesn't necessitate multiple piercings as much as a leather bomber jacket, mesh tights and ankle boots - fashionable trends to be worn this season otherwise. A little heavy eyeliner wont hurt your case either but any level of moderating this look is likely to take years off your age.

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Purple plaid skirt and blazer by Debenhams is more heavily styled and matched with black thigh high socks and knee high riding boots.

Conservative styling puts tartan skirt fans at ease, with black and white plaid skirt paired with simple leather jacket, tights and knee high boots, all in black by Oasis.

Rarely is there a pattern with so many uses and accessible to so many style genres. When you and your daughter both bring home shopping bags with different versions of plaid inside it's truly a sign that you've tapped into a major fashion trend . . . although you two should perhaps consider not wearing them at the same time.

About the Author: With a degree in Psychology from Brown University, Miko Laube creates intuitive fashion articles drawn from her experiences as a stylist, makeup artist and dancer in San Francisco. She credits her upbringing in cosmopolitan Hong Kong and her mother, Yuka, for her fashion sensibility. You can submit a question to Miko through the "Ask The Expert" section or contact her directly at miko@herstoknow.com.