For some, plaid may bring up memories of Al Borland (Home Improvement), lumberjacks, Scottsmen and schoolgirls. But this print, which has been typically taboo in high fashion, is now becoming one of the most sought after trends this fall season. It’s a flattering pattern that often comes in rich fabrics and colours; perfect for fall. Some may be hesitant to embrace this trend. Maybe you have avoided it since years of being forced to wear kilts as a school uniform, or perhaps you resist it because it’s the only thing your dad ever wears and therefore the only thing you do not wear. Whatever your reasoning, designers like Rag and Bone, Vanessa Bruno and even Jean Paul Gauthier may have you looking at this particular pattern in a whole new light.
On the runway:
During the fall 2011 season, for once Burberry wasn’t the only designer showing plaids. Rag & Bone mixed bright and muted coloured plaids with their sporty knits and bold colours. This varsity meets classy country-inspired collection was a look all it’s own. While Sonia Rykiel featured a full plaid pant suit, that was somewhat classy and masculine, and in no way your typical rugged plaid. Tory Burch proved to be the master of pattern mixing, combining plaid, and two different types of stripes into one beautifully crafted outfit.
On the streets:
Sporting all plaid, different types of plaid, or mixing plaid with other patterns, is proving to be a street style photographers dream. This pattern adds so much dimension and interest to an outfit, it’s hard to ignore. Whether it be a contrasting plaid shirt and skirt combo, a basic plaid shirt with eye-catching accessories, or a perfectly fitted subtle plaid blazer with simple black and white accessories. It’s all plaid and it’s all right on trend, ensuring that you will have an outfit that will get you noticed on the streets this fall.
In stores:
But where do you find all these stylish versions of lumberjack shirts and schoolgirl skirts? Thrift and vintage stores always seem to have an array of everything plaid, which at one time you might have walked right by, thinking it was tacky. Next time stop and take a look, because you might find a sweet deal. And you can bet if a style is that prominent on the runways, you will have no trouble finding it in regular stores. Urban Outfitters has more than enough plaid to choose from, but this cape for $169 is a real standout. Even stores like Aritzia and American Apparel are embracing the trend with items like boyfriend flannel shirts for only $60 and sweeping plain chiffon skirts for $66. Or you can accessorize with a printed scarf like this one from H&M for $17. And check out all of your favorite stores this fall, because there are sure to have at least one perfect plaid piece with your name on it.
