Clash of the tartans
Published:
TARTAN is one of the biggest trends to check off your fashion to-do list this autumn/winter.
But this take on the trend isn’t about donning kilts and hunting for your family tartan. Do away with tradition and think eye-popping vivid colours and clashing prints.
“Tartan has developed from a Highland craft to a mass-produced, globally consumed textile,” explains Jonathan Faiers, author of new book Tartan.
“It is simultaneously regarded as quintessentially traditional and rebellious.”
And whether you want to go for Vivienne Westwood-style punk rebellion or go under the wacky radar in more traditional styles, there’s a tartan out there for you.
Here’s how to do the Highland fashion fling this season.
BRIGHT PLAID BRIGADE
Cast aside any images of your granny wearing tartan – plaid was anything but old-fashioned on the autumn/winter catwalks. House of Holland showcased bright pops of purple and there was eye-catching orange at Vivienne Westwood Red Label and multicoloured neon at Matthew Williamson.
The new bright tartans are perfect for young fashion whippersnappers or those who want to give their wardrobe a serious colour surge for winter.
STYLING TIP: Loving this season’s tartan super-brights? Turn down the colour volume a notch for daytime by teaming it with black.
TRY: River Island green tartan dress, £49.99; Primark blue tartan dress, £14; Topshop pink tartan taffeta blouse, £35; New Look yellow tartan mini skirt, £12; Paul & Joe Sister purple Fabienne shirt, £104 at my-wardrobe.com
TRADITIONAL TARTANS
If you want to get more in touch with tartan’s Scottish heritage, head for more traditional shades, such as muddy green, navy blue and red or muted colours.
You don’t even have to hit the high street to get your plaid kicks – raid your mum’s wardrobe or delve through the charity shop rails to find traditional tartan you can give a new lease of life to. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, simply “style it up”.
STYLING TIP: Don’t be afraid to mix and match multiple checks this season to give traditional plaids a quirky twist. Dolce & Gabanna mixed red tartan dresses with blue tartan jackets and green tartan tights.
TRY: Warehouse tartan coat, £100; Next tartan coat, £85; Per Una skirt, £70 at Marks & Spencer; River Island check frill shirt, £24.99; Matalan tartan blue dress, £16.
TARTAN TREND ACCESSORIES
If you just can’t get the vision of picnic blankets out of your head every time you tackle tartan clothing, accessories are the way to go.
Print hosiery is a big trend for this season, so flashing your pins in tartan tights or leggings is a fun way to wear the print that won’t cost you the Earth. Or let your accessories do all the talking with a checked bag or pair of shoes and keep the rest of your look plain and simple.
STYLING TIP: Buy your accessories in traditional tartan red. Not only will they have more longevity but you’ll also be adopting this season’s red colour trend.
TRY: Topshop tartan leggings, £18; River Island tartan tights, £7.99; Faith Carlah tartan heels, £55; New Look tartan bow bag, £15; French Connection tartan bag with patent trim, £55; Dorothy Perkins tartan corsage, £8.
Readers' Comments