Bonnie Style: How To Wear The Tartan Trend

Considering that tartan goes back centuries, worn by the clans of the Scottish Highlands and later beloved by fashionistas the world over, it’s safe to say that the motif counts among the most timeless and versatile out there. And while the trend for checks never really goes away, this year you may find its iterations getting bigger and better.

Whether you’re planning to celebrate Tartan Day (yes, it’s a thing, and it’s on 6 April), looking to pay homage to your Scottish heritage, or just want to rock one of this year’s top prints, these tips and tricks will have you mastering the check trend like a real style pro.

Popping In Plaid

It doesn’t matter if you’re into a more rebellious approach to fashion, à la Dame Vivienne Westwood’s grunge creations, or if you prefer a more prim-and-proper aesthetic: there’s space for tartan in everyone’s closet, and the easiest way to introduce it is one element at a time. It can be a silk blouse, a button-down shirt, a simple dress, a pair of trousers or a traditional sash. Just keep in mind what you’re looking to achieve or express with the look: do you want to focus the attention on the tartan piece? Stick to a clean, neutral palette for the rest of the elements. Do you want the checks to blend into and/or complement your outfit? Pair with similar-toned items in a different print.

 

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Minimalist Mode

For minimalists at heart: don’t let the multicoloured patterns intimidate you. For a more fashion-shy take on the trend, opt for a classic tartan blazer or coat in neutral colours paired with your go-to denim, a white or black top, and white sneakers or loafers. Alternatively, try it the other way around: wear a tartan skirt, dress or a pair of trousers layered with a muted solid blazer or other neutral pieces to tone the look down. This way, you’ll be incorporating a hint of check without fully committing to a busy or colourful style you’re not used to.

However, if this still feels like too much, you can make an even tinier tribute to the trend by sticking to accessories. Take baby steps in the form of a tartan scarf, cap or bag to instantly offer your black, beige and navy palette a nice highlight and a fresh upgrade without offending your minimalist sensibilities.

 

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Tartan Takeover

On the other hand, if you’re Team Trendy, a head-to-toe plaid look might be just the thing. You can be brave (but also stay safe) by turning to the power of good tailoring – take your office (or leisure) look to a trendier level with a jacket-and-trousers set. Think: 1970s menswear. Balance it out with a silk camisole and boots, or a plain white tee and sneakers. The suit will be doing most of the talking anyway. 

However, according to high-end fashion houses (we’re talking Cavalli) and street style indie brands (consider Grace Wears) alike, the chicest, most modern way to wear a tartan-centric outfit is to mix different variations instead of sticking to just one. You can sport different colour combinations, for example, vary the line directions, or even switch up the width of the plaid – this will avoid a matchy-matchy effect and provide a more interesting (but still cohesive) result. For example, a thin-lined, red-and-green top paired with a wider blue-and-green plaid for the trousers won’t clash, because the green will blend both fabrics together. Finish the look off with combat boots for an ‘80s punk rendition.

 

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Not daring enough for you? A much bolder option for an eccentric Brit extravaganza is to switch out one tartan piece for another pattern, whether it’s floral, stripes or animal print – just make sure you’re maintaining the same colour scheme between the pieces for cohesion. Pull the look together with a classic shoe style, like black ankle boots or white sneakers, as well as minimal accessories; the clothes will do the legwork here.

 

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Check Into Spring

Tartan is forecasted to be trending all year long, regardless of what the weatherman says, and while wearing a tartan midi dress or mini skirt is a definite ‘yes’, sometimes it’s easier to leave the heavy (print) duty to outerwear, so you don’t have to put too much thought into styling it. Nothing says ‘classy and chic’ like the original Burberry check design, so embrace spring’s rainy days with their classic trench coat and its subtle collar pattern. For seasonal transitioning, opt for a different style like a puffer vest or a lightly padded blazer, and when colder months inevitably return, slip into a larger, thicker coat in neutrals or bolder tones. Easy-peasy.

 

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Luxe Lounging

On days when you’re just feeling lazy and hanging out at home, there’s nothing wrong with sporting PJs all day, but there’s also no reason you can’t still look chic if that’s what makes you feel good. After all, we should be dressing for no one but ourselves anyway! If you’re looking to add some style to your loungewear repertoire – or need something video-conference appropriate for those WFH days – pair these comfy trousers with a knit jumper or a simple shirt, or a cosy cardigan over your go-to leggings and sneakers (ahem, slippers).