Sequins, feathers and festive jumpers feeling a little too much? There’s a chicer, more pared-back way to nod to the festive season. The past few weeks have seen everyone from Taylor Swift and Kristen Stewart to Saoirse Ronan and Iris Law turn to tartan, and the pull of plaid has never been stronger.
So why are checks weaving their way back into our wardrobes? Well, typically, the trend has stepped straight off of the runway. Dior made plaid the focus of its Resort 25 collection, as did Fendi in its menswear collection and, of course, Burberry is no stranger to the straight-lined pattern, nor are the late king and queen of the plaid print: Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. And with Christmas coming up, the classic green and red colours are certainly a chicer take on festive dressing than, say, a snowman-emblazoned jumper (no judgement).
Plus, it goes without saying that as we all strive for a more sustainable wardrobe, rewearing items becomes a crucial part. So, as checks look just as chic at Christmas as they do in April, this is festive fashion we can all get onboard with.
To take the tartan print into your own wardrobe, turn to Saoirse Ronan’s colour-clashing Celine 2013 co-ord, styled by Danielle Goldberg, for inspiration. Clash colours and types of check while keeping the cut of each piece incredibly simple. A red tartan skirt or trousers – plenty of which can be found at Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren and Free People –will only look more impactful when paired with a blue or green checked top. Both a Zara and Jean Paul Gaultier option are on my wishlist.
To take the tartan print into your own wardrobe, turn to Saoirse Ronan’s colour-clashing Celine 2013 co-ord, styled by Danielle Goldberg, for inspiration. Clash colours and types of checks while keeping the cut of each piece incredibly simple. A red tartan skirt or trousers – plenty of which can be found at Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren, and Free People – will only look more impactful when paired with a blue or green checked top. Both a Zara and Jean Paul Gaultier option are on my wishlist.
Or, gently touch on the trend with one focal plaid find, à la Iris Law – although I imagine most of us will probably style our Burberry scarves around our necks instead of our waists. Burberry, Damson Madder and Paul Smith are tartan gold mines and a great pair of jeans will work as the perfect accompaniment. We’re calling it festive-lite fashion.
Shop: The Most StylishPlaid Print Pieces
uk.burberry.com
The Burberry check is immediately recognisable, even when in a vibrant red shade. No matter if it's worn around your neck, your head, or your waist (if following in the footsteps of Iris Law), this attention-grabbing scarf is sure to liven up any look.
www.anthropologie.com
Taking the plaid trend into outerwear, this blue check coat is an easy way to elevate any outfit. Plus, it will certainly break up the basic black options already in your wardrobe.
damsonmadder.com
Damson Madder is one of the best brands for bold prints and patterns, so it comes as no surprise that the label has a great selection of plaid print dresses. This one has already sold out in some sizes, but if you're lucky enough, yours may still be in stock.
www.zara.com
Trust Zara to be one of the first brands to jump on any trend, and plaid is no exception. The brand has plenty of tartan pieces online, but this deep red sweater is one of my favourites.
www.net-a-porter.com
Cool girl brand Acne Studios has also bought big into checks, and not just with its famous scarf. This printed kilt is sure to be at the top of many fashion fans' wish list and will look incredibly chic with knee-high boots and a chunky knit.
www.freepeople.com
In a deep navy shade, this Free People dress is certainly a chic winter style. Wear alone with knee-high boots for an evening-ready look, or layer a knit on top (or underneath) to keep it cosy.
www.riverisland.com
While the name of this jumper may not be incredibly appealing, this River Island find perfectly picks on the plaid trend. Style with jeans, trousers or a check-clashing skirt for a great winter wardrobe addition.
www.net-a-porter.com
Ralph Lauren has really leant into plaid this season with shirts, dresses and, of course, skirts, all included in the festive feeling collection. Whether paired with a simple crewneck jumper, a chunky cable knit, or a sleek shirt, this skirt is sure to be a winter wardrobe staple.
Lauren Cunningham is acting fashion news editor at Grazia. She currently lives between Lisbon and London and is always on the lookout for exciting collaborations, new small brands and those boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Find her on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.