Shop The Trend - Plaid Fashion

Plaid skirts aren’t just for private school girls and the Scots. It’s no longer the simple pattern for your flannel shirt, or lumberjack uniform.

Plaid is everywhere, it’s on your skirts, shirts, dresses, trousers, coats, even underwear and shoes. It’s designer, high street, formal, and also casual. And although it may be a reminiscent staple of past sub cultures throughout time. Passing from the Victorian times all the way through the punk era, to the grunge, it has worked its way to the mainstream present day.

Plaid shirts have always been mainstream, the go-to piece of clothing people – particularly men – rely on when they’re unsure of how casual a dress code is, see Ed Sheeran.

It carries the smart essence of a shirt, but with the casual checked pattern that says you put the effort in, but not too much effort. Or you could wear it open with a t-shirt à la Kurt Cobain to show how much you don’t care.

For some it’s a formal pattern, suitable for the office, or classroom, but to others it’s a sign of rebellion. Such as the punks who reclaimed it in the 80’s, or it could be a combination of both as seen on Vivienne Westwood’s skirts and blazers. Or the tartan gowns adorned by many at the 2013 punk themed Met Gala.

vivienne Westwood fashion show — Image Source: The Fashion Foot

2013 met gala tartan — Image Source: Style Fizz

Vivienne Westwood Red Tartan Classic Blazer – £725, Red Tartan Animal Skirt – £260

And whilst, like Vivienne Westwood, you could make a tartan statement, you could also take the subtler approach and keep it simple. Stick to the autumn colours, the reds and tans, such as in the iconic Burberry tartan pattern. Or layer it up and add a little colour to your clothing.

It’s up to you whether you want to nibble on shortbread, sip a wee dram, and look out onto the highlands whilst wearing a plaid skirt, or if you’d rather entertain a schoolgirl fantasy. But plaid skirts can suit an array of styles, you can team with a turtleneck and knee-high boots for that 70’s look, or a t-shirt and leather jacket for something a little more casual.