Go Mad for Plaid This Season

“Have great legs? Tartan ankle pants can put a wow factor into a work outfit and yet still look polished,” says Wood. “Love your neck or shoulders? Choose a sleeveless design with ruffles or an eye-catching brooch.” (Reuters)

"Plaid can project many attitudes, from refined to eccentric,” says Jane Monnington Boddy, senior director of forecast at Stylesight who credits couture designer Vivienne Westwood for making this print so chic on the runway. But for everyday wear, Boddy encourages women to wear a comfy, oversized plaid shirt, which will draw attention to you without the need to over-accessorize. “Don’t iron a plaid shirt,” she says. “I love that throw-on layered look.” To make the most of your outfit, wear casual skinny jeans in a dark wash for a slimming effect and pair it with your favorite booties or pumps to elongate your legs. (Reuters)

Model and fashion expert Jaimie Hilfiger says to always giving plaid a personal touch. “It’s a great casual look for running errands or to wear for a day of shopping with your girlfriends,” says Hilfiger. “Plaid shirts, in particular, can look great with denim cutoffs, ripped jeans, or leather pants.” However, whether you choose to wear a plaid blouse, pants, or a dress, do take note of one important feature. “Be sure to select colors that flatter your complexion and don’t wash you out,” she warns. (ASOS.com)

"To make plaid work without looking like an overgrown school girl, try a print in a sophisticated piece, like a skirt,” advises celebrity stylist Ali Levine. “Also, try more refined colors, like grays and blacks.” (Reuters)

Another simple way to wear plaid like a pro (or a royal?) Get a well-tailored plaid jacket or coat and pair it with knee-length leather boots. (Reuters)

To stay warm and look cool this fall, don’t be afraid to incorporate another seasonal trend. Wearing a leather jacket can easily dress down any plaid dress for daytime wear, all while giving it a rocker edge that can easily transition for a night out. Most importantly, make sure your jacket is taken to a tailor to ensure it’s the right fit for your frame, avoiding that sloppy, I-just-threw-on-whatever-was-in-my-closet look. (Associated Press)

"If you tend to be on the more conservative side when it comes to rocking prints, try pairing a plaid top or jacket with a black leather bottom,” suggests New York City-based stylist Sara Cooper. “You can also try a pair of slim plaid slacks with a silk button-down top. These looks are simple, yet sophisticated and on-trend.” For the office, consider a plaid blazer in rich crimson hue, which can easily dress up your skinny jeans for casual Fridays. (Alexander McQueen)

Tartan is tough to pull off head-to-toe. “My advice is to avoid tartan next to the face if your features are very round as the hard, straight lines can be too harsh of a contrast,” says Wood. “But don’t fret. That’s what plaid handbags are for!” Don’t forget flats and even boots featuring the print. (ModCloth.com)

Contrary to popular belief, you won’t look like fashion disaster if you decide to mix-and-match. “Do mix different plaids to have a print-on-print, mashed up look,” says Boddy. “Also, don’t be scared to wear it head-to-toe or mix other prints alongside.” (Reuters)

Plaid isn’t just reserved for shirts and outerwear. This year’s Met Ball saw various gowns featuring the print in jeweled, even royal-inspired hues. But if wearing a plaid dress alone isn’t your thing, simply add another piece to better enhance your personal style. “Layer a denim jacket to help break up the print and ground the look,” says Cooper. (Reuters)