The Plaid Trend Is Everywhere

It seems as if everyone’s in plaid for autumn 2015. Or is it check? Strictly speaking, plaid is just another word for tartan, but we’re suggesting that nowadays, it’s open to interpretation. Its patterns are more complicated than check, which is basically squares, but both lend themselves to similar styles. Does it matter?

We don’t think it does, unless you belong to a Scottish clan, and are entitled to wear the real thing, a beautiful tartan. For the rest of us, plaid and check give us ample choice of colours, patterns, fabrics and styles.It’s not just lovers of grunge that are rocking flannel shirts at the moment – everyone is throwing them over ripped jeans, or tying them around their waists. Wear large checks or a bold plaid with a slogan tee peeking through, or layer over a flimsy dress for a contrast in textures. They’re just great for outdoor wear, as any lumber jack will confirm, so add a beanie, and you’re sorted for autumn. Cover with an oversized sweater or biker jacket for extra warmth.

You won’t go far wrong if you follow Taylor Swift’s sleek, tailored version tucked into slim pants. Alternatively, team with denim shorts, or top a plaid skater skirt with a lace blouse for a vintage look. Put a suede or leather jacket, real or faux, over a long-sleeved checked dress, and add black tights and booties. Wear a man’s shirt as a dress, or leave him to add it to a pair of skinny jeans of his own. Button up, and accentuate your waist with a belt.

The runways are flaunting the look, too. In Paris, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Saccai featured plaid, with the latter producing in-your-face prints. New York’s take on tartan turned to buffalo check, with Rag and Bone including pullover jackets and pencils, and Preen showcasing asymetrical maxis in colours as bright as jewels. NoNoo’s inspired contribution was a skirt with cut-out squares.

Smarten up with a plaid jacket, pencil and stilettos, or substitute a coat. Mix your tartans to stunning effect, but stick to subdued colours and weaves. Wrap a faux-fur vest round a check shirt, or pair the latter with a leather skirt or trousers.

Accessorise with a white scarf and tan bag, and top with a fedora. Choose plaid accessories instead, if that’s more you. Work this trend for autumn 2015, and we think you’ll be bowled over by the results!

The featured photo is of Stella Wants To Die wearing a plaid skirt and leather jacket

Tiphaine is wearing an edgy plaid skirt with cute black ankle boots and a leather backpack.

Top: Alexander Wang, Skirt: The Fifth Label, Boots: Rag & Bone.

This classic plaid shirt looks cute with leather trousers and simple white converse. Via Jacey Duprie.

Shirt: Model’s Own, Trousers: Elin Kling for Marciano.

Jacey Duprie wears gorgeous plaid midi skirt with plain black vest top and heels.

Skirt: Kate Spade, Top: Club Monaco.

Christine Andrew rocks the plaid trend in a long trench coat and fringed leather ankle boots.

Coat/Dress: ILY Couture.

Virgit Canaz is wearing a hat from H&M, jumper and leather jacket from Mango, blouse from Nowisstyle, plaid trousers from River Island, boots from Cha Ibiza and the bag is from Proenza Schouler

Priscila Betancort is wearing a Romwe plaid coat

Angelica Blick is wearing a red and black plaid shirt around the waist

Anine Bing is wearing a Sachin + Babi plaid coat with black Converse sneakers and Anine Bing boyfriend jeans.

Natalia Cabezas is wearing a pleated plaid skirt from Vila Clothes

Pam Hetlinger is wearing a green and blue plaid blanket scarf from Shenside

Pam Hetlinger is wearing a grey and white cozy plaid scarf from Gap

Plaid Fashion Trend: Andy Torres is wearing a plaid coat from Zara

Sara Escudero is wearing a black, yellow and white plaid coat from Zara

Sheridan Nicole Gregory is wearing a plaid blanket scarf from Madewell

Blair Eadie is wearing a red and black plaid coat from Storets

Plaid Fashion Trend 2015: Amy Spencer is wearing a grey plaid blazer from Urban Outfitters

Plaid Fashion Trend: Christina Caradona is wearing a red plaid coat from Gat Rimon

Plaid Trend: Anine Bing is wearing a blue, white and red plaid jacket from Vanessa Bruno Athe

Andy Torres is wearing a black and white plaid coat from Sportmax

Plaid Fashion Trend: Cindy Van Der Heyden is wearing a plaid scarf from Only

Nicoletta Reggio is wearing a black and white plaid coat from Sacai

Liv Micheli is wearing a black and white plaid coat from Topshop, black turtleneck from Joypeace, trousers from and the handbag is from Céline

Sandra Willer is wearing a plaid shirt from Tamaris

Jess Ann Kirby is wearing a grey plaid scarf

Tilden Brighton is wearing a plaid flannel shirt from Urban Outfitters

Funda Christophersen is wearing a plaid coat in wool and mohair blend from Ganni

Plaid Fashion: Nika Huk is wearing a plaid coat from Love

Plaid Fashion Fall 2015: Damla Yaraman wearing her black and white plaid scarf

Kristina Bazan in one of many plaid coats for fall. This one is from Fairly.

Sophie Elkus styling a plaid skirt from Asilio

Génesis Serapioi in green and blue plaid trousers from Zara

Alexandra Pereira is wearing a short plaided skirt from Melisa

Plaid Fashion Trend, 2015 Unknown Fashion Blogger

Liz Cherkasova is wearing a plaid dress from Reformation

Tine Andrea is wearing a blue jeans from Weekday, shoes from Zara, plaid shirt from Levis, blue cable knit jumper from H&M, sunglasses from Asos and the bag is from Zara