I would place tartan in the same category as marmite; you can either love it or hate it, but one thing you cannot do this season is avoid it, as it has taken the fashion world by storm.
I find it ironic that after loathing my old school uniform for years, tartan has become (dare I say it) fashionable and even a tiny bit cool? The thick green plaid that used to give me nightmares may actually be the envy of the fashion conscious among us, the skirt that I buried far far away at the back of my wardrobe may have to be retrieved and worn with pride (for the first time I might add!)
Coolest kids in town?
What I love about this trend is just how many variations can be found on the high street; ranging from tartan headbands to tartan socks. Everyone has gone tartan mad!
I have decided to ease myself into the trend slowly and will show you my personal favourite picks from the high street below…
My first tartan treat is this double-sided scarf that costs £19.99 from Zara. I bought this scarf the other day and absolutely love it! It’s not only soft and warm but is also bang on trend. The two contrasting prints make it stand out, meaning it could easily be worn with a simple black jumper to make your look effortlessly stylish.
These leggings from Topshop are my next tartan treat. Costing just £25.00 these are a great staple for your wardrobe and can see you through from day to night. Pairing them with a simple black T-shirt and some chunky black boots completes the grunge look.
However, just because it’s tartan doesn’t mean it HAS to be grungy, as proven by this cute pinafore from Urban Outfitters. This look takes a more feminine approach to tartan and has a 60’s preppy vibe. Costing £52.00 it is on the pricier side, but if teamed with a cream blouse and brogues your look becomes undeniably sleek and polished.
If you don’t fancy being quite so daring, there are plenty of tartan accessories out there this season to spice up your wardrobe. I am in love with this tartan backpack from Asos. This combines two big trends, leaving a well-deserved fashion gold star next to your name. It costs a reasonable £28.00 and will leave you feeling like the coolest kid on campus.
So just to reiterate; tartan is no longer restricted to the classroom or the Highland Games for that matter, but is a trend that everyone can experiment with. And it isn’t just the high street that loves it; designers such as Isabel Marant, JW Anderson and Saint Laurent all incorporated tartan prints into their collections this season.
So, it’s time to plaid up and get back to cool!
Images Sources:
1) http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/accessories/scarves/two-sided-soft-scarf-c271013p1399041.html
2) http://www.lyst.com/clothing/topshop-tartan-check-denim-leggings-white/
3) http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/cooperative-pinafore-dress-in-tartan/invt/5130466610035
Isabel Atherton