Tartans, checks, tweed - whatever way you go, these prints are hot, hot, hot!
Check out Georgina's top tartan buys here.
Gone are the girlie florals of summer, making way for winter's newest obsession tartan and plaid, a look seen all over the Autumn/Winter catwalks. Think London punks meet the Queen on holiday at Balmoral and you've got it. A quick flick through any of the fashion glossies over the past couple of months will have tipped you off that tartan and check are going to be huge.
When you think of tartan, you probably imagine bagpipe players and kilts. It's time to banish that stereotype, because we will be seeing plenty of plaid making its way down from the highlands to the highstreet this winter. From voluminous coats and skinny trousers to ruffled blouses and rock chick dresses, tartan has gone from traditional and country to sexy and cool. And it will add a much needed brightness to the darkness of some of the other, more sombre, winter trends.
Dolce & Gabbana, McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Preen and Vivienne Westwood are just some of the big names putting plaid back in the limelight, using it for everything from elegant tailored coats and jackets, to trousers and even tights. The look first hit the runways last season when fashion designer Henry Holland sent, supermodel du jour Agyness Deyn, down the catwalk wearing a purple tiered tartan wedding dress (along with eye-patch and antlers!)
Fast-forward to Paris Fashion Week, for Autumn/Winter 08, and tartan was a mainstay on the runway shows of nearly all the top labels. This winter's look is far more daring than last year, stretching far past the bog-standard tartan print shirts and skirts. It will see you wearing tartan dresses, skirts, jackets and full suits (for the very brave) in a palette of clashing colours such as electric blue and eye-catching yellow.
"Tartans are absolutely brilliant' said Vivienne Westwood and she should know - she has been using tartans, plaids and checks as a constant motif in her collections for many years. The labels signature tartan, notably in rich claret made a return in her recent show. Whilst tartan has long been synonymous with punks and skinheads since the 1960s, Westwood's continued use of the fabric proves her ever-lasting influence on the industry and on fashion trends.
Italian designers Dolce & Gabanna, also used tartan this season. They mixed the very best classic punk elements of leopard print and tartan plaids with tight dark denim, high heeled boots, animal pumps and bomber jackets with fur trimmed hoods. The checks were dramatic and warm in shades of red and mulberry - a welcome splash of colour.
With the likes of Victoria Beckham, Kelly Osbourne, Kimberly Stewart, Alexa Chung, Madonna and Gwen Stefani pioneering the trend, the High Street has caught on quickly with tartan appearing across a wide range of products, all in a variety of colour ways. From tartan coats to scarves, skirts to bags, there's been no escaping the look. You can find plenty of plaid, check mini, prom and longer skirts at major retailers such as New Look, Dunnes, River Island and a|wear.
Penny's has also created an incredible tiered tartan dress, which is almost identical to the pieces seen at the Henry Holland show and at only €17, it's very easy to recreate a designer look, without the wallet numbing price tag (hurrah!). The way to wear tartan differs depending on you really. Personally, I would go for one key tartan piece like this tartan coat from River Island at €81 . Partner it with a simple vest, super skinny jeans and of course the standard skyscraper heels and your look will be bang on trend.
A word of caution: tartan is an imposing print, so don't wear it head to toe. One of the best ways to flaunt your taste for tartan is with accessories (but not too many!). If you want to take the trend to the next level, wear one tartan piece such as a dress or jacket and team with classic colours like black or grey. My favourite tartan piece of the season is this red plaid shirt with a ruffle front detail from River Island at €44.50. Not only does it look almost identical to the shirts and blouses which were featured at Dolce & Gabanna, it's easy way to wear and will look wonderful teamed with a pair of dark denim jeans.
Whichever way you decide to wear your plaid, just make sure it is vivid with shots of bright colours like violet, emerald and turquoise giving the whole look a modern and contemporary feel. And remember; you needn't be head to toe in plaid, make the trend work for you and your style, sometimes less really is more.
