There’s no question what the hottest trend in prints is this season. Piles of plaid were spotted on the runways for Fall/Winter. Many designers presented an exaggerated version of the trend by mixing loud plaids and supersizing the print on outerwear.
These looks are innovative, but they’re not always so wearable off the runway. So how do you translate these larger than life plaids into a more refined look for women 40, 50 and beyond?
Here are a few Do’s and Dont’s for Wearing Plaid:
1. Don’t Wear Baggy
Teens this season are doing plaid in a way reminiscent of the 90’s grunge era: baggy and frumpy “chic.” While this look works for the younger crowd, professional women over 40 should opt for a more sophisticated version of the plaid trend.
Stay away from big and baggy! Instead, try tailored menswear pieces such as structured suits for a more refined look. Checks, herringbone, and houndstooth are all popular at the moment.
2. Don’t Wear Old Colors
This season, designers played with plaids in a whole spectrum of colors, from neutral to neon. Be careful when choosing the color combo that’s right for you. Traditional tartan color combos such as dark red, forest green, and navy blue can give off a prim and proper “kilt-ish” vibe (or worse – lumberjack!).
You can opt for neutrals like muted shades of gray, brown or black, or you can try a modern twist by wearing plaid in more vibrant hues such as black mixed with fuchsia or cobalt blue. Pair bright plaids with neutral separates to balance the look.
3. Don’t Forget About Scale
Scale is important. Smaller scale plaids will work best for smaller women, and larger scale prints will look best on taller and larger women. Plaid is a definite attention grabber, so make sure you are directing that attention to all the right places by wearing plaid on the parts of your body you want to highlight.
4. Do Break Up Plaid
Because plaid makes such a bold statement (especially in bright colors), you may prefer to stay away from an eccentric all-over plaid look. Break up your plaid pieces with solids that echo the colors in your print. For instance, a plaid skirt in black, white, and gray tones will look chic and modern when paired with a solid gray sweater. Plaid also looks modern when worn broken up with interesting fabrics like leather. For example, look for a plaid jacket with leather piping.
5. Do Try a Diagonal Plaid
Diagonal lines have an incredibly slimming effect, and this makes diagonal plaid your new best friend this fall! Create an optical illusion by wearing angled plaid prints that draw the eye inward, emphasizing the narrowest part of your figure. This trick works especially well for garments worn on top such as jackets and curve-hugging dresses.
One of the great things about plaid is its versatility. Plaid can easily translate from classic to casual with the right styling. You can put a fresh twist on this traditional print by experimenting with new colors and accessory combinations. So if you’re feeling bold this Fall/Winter season don’t be shy, give plaid a try!
Check out these bloggers who are mad about plaid!
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