I love plaids, or checks, gingham and tartan as I am used to calling the pattern. They are an iconic geometric classic. We see a large influx of them every year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Plaids can be loud or subtle, small or large, neutral or non-neutral, quiet or loud, and I adore them all. I wear them in all wardrobe items across neutrals and non-neutrals, and throughout the year. There is something playful about a plaid that makes me happy.

Here are five plaid outfit ideas that tickled my fancy. They each include a plaid item or two, and showcase interesting outfit components, silhouettes, and colour combinations.

1. Electric Earthy Windowpane

This outfit shows a clever remix of colour, pattern, texture and shine. A pair of relaxed straight taupe windowpane crops is paired with a heathered light cinnamon sweater. Stompy black boots match the model’s hair and dress down the vibe of the pants. A shiny short and sporty bright orange puffer tops the lot, and an even shinIer olive nylon tote is the choice of bag. Neither olive nor orange are repeated elsewhere in the outfit, yet they complement the sweater and pants.

2. Check Squared

Here, the same two-toned plaid patterns that differ only in scale and colour are worn together in an outfit. The black in both patterns and the rest of the outfit creates visual harmony. A cinnamon and black checked tiered skirt is paired with a black tucked sweater. The tuck lengthens the leg line from the hips upward and defines the waist. An unstructured black barn jacket tops the lot. Its open front creates a vertical and elongating line down the front of the outfit. Black stompy boots match the black of the outfit and dress down the skirt. The black and white plaid scarf adds a dramatic and interesting effect, which makes the look to my eye.

3. Fab Frocks and Skirts

For Team Plaid Dress and Skirt, here is more outfit inspiration. Notably, check out the various styles of footwear. From sandals, ballet fiats, Mary Janes, and pumps, to sneakers, booties, and tall boots. Take your pick.

4. Equestrian

For those who like to tuck skinnies into tall boots equestrian style, here’s a maximal outfit formula to consider. Choose any colour palette. Combine a fitted turtleneck with a blazer and belt the layered items at the waist. Wear them over skinny jeans tucked into tall boots. Here the brown belt matches the tall boots, creating outfit cohesion. Drape a plaid poncho, wrap, or ruana over the lot. Add a bag to match. If it’s a crossbody, wear it under the poncho and over the blazer. Alternatively, for a simpler version, leave off the belt, wear flat riding boots, and drape a plaid scarf over the blazer.

5. Strong and Subtle

Last is a version for those who prefer quiet plaids. I’m very fond of the combination of silhouettes and white loafers here, and would wear the clothes in a palette that is more to my taste. A pair of wide cropped olive barrel pants is combined with a fluid and tucked black sweater. Tucking the sweater defines the waist. A short grey and black plaid bomber-esque jacket with stand-up collar tops the lot. Refined and polished white loafers add a crisp, unexpected, and modern touch. To my eye they make the look, but you might prefer black loafers to match the top. Add a bag that works with the palette of the outfit. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Who bats for Team Plaid?

From a behind-the-scenes look at the field of textile conservation, to tips on how to end your relationship with your hairstylist, today I’m sharing 10 articles that caught my attention or gave me food for thought lately.

• After reading more about the costumes designed for The Buccaneers, I’m excited to watch this new TV show.
• From wedding gowns to a handmade 1930s evening dress, four women share their families’ tailoring traditions.
• Fashionista investigates how fashion schools should address adaptive design.
• They also report that department stores are rethinking their in-house contemporary brands for a new consumer.
• The Art of Dressing an Up-and-Coming Star.
• How to break up with your hairstylist? Huffpost asked actual stylists for their advice.
• The Profound Way That Keeping a Loved One’s Clothes Can Help You Grieve.
• Inside the World of Textile Conservation: conservators open up about their field, and how they got into it in the first place.
• Five women discuss their experiences with going grey in the workplace.
• For the perfume enthusiasts: Who What Wear asked 12 people in the beauty industry what scent they wore on their wedding day.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream lets us know that two-time Oscar winner Dame Maggie Smith is now featured in Loewe’s 2024 spring pre-collection campaign. That Puzzle handbag!

Roberta enjoyed browsing Lorenzo’s picks for knee-high boots this Fall.

If you’ve seen the TV series Our Flag Means Death, she also recommends this interview with the designer of those amazing costumes.

As a loungewear fan, Carol liked this vlogger’s “reverse” approach to wardrobe building. Instead of finding your style words, you start with what your days realistically look like.

Jaime directs us to this comprehensive consideration of what it means to have a slow fashion wardrobe.

Occasion wear is often bought under pressure. And finding the right formal outfit at the right price – and in the right season – ends up being a compromise on silhouette, colour, quality, fabric, or price. Instead, buy an outfit when it finds you.
 

Make it warm and covered if you might need formal wear in Winter. Dressy pantsuits, metallic knitwear, long sleeves, long skirts, patent boots, hosiery, wool coats, and invisible lightweight long underwear are chic and dressy ways to stay insulated.

By purchasing formal wear ahead of time, you can have items altered, find the right accessories, shoes, and toppers to go with the look, and score items on sale. Say YES to that formal invitation because you have the right outfit to feel fabulous.

Autumn and Winter collections are in full swing here in the US. There’s lots to choose from across a range of dress codes, colours, and price points. From super casual to dressy formal, and everything in between. Holiday attire is out too. Here are this week’s top picks, many of which have worked well on my clients. Be sure to browse the different colour and size options. Nab the items on sale if you can.

• HOBBS LONDON Sidonie Turtleneck Sweater: A fitted metallic turtleneck that is great with a black skirt or wider bottoms. Lovely quality.
• Clarks Torhill Rise Bootie (Women): This bootie-sneaker hybrid caught my eye so I ordered it. The toffee sole is interesting, and might work with my new honey blonde hair. The colours were excellent for my style, yet I returned them. They run short and a larger size would be too wide. Also, too chunky for my preferences. Super cute, comfy, soft, supportive, and unique for someone else.
• French Connection Azzurra Tweed Cropped Blazer: This boxy short jacket looked AMAZING on my petite client with a larger bust. Fluid with structure in the right places. It was quite the surprise to both of us. The sleeves are long, and she's having them altered. Runs a size big.
• French Connection Faux Shearling Oversized Coat: Boxy shearling aviator jackets are an iconic classic to my eye, and this one is fab. I have a similar one I got five years ago in bright red. It adds that special something whenever I wear it. Super cosy too.
• Boden Oversized High Neck Sweater: Fab for Team Tall. Great boxy fit that is not overwhelming. Crisp and cosy. Comes in solid neutrals.
• Boden The Marylebone Velvet Blazer: Boden does velvet blazers every year, which tend to work well if you are not broad in the shoulder. Impeccable quality. There is a fun bright pink too.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Buckle-Detail Plaid Herringbone Skirt: A kilt that's not a kilt, and drapes like a dream. Works on a range of body types. Great on a curvy bottom half. Versatile.
• M&S Collection Recycled Blend Star Crew Neck Jumper: Stars on a metallic sweater are one way to wear a festive sweater. Nice neat neckline, and not scratchy.
• REFORMATION Mallori Closed Toe Heels: Classic Silver Ankle Strap Pump Fabness. They are relatively comfy. Not too hard, yet not soft either. Not for wider feet. Pretty on the foot.
• L'AGENCE Dani Chain Link Print Silk Button-Up Shirt: If you like to wear pretty silk blouses that pack a punch, I can't rave enough about the ones from L'Agence. They are pricey, so try to get them on sale. I have two in playful patterns, and feel like a million bucks in them. They are my favourite blouses of all time. GORGEOUSLY luxe and fluid. Check out the novel patterns online.
• Mango Puffed Sleeves Floral Shirt: A moody floral blouse for Team Purple. Best on a broader shoulder. Long in the arms.
• Boden Heather Jacquard Sweater: A fun classic sweater for Team Cat. Easy to pair with a range of navy and blue denim bottoms. Works quite well over skirts. There's a raspberry doggy version too.
• Vince Camuto Belted Faux Leather Jacket with Removable Faux Fur Collar: A '70s topper for Team Tall and Team Long Torso. The faux fur collar comes off.
• Jeffrey Campbell Lavalamp Bootie (Women): '70s Booties Fabness. The brown and toffee version looks even MORE '70s. The black patent option has a '90s vibe. Groovy and gorgeous if you can manage the high heel height.
• Anne Klein Popover Blouse: Tunics are an easy option to pop over slim bottoms for those who like the "long over lean" look. Comes in bright red.
• Zella Cozy Faux Shearling Jacket: A fab super casual faux shearling topper that works across a range of body types. Great over Athleisure bottoms, corduroy pants, or jeans. Comes in Winter white.
• Boden Eloise Long Sleeve Tie Waist Stretch Cotton Corduroy Shirtdress: If you like olive and classic shirt dresses, give this one a go. It's thick, soft, substantial, and with stretchy comfort. Looks good worn boxy without the self-tie belt too.
• M&S Collection Pure Merino Wool Crew Neck Jumper: I'm impressed with the simple and lightweight merino wool offerings from Marks & Spencer this season. They are warm, layer well, cosy, not scratchy, aren't too baggy, and have neat and tidy necklines. Size up if you want a slouchier fit. Lots of colours.
• COACH Cara Satchel: GORGEOUS satchel with a pebbled texture that straddles the line between casual and dressy. It has a guitar strap and slouches against the body when worn as a crossbody. It's pristine and structured when held by the satchel handles. Comes in tan and black. I have my eye on the chalk.
• Zara Cylinder And Pearl Link Necklace: A uniquely casually dressy chain that mixes metals with a pearl. It's better in person, and runs a little big.
• KUT from the Kloth Ana Fab Ab High Waist Corduroy Flare Jeans: Great on both a straighter and curvier bottom half, and in an unusual seafoam slate blue. Might need to size down. Doesn't grab at the knees. Comes in bright cinnamon. Super cosy.
• Boden Chunky Chain Pearl Necklace: Click the link to see the chunky integrity of this super cute pendant necklace. Great for V-necklines.

You can see the descriptions alongside the items on the collection page.