Trend Alert: Plaid About You

You have to be living under a rock not to know that plaid has made a comeback in a major way. In your defense, you probably thought you’d seen the last of it when your love affair with Kurt Cobain ended or around the time you found out Party of Five was being canceled. Yet here it is again, tempting you to channel your inner grunge girl, tapping into your inner rocker and tugging at your inner skater chic.

But this is 2013 and rules have definitely changed. For one, this may be some people’s first stab at plaid. I’m with you, this is a bit of a wake up call. But don’t let that get you down, this revival has a lot of potential. You can totally turn this season’s plaid trend into something new and fresh. To help you do just that, here are my style Do’s and Don’ts that will leave you feeling just enough nostalgia to get you psyched about plaid but not enough to make you want to pierce your nose.

Don’t suddenly become an unofficial spokesperson for Burberry.

Ex soap star Daniella Westbrook seen out in London's trendy Bond Street. London, UK.Oops, don’t do it again, as in pretend that you’re a Catholic School girl.

britney-spears-plaidDon’t pick up an indecipherable Scottish accent and start donning a kilt.

Kevin+McKidd+Brave+Premiere+Red+Carpet+3Don’t use the gingham tablecloth you got in Paris to inspire your next outfit.

red-gingham-dressDon’t trade in your E-Class for a tractor, even if it offers better mileage.

girl-riding-tractorNow for the Do’s:

Do mix a plaid shirt with a delicate and girly texture like feathers. Wear it as a blouse with a statement necklace, a bright clutch and a pair of booties or sandals to a dress it up.

trend-alert-girly-plaidDo pick a versatile top like this wrap blouse from Mango. You can make it as dressy or casual as you like depending on what shoes and accessories you choose. Pair it with some ripped denim or leather shorts and voilà one plaid shirt makes a variety of outfits!

trend-alert-plaid-blouse-with-leather-and-deim

Do pick a plaid shirt in a feminine hue and make a statement by selecting a maxi in a clashing print like a floral to wear it with. This combination will definitely make you look like you know what you’re doing. Especially if you rock it with an ear cuff and complete the ensemble with the Chloé ‘Suzanna’ Stud Buckle Bootie.trend-alert-plad-maxi-mix-printsDo incorporate this trend with other Fall must-haves. Try picking out a flattering plaid dress, like the one by Marc by Marc Jacobs, don it with a wide brim hat, a funky open-toe bootie like this perforated pair by Pedro Garcia and complete the look with a statement feather ear cuff.

trend-alert-plaid-dress-brim-hat-feathers

Do mix time periods. Show off your knowledge of styles of decades past. Wear a full plaid skirt with a lace top to achieve a Mad Men inspired look but keep it modern by matching it with a spiked leather pump and some over-the-top jewels.

trend-alert-plaid-skirt-lace-blouse-spike-heels

Do embrace the many plaid accessories that are out there. Scarves and shoes are an easy way to ease into this trend and of course for the most unique finds, check out vintage stores for inspiration.trend-alert-plaid-accessoriesEnjoy!

Biana