Back in the 1990s, a plaid shirt and Doc Marten boots were all you needed to get in on the popular grunge look. The more casual and rumpled, the better! Plaid has continued to stick around over the years but this fall season, a plaid revival is underway that’s both fun and more colorful. The new plaid is far from being rumpled and faded and comes in the brightest pops of color. Plaid fever has hit dresses, skirts, backpacks, shirts and even jackets! What’s to love about plaid? It looks great on most people, it’s easy to create a cool, relaxed vibe when you wear plaid and it’s such a classic pattern that it will never really go out of fashion! It’s such a versatile pattern that it look great on anything from button up shirts to prom dresses too. For a casual look, pair your plaid with some updated denim pieces, skinny jeans, leggings and rugged boots. Plaid also looks great paired with suede - especially suede or leather boots that have a bit of shearling as an accent! Drape a plaid scarf casually over a plain t-shirt and pair with some chunky costume jewelry, leggings and ankle boots for an updated casual look with a bit of rock chick edge. Check out our gallery on the hottest plaid clothing and accessories we could find!
The History of Plaid
Where did this unique fabric pattern come from? Plaid, sometimes called ”tartan”, originally came from Scotland, where the Highland clans wore them in different colors to distinguish each group from each other, almost like a national flag. The Scottish wore plaid kilts, which is a tradition that is still practiced today as a part of their culture. The lines in the plaid used to show the rank of the person wearing it - for example a king would have many stripes in his plaid kilt. It wasn’t until 1730 that the plaid we see today, with its many different colors and stripe patterns, was invented. Scottish clans still wear kilts to this day and many schools with a dress code incorporate plaid kilts into their daily uniforms. We’re glad it’s still around today - it’s cool to know that something that’s part of our wardrobe has such an interesting history behind it!
Demi Lovato in a plaid jacket
Blair Waldorf buttoned up in a plaid coat
Kate Bosworth pairs her plaid with high waisted jeans
