We’ve been wearing plaid for some time now, and we just can’t get enough of the checkered suits, coats, and accessories, because not only does Tartan look chic and timeless in winter, it can also look very contemporary and edgy too.

The Scottish pattern was initially used for ordinary Highland clothing and became the symbolic national dress of Scotland in 1782, but according to a textile historian, a similar fabric was produced between the 8th and 6th century BC in Hallstatt, near Salzburg! Queen Victoria was responsible for the Tartan craze among the British aristocracy.

But in the late ’70s, the Punk fashion made plaid the symbol of unconventionality and rebellion. Since then, Vivienne Westwood, the grandmother of punk, has been the queen of plaid. Sharing Westwood’s throne is the quintessentially British Burberry, of course. 

In the ’90, Kurt Cobain, the frontman of Nirvana, the most influential band of the Seattle music scene, wore his signature Grunge look; plaid shirts layered over T-shirts or tied around the waist. Since the ’90s fashion is back, it is only natural that tartan shirts and pants, the symbol of the grunge fashion, are in every fashionista wardrobe again. Colourful checkered garments have been everywhere, we’ve seen them on luxury brands catwalk shows and in most high-street stores too.

 There are so many fun ways to style tartan that it is impossible to get tired of it. Tartan is such a versatile fabric;  it looks wonderful in a lady-like skirt and suit, as the lining of the elegant trench coat.

You can see plaid in contemporary outfits, fashion-forward women wear tartan-on-tartan looks or mix the Scottish pattern with almost anything, from dots to animal print. We especially like the plaids in new bright colours of this season, and we will surely keep wearing it until the end of winter, if not longer.

We’ve made a selection of beautiful plaid garments, shoes, and bags that would be a great new addition to any wardrobe:

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Photos Shutterstock