Fashion February Week 3: Tartan

Another week, another topic for Fashion February!  This week, we're turning to tartan for inspiration.

What is tartan, you say?  Isn't tartan the same as plaid?  Actually, plaid and tartan are very different.  As I learned just moments ago (thanks, Google), plaid is a garment typically worn as a "belted blanket" while tartan is the criss-cross multi-colored pattern that most North Americans like to call plaid.  So, plaid = garment (whether tartan or solid color) and tartan = pattern.

Do you feel misinformed, fellow Americans?  I know I do.  My European ancestors would be appalled at my misuse of the word plaid for the past 25 years!

Now that we've had our history lesson, let's take a look at how I've styled this trendy pattern:

I'm not a huge fan of tartan (I only own 1 tartan piece in my whole wardrobe!) but when I saw this gorgeous skirt from Boohoo ($16), I knew I had to make it the star of this week's Fashion February!  Pastels are still pretty trendy and this tartan will work perfectly as an all-season staple.

I usually don't like the matchy-matchy look, nor do I go for crop tops, but with this pattern, more is more.  If you're weary about wearing the matching crop ($26), I would pair it with a navy top like this halter from River Island.

To keep the tartan the focus of these looks, I chose simple accessories like these Hring eftir Hring earrings ($40) and the J by Jasper Conran chain bracelet ($13) and finished with the New Look cut out peeptoe heels ($33) and Paper Fox Nallely heels ($60).

This weeks' topic ignited my love of tartan (aka plaid) and I'm looking forward to working this new-to-me pattern into my wardrobe!  What do you think of tartan?  Would you be bold enough to rock the all-tartan look?



Works cited: Newsome, M., X Marks the Scot: <http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f99/tartan-vs-plaid-12420/>