Photo Credit: NYMag.com; Designs by Nanette Lepore, DKNY, and Marc by Marc Jacobs

Fall is quickly approaching, and with it comes the rebirth of fall’s favorite fabric – plaid.  It is a mainstay on runways across the world, and well-known designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, and DKNY have all included the crisscrossed material into outfits across their collections.  You will see it featured in every type of outfit – from dresses to suits and on everything from hats to jewelry.

While plaid isn’t for everyone, there are some simple ways you can include it in your outfits so that you don’t feel that the plaid is garish or overdone.  Accessories can add just a flash of the colorful patterns, while the rest of your outfit can be more neutral.

Watch the Pattern

This lavender plaid watch from Hot Topic is a great way to add some plaid.  The most popular colors in traditional plaids are bold basic colors such as red, green, yellow, blue, and black.  However, plaids can come in any color and even different patterns.  Plaid patterns which are completely symmetrical, with a vertical and horizontal repeat are called tartans.  It is common for a region to have a tartan pattern that is specific to that locale.  Even in the United States, there are about 34 states and even some cities which have their own unique tartan plaid design.

Multicultural Plaid

This bolero-style jacket, made popular in Spanish fashion, gives a nod to Scottish style with its tartan plaid print.  Surprisingly, although tartan plaids are commonly attributed to Scotland, they actually originated in the British Isles and can be traced back to around 400 BC.  However, you won’t have to travel to Spain or Scotland to get this jacket!  With our deal, you can get a great price on it at Torrid, and you won’t even have to leave your house!

Tartan Pop

These ballerina flats incorporate the plaid into a popular style of shoe.  These shoes would look great with anything from jeans to work wear.  The red and gray color combination is more traditional, but also perfect to go with the darker hues of fall clothing.  We think these are the perfect pop of plaid to set off what might be an otherwise bland outfit.  You can get them at Hot Topic for a steal with our deal.

Plaid on the Links

These plaid imprinted cuff links are a cute gift idea for the man of Irish or Scottish heritage – or even just a man with great fahsion sense!  They would be a neat way to incorporate the heritage of the love of your life into your wedding day, or any day.  It is unusual to be able to find plaid in a way that does not stand out in an extraordinary way, so these are perfect to keep his dress attire professional.  We have an awesome sale posted for Banana Republic, so you can get these cuff links at 30% off!

Playing with Plaid

You may choose to be less subtle with your plaid, and incorporate into your shirts, skirts, and pants.  This shirt from Lord and Taylor is still plaid, yet it gives a more country feel than the tartans shown above.  We love that one type of print can represent so many different style inspirations.  You will find that these patterns can give any sort of style vibe you want – from Scottish to Country Western to Super-Fashionista.  Many designers are now pairing mismatched plaids, so feel free to have fun with the plaids you love and combine them in different ways.  Take the style and make it your own!

P.S. While we’re at it – the most well-known fashion plaid, Burberry, is giving away a sample of their new women’s fragrance, coming out in 8 days.  Check it out!