How to Wear Plaid

This story showcases 27 different ways in which both girls and guys can wear plaid.

Traditionally, tartan is the correct way to refer to all fabrics woven to create the pattern that we know as plaid. Historically, plaid is a blanket worn with the Highland costume. In the United States, plaid has become synonymous with the print. Gingham which is also often considered a separate print is actually just an even tartan/plaid.

Ah! Plaid! What can we say about it that hasn't been said before? It's been around for so long that you could write odes to it, and still fall short. It has been derided as too common and rural. It has been showcased and highlighted by royals. It has been thrown aside for being (un)stylish.

And then, just as quickly, it has been declared the toast of all things fashionable.

What is it about this gorgeous checkered pattern that brings out such varied emotions? That's probably a question that will never get answered, and since we are no Freud, we will let it pass. We are just happy to let it get its due in the spotlight.

All we want is to ensure that while it's there, it remains so in style and all its glory. So, we bring to you simple, yet gorgeous ways in which you can wear this print.

Plaid is one of universally loved patterns that always manages to look comfortable, yet fashionable. The key to wearing this trend well, though, is to use your judgment and not overwhelm your outfit. A bold print like this can often become an eyesore if not used minimally.

Too much from the tartan family, and you will go down in history for committing a major fashion faux pas.

Understand what will work for you and what won't. While larger prints can overwhelm a petite person, smaller ones work beautifully on them. But this is not a rule by any means.

It depends, ultimately, on what appeals to you. Learn the difference between woven and western styles. The former has larger squares and uses multiple colors, while the latter usually uses two colors and tends to have smaller squares.

Conventional wisdom would say that you should avoid mixing other prints with plaid, but we say, take a call on that. Mixed prints is a trend that works beautifully with the checks family.

If you are unsure of wearing plaid clothes, you can always dip your toes by wearing accessories with plaid prints; a scarf, a headband, a bow tie, try whatever catches your fancy. While plaid was considered synonymous with the Highlands and Texan cowboys, today you can dress up or dress down the print, depending on your mood.