Everyone’s wearing Tartan… Again.
It's the classic print hailing from the Highlands with which fashion has an enduring love affair - and this season Tartan is very much back on the style agenda. So, if you're struggling to style out the trend, check (sorry) this lot out for some plaid-related inspiration…
Rex FeaturesHeading out in LA with bessie Ireland Baldwin at her side, Kendall Jenner gave a subtle spin on the tartan trend in a patchwork Band of Outsiders plaid sweater, which she paired with fresh white skinnies and nude heels.
Rex FeaturesSmart meets casual as Taylor and BFF Karlie hit the streets of NYC in their own version of plaid street style
Getty ImagesDialling into the tartan vibe in a BIG way, Jessica Simpson looks incredible as she struts the sidewalks of New York.
GettyWoop, woop! We love this cute little tartan top on Chloe Moretz who styles out the big print with plain black tailored trousers.
Getty ImagesWe love a man who can rock a trend and Jared Leto's low-slung plaid shirt just cannot help make us think of his Jordan Catalano days, too. Eyes mist over
PA PhotosKate Bosworth gives tartan an A-list update with her metallic Dior mini dress. A modern classic.
PA PhotosBirdsong actress Clémence Poésy nailed tartan in this gorgeous Chanel coat with a muted, darker print.
Rex FeaturesMiley adds a Scottish flavour to her all-black off-duty wardrobe with a two-tone tartan shirt knotted round her waist.
Rex FeaturesCool, casual and easily copied by us real girls, Jessica Alba brights up her day look with a splash of tartan goodness.
REX FeaturesThe flames of our passion for tartan were well and truly fanned a couple of years ago when Rihanna took to the X Factor stage in 2012 in this puffball McQ by Alexander McQueen mini dress, creepers and a metallic collar. It's still our favourite display of tartan in recent times and the singer she managed to breathe a new lease of life into the print.
Rex FeaturesTartan works just as well as with a grunge aesthetic too, just follow Vanessa Hudgens’ lead and swing an oversized lumberjack shirt around your waist for an instant injection of 90s glam.
PA PhotosProving tartan isn’t just for casual attire though, Chloe Moretz made a strong case for the print in this muted two-tone mini dress last summer.
Rex FeaturesRipped jeans, chunky leather boots and a tartan shirt = easy-breezy, casual styling. Full marks to Emma Roberts for this perfect off-duty look.
PA PhotosProving the print’s versatility, you can even wear it playing hockey.
Rex FeaturesTry to ignore Gwen Stefani’s ridiculously cute Pomeranian pooch here and focus on some really excellent fashion genius – yes, that is a midi length kilt she’s wearing and yes again, it is one of the most fabulous displays of tartan-wearing we’ve seen this side of 2010 – right up there with that Rihanna, lass.
PA PhotosAnd there’s that very same McQ by Alexander McQueen dress that Rihanna wore, but on Emma Watson. We love the simple accessorising with pointed courts and high-shine leather jacket.
Rex FeaturesAnd from one tartan McQueen frock to another; when arriving on the arm of the late designer at the 2006 Met Ball Gala, Sarah Jessica Parker went a little more traditional with her look working a lace and tulle dress with a trad, plaid overlay across her shoulder. Even though critics were divided on this look at the time, we still uphold this as one of the most excellent red carpet moments, ever.
Rex FeaturesTartan trousers – although notoriously difficult to pull off – if styled well, are perennially chic come wintertime. Follow Kylie’s lead here and team your Highland print with rich velvet and unapologetically high heels.
Rex FeaturesOr why not channel your inner Cher Horowitz like Atlanta de Cadenet and go for a bona fide mini kilt and bask in how gloriously 90s your wardrobe has suddenly become?
Rex FeaturesCara gave this season’s key print her own spin by wearing the trousers slouchy and paired with a now-signature beanie hat. The Vivienne Westwood (more on her services to tartan, later) trousers actually comes with a matching jacket as well, so if you’re feeling bold – trial the trend head-to-foot in tailored separates, too.
Rex FeaturesShoulder robing, leather trousers and tartan… Sure; it’s kind of a bit too much - but we love it all the same.
Rex FeaturesIt’s not just Rita who could see tartan and leather separates maketh a great fashion pairing though; Miranda Kerr’s off-duty Fashion Week outfit will look good come rain or shine.
WennBut if you want to keep your tartan look chic and sharp for the office, Olivia Palermo’s simple shift dress in muted blues and greens is a stylish way to interpret the trend.
Rex FeaturesDon’t shy away from clashing prints where tartan is concerned either, while it’s a bold pattern the rich red and greens look great with a monochromatic palette.
Rex FeaturesWe bladdy love a good pencil skirt so when it comes in a bright, bold purple and yellow tartan print, we’re especially smitten. Anna Kendrick’s styling is spot on here but if you’re not yet ready to invest in purple leathers, simply team a loud plaid skirt with your ol’ faithful, the black biker jacket.
GoRunwaySaint Laurent Autumn/Winter 2013-14
It would seem like the A-List have been paying close attention to the catwalk though, as tartan played a big part in the Autumn Winter ’13 shows, not least at Saint Laurent, where the brand’s Creative Director Hedi Slimane sent his models down the runway in punky mini dresses and oversized shirts in the eponymous print.
GoRunwayVersace Autumn/Winter 2013-14
Italian fashion house Versace nailed two trends in one this season as well, when they paired versatile tartan with this season’s other fashion love affair: PVC.
GoRunwayAlberta Ferretti Autumn/Winter 2013-14
There was full-length and fabulous at Alberta Ferretti…
GoRunwayMoschino Autumn/Winter 2013-14
... And gloriously throwback at Moschino.
GoRunwayStella McCartney Autumn/Winter 2013-14
But it was Stella McCartney’s moody blue check coat that made us want to embrace the trend and pop to the shops, ASAP.
Rex FeaturesAnd now for some fashion throwback as we delve into the tartan archives: Indeed, it wasn’t that long ago that Madge was getting hitched in the Highlands and wearing kilts (with, err, combats) on stage.
Rex FeaturesFashion supremo Marc Jacobs has been known to wear a kilt in his time, too. (Looking darn good, we might add.)
Rex FeaturesAnd of course sexy Scot Ewan McGregor has donned his country’s traditional dress in his time, too.
Rex FeaturesBut in the 90s there was one person we all wanted to dress like, and that was one Cher Horowitz.
No person (fictional or otherwise) contributed to the proliferation of plaid for the Nineties teen more than this lady - and what's more, she made dressing the same as your friend really cool, too. What a woman.
Rex FeaturesBut Vivienne Westwood's services to tartan should also be mentioned, having long been a champion of the wonders of plaid. The British fashion designer put Naomi Campbell head-to-toe in the print on the catwalk in 1993 but alas, it wasn't the tartan skirt making the headlines the following day...
Rex FeaturesQueen of the slogan T Katharine Hamnett put her models in the print as well, complete with oh-so-very-now PVC miniskirts.
Rex FeaturesThe late, great Paula Yates' family portrait with her two eldest children and matching tartan is very much of its 80s era - and super cute, too.
Rex FeaturesAnd of course fashion icon Princess Diana trialed the trend, going for matching his ‘n’ hers tartan with Prince Charles.
Rex FeaturesHowever, it would seem that long before Madonna was donning kilts on stage; tartan had very much staked its claim on the music industry. Just check out Wham!’s Andrew Ridgeley, who kept the trend very much alive in the early Eighties with this bright red tartan three-piece suit, complete with tartan tie and overcoat. Yep. That happened.
Getty ImagesAnd in the late 70s, the Sex Pistols' frontman Johnny Rotten was no stranger to tartan, either.
PA PhotosCropped check flares shudder and matching tartan scarves were the order of the day for much of the Bay City Rollers 70s heyday.
Rex FeaturesThere are no words, Noddy Holder. No. Words.
Rex FeaturesRock Around The Clock hitmaker Bill Haley and his Comets were rarely seen without their tartan jackets in the 50s, either.
Rex FeaturesBut turning back the clock even further shows that tartan’s never really ever gone out of fashion and that Kate Middleton was on to something... Hockey, anyone?
Rex FeaturesOr how about some tartan culottes? Great for scaling lampposts – apparently.
Rex FeaturesThe Woman In Plaid?
Rex FeaturesWe’re actually really digging the tartan maxi, though.
Rex FeaturesPictured in the early days of her career, Psycho actress Janet Leigh wouldn’t look out of place in 2014 with those cropped tailored tartan trousers styled up with a simple cropped jumper and loafers. Beaut!
[b]Want to see plaid in action on some real-life fashionistas? Click on...
Suzanne MiddlemassAmiee Nedwell, Manager
I'm wearing shoes from Rockit with Topshop trousers and a Primark top. I love Houndstooth and this jacket was a great vintage find as was the scarf and the necklace was a gift.
Suzanne MiddlemassWen Sun, Fashion Student
I'm wearing Stella McCartney shoes with trousers and a jacket by Comme des Garcons; the bag is by Chanel and the belt is Alexander McQueen.
Suzanne MiddlemassDiana Vickers, Actress and Singer
I would describe my style as Tomboy Chic. I love tartan and Cher from Clueless is my absolute style icon. I get outfit ideas from the My Flash Trash blog, GLAMOUR magazine and street fashion. Today I'm wearing Russell & Bromley shoes, Topshop trousers and top, and a Parker faux fur coat. My socks are from M&S and the bag is from Burberry.
Suzanne MiddlemassArabella Golby, Fashion Blogger
Make like Arabella and dare to try the look from head-to-foot in a suit with cropped trousers.
Suzanne MiddlemassCourtney Smith, Fashion Stylist
Courtney's outfit is a master class in clashing prints.
Suzanne MiddlemassDonya Patric, Stylist and Blogger
We ❤ Donya's look, here.
Suzanne MiddlemassGeorgie Bee, Shoe designer for Miista.com
I'm wearing Morgan top, Moschino belt, Miista shoes and bag, as well as a vintage cape and skirt.
Rex FeaturesHow did this little guy slip in here? Ah well, now you and your beloved pet pooch can legitimately wear the same thing. Thank you, tartan.
