Be-kilted bagpipers in Scotland. Grunge-era flannel shirts a la Kurt Cobain. Catholic schoolgirl uniforms. The print that’s all of these things (and much more) is also a classic fall staple for the fashion pack. From abstracted checks to old-world tartans, designers seem particularly mad for plaid at the moment – maybe it’s the influence of the summer’s way-popular “Savage Beauty” exhibit at the Met, featuring Alexander McQueen’s plaid-heavy ’95 “Highland Rape” collection. Or maybe it’s the allure of tradition. Either way, the best checks offer a new approach.
1) Etro Plaid Brushed-Wool Cape: Straight out of the highlands, this asymmetrical brushed-wool cape is very plaid-appropriate, but the look is way out there. It hangs like a leather-trimmed sash, so the confidence factor needs to be at 10 to pull this off. On Net-a-Porter for $1,290.
2) Altuzarra “Mimosa” Dress: Who says plaids have to be all about pleats and wool? A soft and flowy shape, with almost tattered pieces of silk-chiffon, makes the print abstract and interesting again. At Barneys New York for $2,160.
3) Milly Madras Plaid Silk Halter Dress: Perky plaid! Bold, painterly lines and a Stepford wife-approved fifties cut equal a cute and flirty way to go about the often stern pattern. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $385.
4) Bottega Veneta Abstract Plaid Dress: Sometimes plaid can offset texture. This elegant and feminine wool dress is also no-nonsense. Forget the power suit – this exudes the Wonderwoman within. At Barneys New York for $1,800.
5) BB Dakota “Calhoun” Plaid Hooded Poncho: If Sherlock Holmes happen to be a stylish girl, this would be her uniform. This cape-like poncho in houndstooth-plaid, perfect for foggy London days, is playful and mysterious at once. On ShopBop for $130.
