Plaid, glorious plaid

Nothing says autumn/winter more than a classic print, and this season that print is plaid, aka tartan or check. Never has one material had so many names!

You'll find this hot print on bags, shoes, blouses and dresses, but beware not to mistake it for the grungy flannel looks from the 90s. This is proper plaid that even a true Scotsman wouldn't resist.

Vivienne Westwood found fame with tartan plaids, and over the years has glamorised the material, which is steeped in tradition. For this winter season, Dolce & Gabbana reinvigorated it with their cool collection of cool plaid tights, soft billowy silk dresses, kilts and headscarves, all inspired by none other than the Queen. Many other designers joined the bandwagon, including House of Holland, Ralph Lauren, Preen, DSquared2, and Alexander McQueen.

This look is not for the faint-hearted. The first step is to decide how you want to wear plaid - do you want the punk look a la Agyness Deyn or country chic like Alexa Chung? If you're bold enough, try wearing patterned tights with bold-hued plaids, or take it to the max with a floor-sweeping maxi-dress. Otherwise team a tartan kilt with solid basic colours, or try a stylish Mac.

Tips:
- Although the runways were full of head-to-toe plaid, choose wisely and don't go overboard. Go for one interesting piece, whether it's a skirt, cropped fitted jacket, or a distinctive handbag and then pair it with basics like black or denim.
- The new way to wear tartan? Mix and match multiple checks (see D&G photo).
- If you're not into the whole tomboy thing, opt for more feminine pieces with ruffles and bow details (see Kelly Rowland).
- If you are worried about this look, start with an easy plaid shirt.

Pros:
This classic print is bound to get you noticed.

Cons:
Wearing a short plaid skirt may give you an unintended "school girl" look, so do not under any circumstance wear a short kilt with a white shirt or a tie.

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