We typically think of plaid as an Ivy League fashion—those collegiate checks and crimson red and black quilted patterns have lovingly and steadfastly been adopted as the classic schoolgirl look for as long we can remember. This fall, the plaid pattern is all grown up and has developed a bit of an attitude—especially when paired with tight-fitting leather (leave it to Versace to pull that off seamlessly!). To navigate the plaid fashion trend for the season, we broke down our favourite looks from the
Fall 2013 runways, and easiest ways to earn your now-sophisticated checks.

Plaid fashion trend lesson: The statement coat
Fall 2013 runway inspiration
: Céline, Stella McCartney, Prada

Perfect for: Any outdoor event on a cool fall day—that way you’ll never have to actually remove your fabulous coat. In fact, the signature Scottish tartan pattern on all types of outwear—a stylish blazer or
trench coat—gives a collegiate and classic twist to any outfit.

How to wear it: With a long and
oversized wool coat, don pair of patent menswear-inspired loafers for a chic boy-meets-girl look. Or leave the coat unbuttone to reveal a slim grey pencil skirt and thigh-high leather boots in a bold Bordeaux shade.



10 ways to wear the PLAID PATTERN this fall

Plaid fashion trend lesson: Your fall bag—check!
Fall 2013 runway inspiration:
Moschino, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chanel

Perfect for: Upgrading your signature weekend look. The classic plaid pattern lends an air of sophistication to a pair of denim pants and a
basic white tee. It also works as a stylish accent to a ladylike ensemble this season.

How to wear it: From your handbag or clutch, draw out your favourite colour that’s woven into the plaid pattern with matching solid pieces (tops, boots, sweaters). So for a burgundy check, pair with matching opaque tights to make the pattern really pop.

Fall 2013 fashion trends: PLAID

More ways to add the plaid pattern to your wardrobe this fall on the next page…

how-to-wear-plaid-page-two.jpgPlaid fashion trend lesson: The ladylike skirt suit
Fall 2013 runway inspiration:
Lanvin, Rag & Bone, Tommy Hilfiger
Perfect for: A day at the races (especially with Tommy Hilfiger’s Prince of Wales, equestrian-inspired checks this season). A more subtle backdrop—though this is debatable— for this polished look would be any sort of Sunday soirée (Thanksgiving family gatherings are just around the corner, after all).
How to wear it: With a black and grey two-piece skirt suit, layer a solid black shirt over a collared blouse—try a bold tangerine hue for a striking contrast. Or go all-out Savile Row, London-style with Oxford heels and a chic top handle bag.

Fall 2013 fashion: Top 10 RUNWAY TRENDS

Plaid fashion trend lesson: Plaid gone punk
Fall 2013 runway inspiration:
Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton
Perfect for: A date night. The mix of a plaid pattern and leather in one smoking outfit gives a boldness to the classic and sophisticated pattern. (And anyone who can appreciate that edge is worth a second date.)
How to wear it: Let’s go all out biker chic with this one—add a black leather belt to a plaid jacket. Or toss a moto jacket over a plaid blouse and black denim pants. Check it!

Read more:
Fall fashion: 10 ways to wear plaid

Fall 2013 fashion trends: Plaid
Fall 2013 Trend Report
The top fashion models of Fall 2013