Pretty in Plaid

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anthro coat 1
Bundle up for winter in the trendy NVLT EYELASH KNIT PLAID COAT, elevated with slanted pockets and button closures as well as neutral hues to match any outfit, $168, with advance order at The Terrain Pop-Up! Newport Beach, Fashion Island. (949-720-9946; anthropologie.com)

Classic crosshatches are back in style, bringing a timeless touch to the holiday season.

By Ashley Ryan

 

When the weather cools down, it’s tempting to stay in with a warm mug of tea and curl up with a good book. But the holiday season is all about socializing.

From festive parties to tree lighting events, charity galas and more, our schedules are often filled to the brim this time of year. And for every gathering, picking out the perfect outfit is key.

“Plaid, tweed and herringbone are really having a moment this fall, and it makes sense—they’ve got that timeless charm, they’re super versatile and they instantly bring excitement to every look, which we all need in the fall and winter months,” says Kasia Michaels, a Newport Beach resident, fashion stylist and founder of the eponymous Kasia Michaels Style. “This season is all about texture and those classic, cozy vibes.”

Modern-day plaid patterns emerged in Scotland a few hundred years ago, but really found footing in America in the 1970s. After regaining its popularity in the mid-1990s—in large part due to the release of the movie “Clueless”—the motif is yet again making its resurgence, flowing through runways in New York, Paris and Milan as well as the wardrobes of big names like Saoirse Ronan, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

This enduring appeal along with its variations are likely big reasons behind this shift. “Plaid is such a versatile pattern that every woman that appreciates fashion can work into their wardrobe—it can go from casual to polished and it never goes out of style,” Michaels explains. “Plus, layering … or adding a pop of pattern instantly makes any outfit feel more styled, exciting and intentional.”

To incorporate this trend into your own attire, Michaels recommends starting with a classic plaid or herringbone blazer or coat, which she says can instantly elevate any outfit. Or, she suggests, pair bold plaid or tweed skirts or trousers with simple, solid basics to create a look that is both chic and effortless.

Another way to approach the resurgence of plaid is by pulling a color from the pattern to work into the rest of your outfit. “If your plaid has hints of red, for example, a red sweater or shoes will tie the look together seamlessly,” Michaels explains. Those with more vibrant personalities can opt to style tweeds with hues that may not match, as long as they’re in the same color family.

Don’t be afraid to mix textures either, she adds: “Plaid … pairs beautifully with silk, leather, denim or thick wool fabrics.”

Anyone preferring to keep it simple, on the other hand, can skip the clothing altogether and focus on the accessories. Plaid is a great pattern for scarves, hats or handbags, allowing fashionistas to introduce interest and texture without making too loud of a statement.

“Keep in mind, trends are here to inspire you, keep your wardrobe fresh and help you step out of your comfort zone,” Michaels says. As winter unfolds, the enduring charm of these timeless patterns can’t be denied—so grab some plaid, style it to your heart’s content and have a happy holiday season.

 

Checkered Chic

From a sophisticated jacket to a casual baseball cap, the plaid resurgence is on full display at stores throughout the Newport area this winter.

7 Chloe jacket
With squared shoulders, front pockets and a single-breasted design with horn buttons, the TAILORED JACKET IN CHECK WOOL can dress up any ensemble, with multicolored checked wool that makes it easy to mix and match with basic wardrobe staples, $3,390, at Chloé, South Coast Plaza. (714-481-0308; chloe.com)
6 free people hat
Add a bit of flair to any laid-back outfit with the LETTERMAN PLAID CAP, which has a vintage vibe and a mixed-print design across six distinct panels for a look that is simultaneously chic and casual, $48, at Free People, Fashion Island. (949-594-4677; freepeople.com)
2 loveshackfancy dress
Turn heads at this year’s holiday parties in the RUELLE TARTAN MINI BUBBLE DRESS, a flirty and festive take on this timeless trend with a bustier bodice, taffeta bubble skirt and two stylish bows at the hips, $495, at LoveShackFancy, Lido Marina Village. (949-432-5136;
loveshackfancy.com)
4 elyse walker pants
The R13 PLAID JANE JEAN isn’t your classic, rigid denim, offering a more casual plaid option that looks luxurious while still giving the buyer a comfy, worn-in feel, $595, at elysewalker, Lido Marina Village. (949-612-2646; elysewalker.com)
3 neiman marcus bag 1
Kate Spade New York’s DECO PLAID TWEED CROSSBODY BAG is the perfect accessory to showcase the resurgence of plaid this season, with a sleek, elevated design featuring plaid tweed with subtle blue accents, $428, at Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island. (949-759-1900; neimanmarcus.com)
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