Mad About Plaid

While I often lament that I was only a child in the 1980s, I should more often lament being a teenager in the 1990s. To this date, I'm not quite sure that there was much "Good" that came from 90s fashion, or nothing noteworthy (other than grunge), and I'm not positive I want to remember grunge.

Despite my apathy towards grunge, I have to admit to being mad about plaid. From Sarah Jessica Parker's Alexander McQueen evening gown to Charlotte York McDougal's tartan ballgown, to the lace and plaid frock worn by Amy Lee in Evanescence's "Call Me When You're Sober" (below). However, despite spending my vacation days watching repeats of My So-Called Life, I don't have much desire to revisit Angela Chase's wardrobe.

There's something about plaid that has a distinguishing versatility that other patterns may not have. From men's business suits to blue collar work wear to costumes, plaid is seen on the high brow and low brow alike (and the occasional unibrow!). It can be bold and alarming or subtle and demure-- one of my favorite pairs of pants for a long time was a pair of grey plaid pants. However, because they were striped with soft pink and dull black lines, they were savvy enough to go from board room to bar room with the change of a top and shoes. Companies like Burberry have capitalized on the versatility of plaid with their signature plaid that has been marketed, mocked, and infringed on-- because plaid sells.



While plaids (or tartans) have a vast range of stereotypes and connotations that can be less than flattering (the red and black checkered hunter's coat; the Irish or Catholic plaid skirt; the farmer), I've become intrigued in the last few months about a modernized styling of this pattern.

One such dress I'm kind of crazy about is this Donna Ricco Plaid Taffeta Shirtdress. The plaid, in dark green, black, and purple is subtle and modern. The dark colors deemphasize the pattern, so that the dress's cut and pattern aren't in conflict with one another.

Likewise, Betsey Johnson's Leopold is the best of all worlds-- plaid and patent in a pump. Stupidly (or perhaps luckily?), the green and black versions are on sale through Amazon.com-- the perfect way to pick up spunky, but arguably timeless shoes at a more affordable cost.

With Winter technically being 1/3 over, I still have time to work plaids in to my wardrobe. Sadly, Gap never replenished their plaid princess cut ruffle blouse, or it'd have been a staple in my wardrobe already.