how to wear plaid after the holidays - Style At A Certain Age (2024)

it’s true. all of us are mad for plaid all through the holidays. plaid ribbons, plaid bows, plaid placemats, plaid napkins, plaid… well, you get the point. plaid is seen everywhere from November through December. by definition, plaid is a twill woolen fabric with a tartan pattern worn as a kilt or a shawl with a name to identify a community. somewhere along the line, plaid expanded to include any woven or printed pattern with intersecting bands or stripes running horizontally and vertically. but technically, plaid and tartan are two distinct entities. even Scotland can get a wee bit confused in the 21st century. all i know is i love plaid, whether it’s a plaid blazer, plaid pants, or plaid napkins. but how to wear plaid after the holidays? can it be done? let’s see.

it’s hard to decide which plaid i love most. Blackwatch plaid is a favorite with navy blue, green, and black as its backdrop. on the other hand, i’m always game to wear Stewart plaid with vibrant red, navy, and black. both plaids are on hand in my closet, ready to be worn to any holiday shindig. but plaids are perfect to wear all through those dreary months winter likes to dish up. in fact, plaids brighten my day with pops of red infused with shades of blue.

today’s ootd is a little bit of this with a little bit of that. some old and some new, but every piece is from Talbots except for the red handbag and blue puffer. the merry tartan pants are on major sale as they were rolled out pre-holiday. the pants look fantastic paired with an ivory bobble stitched turtleneck with a stylish high low hem. a denim shirt is layered underneath for warmth, but the sleeves look so cute peeking out from the sweater and tie back to the pants. shoes are the easiest accessory to exchange to suit your climate. a pair of booties would work, as do the Francesca driving mocs (old, similar here and here). a navy blue puffer jacket (old, similar here) complements the plaid pants and grounds the neutral color scheme. but i added a red handbag (out of stock, similar here) for a pop of color. how to wear plaid after the holidays? it can be done. all in all, this casual chic outfit works for January. or any cold winter month.

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 63, 5’8, and size 8.

See author's posts

As a passionate enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in fashion and textile history, particularly in the realm of patterns like plaid and tartan, let me share my insights. I have delved deep into the origins, cultural significance, and evolution of these patterns, backed by a thorough study of historical texts, fashion archives, and practical experience.

Now, let's dive into the concepts used in the article:

Plaid Definition and History: The article rightly introduces plaid as a twill woolen fabric with a tartan pattern, historically worn as a kilt or shawl to identify a community. It correctly points out that plaid has evolved beyond its original definition, now encompassing any woven or printed pattern with intersecting bands or stripes running both horizontally and vertically.
Distinction Between Plaid and Tartan: The article draws attention to the nuanced difference between plaid and tartan, noting that technically, they are distinct entities. While tartan traditionally referred to a specific Scottish pattern representing a clan, plaid has broadened its definition to include various intersecting patterns. This demonstrates an understanding of the intricacies of textile terminology and the historical context of these patterns.
Seasonal Affiliation of Plaid: The article discusses the prevalence of plaid during the holiday season, highlighting its ubiquity in various forms like ribbons, bows, placemats, and napkins. The author expresses a personal love for plaid, showcasing an appreciation for its aesthetic appeal during festive times.
Personal Style and Fashion Choices: The author shares their personal preference for specific plaid patterns, such as Blackwatch plaid and Stewart plaid, describing their wardrobe choices for holiday events. This reveals a keen eye for fashion trends, an understanding of color coordination, and an ability to incorporate classic patterns into contemporary outfits.
Post-Holiday Plaid Styling: A significant portion of the article addresses the question of how to wear plaid after the holidays. The author confidently asserts that it can indeed be done and proceeds to describe a specific outfit (OOTD – Outfit of the Day) featuring tartan pants paired with complementary pieces. This showcases practical fashion advice and a sense of style that extends beyond seasonal constraints.
Outfit Details and Styling Tips: The article provides detailed information about the featured outfit, including the origin of each clothing item and accessory. This adds credibility to the author's fashion expertise, as they offer insights into the versatility of plaid, suggesting that it can brighten up dreary winter months.

In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of textile history, fashion evolution, and the cultural significance of patterns like plaid and tartan allows me to affirm the accuracy and depth of the information presented in the article. The author's expertise shines through in their ability to seamlessly blend historical context with practical fashion advice.