Plaid. We’ve both been back and forth on this trend for a while.  Can it be done in a modern way?  How long will it last?  Moreover, do we even care?

We went on a research spree, looking for the best (and worst) plaid options online.  Some of them are seriously drool-worthy (see: DSquared) and others…well, you’ll see.  If you find something you like, click the picture – it will take you right to the product page.

TRENCHES

Elle: I hated the jacket on the left when I saw it. It looked dirty and muddy… But once I got to see a larger-format photo – pure love. I absolutely adore the layered, similarly-hued prints and, from afar, they almost have a brocade look when combined. Naturally, the jacket on the right is one of our favorites. We featured it in our Belted Jackets post a while back, and haven’t stopped loving it (especially since it dropped to under $24!). It’s easy, and the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s nice to wear a plaid jacket without looking like a catholic schoolgirl, non?
Jennifer Nicole: At first, the jacket on the left seems pretty busy, but the more I think of it on an actual body, the more I love the dimensions of it.  That damask-over-plaid pattern is interesting enough to be timeless – you can wear it long after the plaid trend is over.  As for that cranberry trench: as Elle mentioned, we’ve already posted about it once. Now that it’s on sale, it’s an even bigger “yes” from me.

SHOES

Jennifer Nicole: Oh, Elle.  Why did you have to come across those gorgeous boots by DSquared?  They’re above my price range, but their counterparts by Type Z are also incredibly stylish.  They both use understated, classic plaids, and follow the boot trend for fall…a great combination.
Elle: I ruined our night once those DSquared2 shoes popped up on my screen. They also come in a pump (DSQUARED2 Plaid Platform Pumps) which we loved almost as much as the boot version. We debated about adding another shoe that wasn’t a bootie to the mix for this post, but when we came upon the ever-inexpensive Type Z booties above – we knew that plaid was made for booties way more than it was made for pumps. Can you imagine these with black tights and a mini-dress? Short skirt, long jacket? (Cake, anyone?)

SHORT JACKETS

Jennifer Nicole: I love that belt! In fact, the that first jacket has a really great shape – it’s perfect as a work-to-happy-hour coat.  I’d wear the second one as a casual option: it’s far better than a sweatshirt or bulky coat.
Elle: I want nothing more than to grab that dark plaid coat on the right, grab a pair of skinny-skinny jeans, and some amazing booties, and just go walk around the city, being a well-dressed (& comfortably warm! – that jacket is lined with fleece, y’all!) woman in autumn. Plus, the hood would keep me (& my hair) safe from the evil winds of Chicago. The lighter gray jacket on the left is adorable, and really effing classy. You could wear it casually, or for work – think about the “new” power suit = you know that jacket needs to be involved.

TOPS

Elle: I can’t express how badly I need that plaid, chiffon top (left) in my closet. I don’t even wear colors, but I just want to take that shirt, belt it, and add some long, vintage-y necklaces and bangles, don’t you? It seems like the easiest thing to throw on in the morning (or afternoon, if you’re me) and run out the door. OH MY GOSH, imagine it with a leather jacket. Do it. So good, right?
Jennifer Nicole: Cuffs!  My favorite trend for fall.  That first shirt is my favorite – I love the length and soft color – but the second one is a big yes if you’re looking for a twist on classic plaid.

PANTS

Jennifer Nicole: Give me understated every time – I’d take the first pair over the second in a heartbeat.
Elle: I have to agree with Jennifer – those Genetic Denim jeans (and because we know you’ll ask [only because we did], the booties of utter sexiness are the 7 For All Mankind Parker Quilted Moto Booties) are pretty much the best pair of “unique” denim I’ve seen all year. I’m over the torn up, deconstructed, way-too-baggy jeans of Trendyland, I want subtle plaid and a sexy skinny cut. I can’t deny the pants on the right, though… There’s something extra saucy about a woman in bold, plaid, fitted pants.

DRESSES

Elle: Both perfect work-to-cocktails dresses. The pattern on that first dress is deceiving – check out the closeup on the site, and you’ll see that it’s almost a dirty, grungy, steampunky take on plaid… in a really classy cut. I love the contrast of pattern and cut because they’re so strikingly different, you could use it in an entirely grunged-out ensemble, or take the classy route and play up the cut. This dress basically asks you to have fun with it. I’ve been in love with the dress on the right for months. I love that you can see that there’s a pattern, but you don’t know instantly that it’s plaid – it forces you to pay attention to it!
Jennifer Nicole: Again, if you haven’t seen a close-up of that first dress, you must.  Along with the first, the second is a great option for busty ladies, with its higher neckline and thicker straps.  I’m honestly surprised at how great these plaid options are.

ACCESSORIES

Jennifer Nicole: Everyone knows that I’m a big fan of wearing trends in moderation, since they’ll “be out” long before you wear them out.  These scarves look incredibly soft (and are classically styled) and that blazer has just a hint of the trend without being overwhelming.
Elle: We chose these pieces because everyone likes to try trends (or at least we encourage it!), but say you were raised in the 90s in Seattle (ahem) and the sight of plaid gives you Pearl Jam at Rock Candy Mountain flashbacks…. You might just want a little piece of plaid to enjoy the nostalgia, but not go overboard.

NO-NOs (How NOT to Wear Plaid)

Elle: What. The hell. Is going on here? Why on earth would you combine a Norwegian-esque folkloric pattern with chunky plaid on top? Moreover, why the hell would you only put pleating at the bust in the most awkward, make-your-boobs-look-bandaged spot? Don’t even get me started on the shearling hood. As for the other jacket? Three words: shapeless, bland, and ugly. I’m very passionate about plaids (now).
Jennifer Nicole: Honestly, I don’t even have words for these.  Just listen to Elle.

What do you think of the plaid trend? Have you found a great option, are you still looking, or have you decided to avoid the style completely?