‘Check’mate!

Think classic trends for Fall-Winter and the first thing that comes to mind is plaid aka tartan checks. The timeless trend never fails to impress and has a multilayered appeal across all groups. The intersecting checkered patterns in different colours are not just stylish for formal wear, but also make for interesting casual outings. This season, celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Meghan Markle were spotted in tartan shirts, trench coats and dresses creating statement looks. And, at the latest Victoria’s Secret 2018 show models were seen rocking an entire line of tartan lingerie from head to toe.

The tartan check trend is a classic, and if you are wondering how to make it relevant for 2018? Here’s what designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi suggest. “Tartan checks have been trending from ages but this season innovate it by mixing with geometric graphics and unusual textures in cutwork. Think monochromatic tones and rich deep colours like navy, forest greens, turquoise, and burgundy, which mix well with the winter wardrobe. Skirts, dresses, tops and coordinating suit sets that are just ideal to have fun with plaids. When investing in plaids stay away from bright yellows and reds and go for monochromatic tones and rich deep colours,” recommends the duo.  

Fall-Winter 2018 is all about a mix palette and tartans in disproportionate sizes and unimaginable colours teamed with florals and ginghams alike make for a fresh and charming look. Designer Anavila Mishap strongly recommends to stay away from copies of classic looks, and adds, “Tartans are making way into daily Indian wear like sarees and skirts. Tartan sarees paired with floral blouses and vice versa is a statement –worthy look this season. There aren’t any fixed rules, mix and match what you like the way you like and that’s the best.”

Tartan checks never went out of fashion but in recent years it has gone under some funky makeover. Designer Lalit Dalmia explains, “As expected in the fashion world, tartan is not normally chosen for its traditional connections but purely for its eye-catching appeal. International brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Isabel Marant, Jonathan Saunders, Dior, Alexander McQueen etc. are promoting trend on the runway for Fall-Winter 2018. The tartan or plaid costumes show heritage and class. There are a lot of designs like shirts, jackets, short one piece, floor-length straight gowns, shrugs, straight-fitted skirt with a crop top, jumpsuits, loose kaftans, body-hugging dresses and many more styles that one can opt for. Dark rich colours like midnight blue, cherry red, earthy green, brown etc look best.”

For this year, layer tartan dresses with high neck tees inside or wear plaid overcoats, pants with similar skirts or crop tops to create a stylish look. Designer Hema Kaul says, “There are many ways to wear this trend, and especially it is easier now as the 70’s trend is back. Yellow and blue, red and black are the main colours when it comes to plaid. You can even try plaid maxi dresses or short body con dresses and pleated skirts.”

While designer Chandni Sahi wants you to take it a notch above by adding a glam touch. “The vintage style is still maintained but to add a new touch wear it with sequins and metallics for parties and outdoor events. Pick up shoes and boots made in plaid/tartan checks and invest in good pieces that will last you many seasons,” sums up Sahi.