WHY TARTAN IS A YEAR-ROUND WARDROBE HERO

In my opinion, this classic formula will never fall out of favour. A tartan top paired with your staple jeans feels casual enough to take you through the day, but intentional enough to carry into the night. Whilst a chunky boot might be your seasonal switch-up shoe of choice, a fresher take would be a sleek ballet flat – a touch of quiet luxury to balance out the loud print on top.

GET THE LOOK:

Reclaimed Vintage off shoulder top with tie in pink check, £25.99
Weekday Ample low waist baggy fit jeans in worn black wash, £49
Topshop Amara crochet mesh ballet in black, £38
ASOS DESIGN cuff bracelet with wrap around open design in silver, £12

A tartan kilt might be an obvious option, but why not play with a maxi skirt instead? Cue: this boho-style maxi skirt. In the right shade of patchwork checks and the perfect silhouette, this style teams well with a brown knitted vest, layered jewellery and tinted sunglasses for a glowing sundown look, but equally works well with a chunky jumper and boots when the weather starts to cool. She’s versatile.

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop cutabout laundered skirt in orange check, £38
Topshop knitted stitchy longline waistcoat, £34
ASOS DESIGN ring with chain link design in gold tone, £8
Pull&Bear Retro yellow lens glasses in brown, £15.99
DesignB London multi row disc necklace in gold, £12

If you’re a certified tartan vet but looking to upgrade your collection, might I suggest a jort? Channel alt-girl energy with something like these unexpected shorts from Lioness and team with an asymmetric top and a Y2K bag to keep things askew. Use the wrong shoe theory here and choose a kitten heel for a look that's refreshingly unpredictable. Consider this your antidote to clean-girl minimalism.

GET THE LOOK:

Lioness Sevigney elasticated waist lowrise jorts in navy check, £48
Topshop jersey twisted asymmetrical top in brown, £22
River Island thong kitten heeled sandal in dark brown, £36
Bershka Multi-pocket shoulder bag in black, £22.99

The common misconception is that plaid is only reserved for casual moments, but it’s not true. The print should do all the talking here, so elevate the dress with matching minimal accessories, and you’re good to go. It's the ideal look for rooftop drinks or your bestie’s birthday dinner.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN V neck slip midi dress with bust tie detail in check print, £38
Topshop Imani toe thong mid heel in off white, £32
Pull&Bear shoulder bag in ecru, £17.99
D. LOUISE Cuban t bar necklace in gold, £55

If you’re not ready to commit to a full tartan moment, accessories are the easiest way to test drive the print. A plaid scrunchie, bag, scarf or tie can inject a hint of character into an otherwise simple look – they do all the heavy lifting for you. If you ask me, it's ideal on days when you want to make absolutely zero effort.
  
GET THE LOOK:

My Accessories ruffle tote bag in brown check, £24
Kaiia exclusive check tie in grey and white, £12
ASOS DESIGN scrunchie in blue and brown tartan check, £10
ASOS DESIGN check woven tassel scarf in green, £18