Whenever I think of plaid, I envision Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen during their enrollment at the prestigious Constance. Here, tartan skirts and white button-downs reigned supreme. Despite plaid being a crucial element of this Upper East Side private school’s dress code, this pattern provides a means to sustain an air of professionalism.
Take for example, this week’s Fashionisto who layered a plaid button-down with a gray sweater for his afternoon shift. Layering is key during this time of the year, especially when temperatures fluctuate from the 20s to the 50s in a single day. All together, layering provides the best technique with which to incorporate plaid because the print will not overwhelm onlookers and distract from the rest of the outfit.
What I adore about the layering technique in this outfit is that the blue hue of the plaid matches the Hollister Co. logo on this Fashionisto’s sweater. Color coordination, along with a pair of dark-washed jeans, helps pull the look together and draws attention to the pattern at hand. In terms of footwear, opt for a shoe that is a shade darker than that of your outermost layer.
Whether you are spending winter break in East Egg or a small, Southern town, make sure to play with pattern before you hit the books again. You don’t have to be a Constance Billard girl or a St. Jude’s boy to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.
What Is Your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “Keep warm this winter by layering and wearing fun socks.”
