When I think of plaid (and actually, I don't think of it much), I always think of school. Maybe because I wore a school uniform during my entire childhood years, perhaps? It's most likely because of that.
And it also could be the same reason why I grew an aversion to plaid in my adulthood. It's a loud print really. Commands attention. And wearing it day in and day out, while it did become comfortable, it definitely pigeon-holed itself in my memories as a "for school girls only" type of dress style.
But of course, whenever I have a strong aversion to a type of styling or fashion, it oddly enough inspires me to make it work. I think because I love fashion and style so frickin' much, I believe one can like anything if it is worn a certain way. It's a bold theory but it hasn't been wrong yet. And that includes now. With plaid.
Exhibit A, ladies:
scarf: Michael Levine Fabric Store / top: The Tiny Closet Collection / skirt: Buffalo Exchange / oxfords: CMG
I took the thing that I most identify as school-girl-plaid: a plaid skirt uniform for school. Found it at a thrift shop and it (ugh) fit like a charm. Though quite comfortable and roomy (as I remember them being), it was just so plaid, it wouldn't let anything else I was wearing just be. Everything was just so upstaged by the skirt.
I finally decided to put the next big print I had right on top of it: jumbo striped oversized top. Voila. The plaid felt instantly more subdued. Don't you think?
Anyway, feeling in the spirit of the schooldaze look, I felt the only appropriately ironic shoes to wear were my lil white oxfords *smile*.
Lately, I've been really enjoying making scarves out of fabric from the fabric store. I just pick out a cute color or print and cut 2 yards and done. Fun scarf! Easy and a fraction of the cost - besides, scarves tend to be so corny in the stores. And if they're not corny, there literally hundreds of dollars. Whatever. I don't live in Vermont, all I need is an accent piece - not something to keep me, like, warm or something. In this case, yellow always looks classic with navy.
And Exhibit B. I absolutely adore this purple and blue plaid. Yes, I know I don't particularly care plaids in general but I've always loved this one. I bought it back in January from a fabric store to use as a scarf of course. The colors go even better with this casual undergrad ensemble.
scarf: Michael Levine fabric store / tee: James Perse / jacket: American College / denim: All Saints / oxfords: CMG
I had a lot of fun mixing and styling these two plaids. I've always felt it was difficult to style plaid as it's such a statement itself. But with some experimenting, I came out feeling triumphant - a plaid skirt or scarf can certainly be less stereotypical and more palatable with a little extra thought. Hey, it can even be fashionable :)
Wishing you a wonderful beginning of Fall!
