Last season it was all about black and white, however this season, we're delving back to our Scottish roots and wearing all things tartan. Don't worry even if you're not from the home of Haggis and kilts, we'll let you off, you can still wear the number one trend of the moment. Seen on pretty much all of the A/W catwalks earlier this year, tartan was expected to be big this season, and that's exactly what it is. Last week Katy Perry went big in tartan at her 'Killer Queen' perfume launch, following in the steps of many A-listers who have already been seen rocking it. If you're a hoarder, or a fan of vintage fashion, you will no doubt have some tartan pieces in your wardrobe already as it has been around for centuries. The knit print works well in the winter months as it is heavy and in most cases, darker shades than you would associate with a light summer wardrobe. Because one piece can make all the difference, one piece is all you need to build a well-styled look. Wearing just a tartan headband, skirt, scarf, jacket OR handbag will lift your outfit by itself, so you can relax about piecing together the rest of your look that day. That said, if you are feeling bold, tartan can be complimented by bright colours, a small amount of leopard print or some quirky accessories. Fearne Cotton is always dressed impeccably on trend, so if she is wearing vintage tartan, we know it's big. Her round statement-making sunglasses get her extra style points in this pic. What a fashion queen.
Vogue have entitled the 13/14 return of tartan 'The Square Route', and even dedicated their August cover to the definitive print. They say 'don't be afraid to mix check with check' as they have seen many designers do it successfully this year. Just as mis-match floral or patterned pieces can look good together, different coloured tartans can compliment each other too.
With all the big names wearing the trend, we can't help but feel like a celebrity when we wear some of the new IKRUSH pieces. If you want to invest in the trend for work, a night out or for everyday casual wear, we've got you covered - and what's even better - you can shop the rest of your outfit at the same time.
Team your red or beige tartan with black or grey to keep your look festive and relaxed. If you would like to add other colours and extra style we suggest dark green, patent, navy and some gold jewellery.
Shona tartan print skater dress £14.99[/caption] Moya tailored tartan dress, £24.99[/caption] Mairi tartan peplum top, £14.99[/caption] Ailsa tartan pencil skirt, £14.99[/caption] Clodagh tartan skater dress, £14.99[/caption] Sabia tartan leggings, £9.99[/caption] Frann tartan bodycon dress, £14.99[/caption] Another thing we love about all the red tartan is how festive and cosy it makes us feel. On Christmas Day even if we're just watching DVDs most of the day, we at IKRUSH like to wear something red or green (you know just to get in the spirit), and this trend means we can look stylish and festive both at the same time - win win! Red has always made us think of Christmas, and tartan does too. Dark green, dark red, navy and even beige tartan makes us think of heavy rugs, snuggling up by the fire and drinking hot drinks, all of which we do in the winter months in the countdown to the holiday season.
TARTAN IN BEAUTY
It's not only through your clothes that you can incorporate this bold print into your every day. You can wear tartan colours in your make up and your nails too. Yes it requires time, patience and practice, but come on, how cool would tartan nails look. Or bright red lipstick with smokey eyes, or green eyeliner with nude lipstick? There are so many ways to incorporate the trend into your look it would be crazy not to embrace the style at all. These tutorials show you how to do it, and you can go as complicated and intricate or as simple and colourful as you like! We think simple and colourful might work best for us...and our shakey nail painting hands... Both sets of nail art are great in their own way, and both represent the trend. Bright coloured plaid nails are more subtle than a strong tartan design, however they may stand out more for a night out or a party. Why not go one step further and use neon or glow in the dark white nail varnish to make the shapes stand out even more?
TARTAN FASHION IN THE TWITTERSPHERE:
It's time for tartan, get ahead of the trend our edit featuring the heritage Scottish print. https://t.co/wyRzNYYr4x
— Vogue.fr (@VogueParis) August 18, 2013
Check @katyperry out! Rocking tartan at her #KillerQueen perfume launch! https://t.co/n4qqnxgO4O Love it or hate it? pic.twitter.com/mKV2Ko8IUM
— MTV UK (@MTVUK) September 26, 2013
How team GLAMOUR wear the tartan, pink coat and full skirt trend: https://t.co/eZISaWA0Vx
— Glamour Magazine UK (@GlamourMagUK) September 21, 2013
It's time to rock tartan again - https://t.co/pd5xkr6rpY
— LOOK magazine (@Lookmagazine) September 17, 2013
If all the big fashion titles are tweeting about it, including Vogue and Glamour, tartan must be worth keeping an eye on and worth investing in. If you can only see yourself wearing tartan for the one season we suggest buying a few smaller items, such as leggings or a hairband, that won't break the bank. However, if you have fallen in love with the print (like we have), why not invest in a dress or a thick coat and really own the print. Just like monochrome before it, tartan is one of those classic trends that will always be in style even if it's not in all the magazines or celebrities aren't wearing it, it just has that fashion staying power that will last. By Mandy Thomson @IKRUSH_Mandy