Fall 2008 Fashion Trend: Plaid
I have this theory about fashion designers. I think that every year, after churning out too many flowery, summery dresses for spring, they become overwhelmingly nostalgic for the comfort of flannel.
Crazy as it sounds, it’s the only way I can explain the strange phenomenon that seems to happen at the fall runway shows.
If you follow the fashion industry at all, you probably already know the truth about plaid: it’s pretty much always in-style for fall.
Over the past three or four years, plaid has consistently been on everyone’s lists of fall fashion trends. This year, of course, is no exception – plaid, gingham, and tartan were splashed all over the fall 2008 ready-to-wear runways.
Whether or not it’s played out is up for debate. Here’s what’s for certain: plaid is a hot trend for fall, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon.
Runway Inspiration
When I said that plaid was everywhere at the fall fashion shows, I really wasn’t joking. The runways at House of Holland, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and countless others were dominated by many incarnations of the preppy print.
The two most popular uses of plaid were as a short dress and a long jacket. Some designers also opted to include plaid pants, tights, and accessories in their collections. D&G even went so far as to use plaid in all of their Fall 2008 runway looks!
Check out the photos below for some runway inspiration. (Photos courtesy of Style.com.)
Plaid Dresses:
From Left: Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, House Of Holland
From Left: Preen, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch
Plaid Jackets & Tunics:
From Left: Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs
From Left: Y 3, Karen Walker, Ralph Lauren
More Plaid Pieces:
From Left: Peter Som, Tommy Hilfiger, House of Holland
Affordable Ways To Wear Plaid This Fall
If you want to incorporate plaid into your wardrobe, here are some fabulous plaid pieces that you can pick up for your back to school shopping, plus tips on the best ways to wear ‘em.
Plaid Jackets
A jacket in a plaid print is such a classic look, and the plaid jacket you buy this season will probably last you at least a few more years.
Like I said before, plaid seems like it’s always going to be in for fall, so you really can’t go wrong with one of these in your closet!
From Left: Rubbish Plaid Bomber Jacket ($39.99), Halogen Plaid Jacket ($99.99), Halogen Plaid Tweed Jacket ($99.90)
From Left: Jezebell Plaid Swing Jacket ($29.50), FULL TILT Plaid Girls Crop Jacket-Top – Black/White/Pink ($17.99), Hurley Girls Outerwear – Sasha Plaid Jacket ($85.00)
Plaid Dresses:
I’m completely in love with plaid dresses for fall! I think they are really adorable, and there is something about them that’s so Gossip Girl in the best possible way.
A plaid dress will work with cute flats and bare legs while it’s still warm out, and can be layered with jewel-tone tights and a simple cardigan when fall rolls around. It will act as a great “transition piece” in your wardrobe.
From Left: Adrianna Papell Plaid Cap Sleeve Dress ($78.90), Rampage Belted Plaid Pencil-Skirt Dress ($58), Ombre Plaid Dress ($54.50)
From Left: Trixxi Plaid Mock-Layer Dress ($28.80), SAY WHAT Plaid Womens Sweater Dress – Grey ($19.99), Roxy Joe Plaid Dress ($44.50)
Plaid Pants
If you’re more daring when it comes to fashion, consider picking up a pair of plaid pants for fall, especially of the skinny or wide-leg variety. They look adorable with solid-colored tops in basic shades, and paired with ballet flats or ankle boots.
When you wear a pair of plaid pants, be sure to keep the rest of your outfit on the simple side. Otherwise, you risk looking way too over-the-top for any college class.
From Left: Abbey Dawn Plaid Pants ($33.60), Freshwear Plaid Pant ($21.99), Tripp NYC The Skinny Stretch Twill Pants ($56.00)
Your Thoughts?
I’m curious – are you all as crazy about plaid as Dolce & Gabbana were this season, do you think that plaid is so last year? Take the poll and let everyone know what you think. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment!
[poll id="21"]
Posted on on July 30, 2008 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Back to School Shopping, Fall 2008, fall fashion, Jackets, Marc Jacobs, Plaid
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Stephanie
I’ve been shopping like mad for school this week..and after taking inventory of the stuff I’ve bought I noticed I’ve unintentionally bought a bunch of plaid stuff! Oops! Oh well, this trend is fabulous, so why not rock it, right?
Marleah
I love plaid, BUT, honestly plaid skinny jeans? I couldn’t imagine trying those on and feeling good about myself. I’m sure some 5′11″ model could wear them and totaly rock it, but I cannot see myself ever wanting to put those on.
Kat
Heeeeyyy… This was all the rage last year too. Florals for Spring, Plaid for Fall? Seriously, these designers need to come up with something new :-p
Abby
i think the plaid trend is totally chic and gossip girl, but i would NEVER wear plaid pants. This just reminds me of some gross 70’s comercial. I do however love the plaid dresses, and i can def. see my self rocking them with some tights in the winter. I think that the plaid coat has to be done in the right way though to be wearable, nothing to rocker or punk, but something chic and sophisticated to wear over a cute black dress would look darling!
Emma
Love love love plaid! Also happy it’s so in this year again because I totally plan on pulling out some old items from my closet to wear! But I definitely need to stock up on some new items as well!
Jess
Yes to plaid!
I don’t know if I can handle plaid pants, but I will for sure be rocking plaid jackets and SCARVES (the best plaid accessory in my opinion)!
Lyd
love it when it is dresses and jackets, but i am unsure about plaid pants though..
Zephyr
Stephanie – Wow, that’s funny! Maybe you’re fashion-psychic or something :)
Marleah – Yeah, you have to be really daring with fashion to try plaid skinny jeans. I’m not sure if I would wear them myself, but I think they’re cute, though!
Kat – I know! It’s kind of funny how the fashion world works at times.
Abby – Yeah, plaid pants aren’t for everyone. I like ‘em personally, but I can see how they would put some people off. As with any trend, use it to get the pieces that you like & skip the others!
Jess – Ooh, I forgot about scarves. Might need to write another article about that :)
Rose
Love Plaid, always did. BUT pant’s? only if the are subdued and do not look like Golfer pant’s. Hate the Golfer apnt’s look for women.
Give me jacket’s, coats, blouses,SKIRT’S, dresses,
LOVE it, classy and timeless.
Katie
Okay to all the people who dont like plaid pants, they dont mean like, golfer pants they mean like trouser shorts, and jeans. Look at some earlier pictures of gwen stefani (like, during her No Doubt days before she took a break to do her solo career) Im sure those are the kind of plaid pants that they mean!
katie
okay, plaid is great, but what other patterns are in?….. should i still be wearing hounstooth? i love it! and should i be wearing stripes? i like vertical stripes better than horizontal.. i find they look more sophistocated and elegant, but thats just me, i dont even know if i have an up-to-date fashion sense so can someone help me out? Thanks!!
Ann
I LOVE PLAID!!!!
Check out The Battalion’s Ali plaid cape on Sprig.com–they did a fall coat/jacket story. I want to wear plaid all fall and winter long…
Ann
whoops!!! here’s the link:
http://www.sprig.com/Falls_Best_Jackets_and_Coats/page/10
babyG
i luurve plaid!!!
Anni
WOAH, LOVE YOUR WEB SITE!!
I need some help, I just bought some plaid stocking, its blueish green and i have no idea have to wear it can you help me please?
hannah
can someone help me find out were to get the plaid dress jenny wears?