Check yourself with tartan

All it took was one season for every Catholic schoolgirl to suddenly be in fashion with the return of tartan to the top of the trend list.
 
Think of it as the next step from plain plaids and the Prince of Wales check that has inundated the collections of Balenciaga, Ellery, Valentino and Paul Smith.
 
Let’s call it the Outlander effect with Tartan evolving from Scottish clan couture to punk staple but now it’s on it’s way to becoming the new animal print, adding unexpected punch to ensembles. Where flaccid florals just won’t cut it.
 
Here’s how to get on board the tartan train and looking more Burberry than Braveheart.
 

Beginner

Like any Brit It girl follow cheeky UK designer Henry Holland’s lead and step into the tartan trend with a pair of pants.
 
Holland’s pick of pale blue and maroon is a step down from your traditional, show-stopping red, so is easier to coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe.
 
Absolute beginners can ease themselves into the trend by paring the pants back with a white cotton shirt and bold black sunglasses but why not go the next step and wear them with a silky striped blouse. Print on print is another top trend of the season so you’re ticking two boxes at once.
 
If trousers are too much move away from boring black outerwear and make your poncho, bomber jacket or anorak work harder in cold weather.
 
This is the perfect piece o pump up your palette and embrace the bold red. Just check your check, and make sure that it’s more tartan than lumberjack (that’s so eight years ago).