Bagpipers and prep school girls beware, your tartan plaid is getting a new look for winter and it’s hot. Plaid is not only showing up everywhere, it is infiltrating every nook and cranny of the fashion world and taking it by storm. You will be hard-pressed to come up with an item of clothing, accessory or shoe that has not been touched by plaid.

This is not your run-of-the-mill tartan we’re talking about. It is a redesigned micro version of the traditional red plaid; it is an upscale take on the black and beige plaid traditionally reserved for raincoats and boots, it’s a touch of plaid tucked into an otherwise ordinary top that transforms it from a basic piece to a must-have. To wear plaid this season, look for pattern covered pieces and not-so discrete add-ons like pocket squares and scarves.

Even thought the temperatures are dropping, strapless dresses are not going to be moved from front and center in your closet. Biased cut, strapless dresses in all-over plaid with a mid-calf skirt reminiscent of a 1950’s sitcom mom are turning up under the labels of all the greats. Pair it with a cropped angora cardigan and you’re wearing haute couture as a winter wedding guest.

Plaid skirts feature fun details like wrap belts with tails that extend past the mid-calf hem, and wide waistbands in solid colors that offset the lengths of plaid material that fall to just above the ankle.

Plaid is seen as more of a lovely detail on tops rather than an entire pattern. Take a basic black crew neck short sleeve sweater, add a red plaid scarf tied in a loose bow at the neck line and you’ve got a must-have winter piece. Plaid scarves transform turtlenecks and an ordinary suit jacket when draped over the shoulders.

Longer scarves take any solid color coat and turn it into a fashion statement. Tied in multiple knots, they take a place fashion honor replacing the necklace. Scarves are also serving double duty as wrap-around belts.

Not to be outdone, shoes feature plaid patterns in wool heels, boots and flats. Plaid shoes need to have sharp features like pointed toes, low cut sides or thin ankle straps. Clunky doesn’t cut it for this seasons’ footwear. Accoutrements like rhinestones, Swarovski crystals or gold accents are stunning on plaid heels.

Purses and bags seem to always come in multiple versions of plaid. This season will be no different. Look for smaller versions of larger totes. The styles are anything but simple with unique shapes, buckles and accessories.

After you’ve found your choice pieces of plaid, shop for add-ons like pocket squares for suit jackets, a silk scarf to tie around your neck or onto the shoulder strap of your purse. Touches of plaid are as stylish as a D&G plaid blouse.

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