Falling for Plaid Dresses

For some, plaid is a vivid (and perhaps unfortunate) reminder of school uniforms. For others, it's a timeless and necessary part of a well-rounded wardrobe. And for others, well, it's a trend - one that was actually spotted all over the fall and winter runways this year and interpreted in endless ways. One creation we absolutely adore is the plaid dress.

Given that plaid is so classic, a dress featuring this pattern is practically a no brainer - a fuss-free option that always exudes a sophisticated look. This Nanette Lepore Arabella dress ($328) is an investment, but worth it for how often you'll wear it. It puts a vivacious, almost playful spin on an otherwise prim print, simply by incorporating a vibrant scarlet hue and adding a cute, textured belt at the waist. With its slightly swingy skirt, it's also quite flattering.





Wide boxes, artfully etched with thick paint strokes of purple, navy and black, render the plaid print on this Nine West dress ($103.60) particularly unique. A wonderful choice for party season, it's adorable with a little cardigan on top - but when it warms up, show off those arms! Add a statement necklace or a wide, jeweled bangle during the holiday season to dress it up even more.

This fall, transform your ho-hum professional wardrobe into something a bit more intriguing. This Tahari by Arthur S. Levine plaid dress ($79.28) is a great buy, given that it is a timeless piece you'll wear over and over again. With its rounded neck and easy tie-waist feature, it boasts a flattering silhouette that will do justice to everyone's shapes, from the boyish to the curvy. It also happens to look great with both black and nude shoes!

For a truly safe bet, opt for a fail-proof shirt dress, like this one by Brooks Brothers ($99). The madras-inspired design will easily see you through spring and summer (we love this with a gold metallic sandal or a simple navy or brown flat), but you can make it work in early fall with tights and tall boots in a tan or cognac hue. The result is a bit "autumn in the country" - relaxed, fresh and endlessly stylish.

Work the trend: Steer clear of competing prints. Plaid alone is enough to stand out without anything else vying for attention. A simple shoe, handbag and classic jewelry will complete any look marvelously.


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