Fall Winter Fashion Formula #2: Color Coordinating Plaid

January 16th, 2009

As John advises, plaid is best worn as an accent piece.  But our favorite plaid pieces go beyond this accent role, acting as a point of color coordination for an outfit.  How do they do achieve this coordinating effect?  They pick up colors from the rest of the outfit to make the look cohesive and complete.  Here’s how it works:

1.  Start with the basics: a plain white button down shirt and a pair of dark rinse straight leg jeans.
2.  Layer on a shawl collar pullover for texture and warmth.  Notice how the deep v-neckline on the pullover frames the tiny ruffles on the button down shirt, a beautiful textural counterpart to the tiny ribs on the shawl collar.
3. Frame the outfit with a gorgeously green coat.  The 3/4 length sleeves on this coat allow the sleeves below to peek out.  You could push up the sleeves on the grey pullover and turn up the cuffs on the white button down so you get white sleeve peeking out from under the green coat sleeves.
4.  Accessorize with a plaid scarf that picks up the green of the coat, the blue of the jeans, and the white of the button down shirt.  Added bonus?  The pair of brown buckled boots echoes the brown buckle belt on the green coat.

How would you wear plaid?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Entry Filed under: Ready Made Outfits,Women