IT'S AROUND this time of year, when winter has definitely overplayed its hand, that I seek solace in plaid. There's something cozy about just gazing at it, though I don't want to look like a lumberjack or even the Talbots holiday catalogue, all perky and red tartan (apologies to my Celtic ancestors—and, for that matter, to my fellow Talbots customers).
So in the spirit of tracking down some off-kilter (get it?) plaids, I surveyed the offerings across the broad webscape. There's a lot out there, but here's what I liked.
LA-based Johnny Was certainly likes to play with prints. In this case, they've embroidered flowers on top of the traditional plaid of the shirt-front. A plus: The oversized shirt doesn't have those irritating tabs designed to hold up rolled sleeves (although in my experience they rarely do and look sloppy to boot).
There's something soothing about the sage green of this sherpa plaid that keeps the otherwise straightforward pattern from looking too lumberjack. Lumberjack-adjacent maybe. Granted, even though the pockets are lined with faux fur, this isn't the heaviest-duty coat in anyone's winter arsenal—but it gets points for that stand-up collar. The coat is currently on sale on the Coldwater Creek site.
Silk is probably as far away from lumberjack as one can get, which is why this Burberry Ruffled Check Silk Blouse appeals, especially in this candy pink. As befits its delicate nature (and $1,990 pricetag), the blouse requires "specialist dry cleaning," according to Burberry.
Classic tartan is a good look at ground level, especially when it's coupled with the careful construction and rugged sole of these Wilton Wellingtons from Barbour. The rain boots are on sale (for $60) and also come in black, a tempting olive and a super-tempting Pink Rust.
If Audrey Hepburn were still with us she'd ask to have her coat back. This retro-swingy wool-blend plaid boasts two gimmicks. One, the button-front coat is "double sided," pale gray on the inside. (Does anyone ever really wear the reverse side of reversible pieces? Asking for a friend.) And two, it has an "integrated" (but detachable) scarf that can protect the neck or just float free; it too is double sided. The one-size-fits-most topper is found at the Rich Radi Q's website.
I often tell people that my favorite designer is Lands' End, and that's not so far from the truth. Case in point, this Boyfriend Fit Long Sleeve Shirt in cotton flannel. Shown here is the Cloudy Blue/Ivory plaid, and color combos go way beyond traditional (Lily Pad Green Plaid, anyone?), which may be why the slightly oversize shirt seems to be selling out fast (availability is best among the tall and plus sizes). The sale prices are in the $50 range.
This shoe claims to be a sneaker, but it looks more like a chukka boot to me. Whatever its ethnic origins, the Highlands Sneaker by Walk With Me comes in seven plaids plus one solid, a natural /ivory that's mostly sherpa-style fleece (fresh-looking and cozy!).
I see these red-and-black-plaid Mary Janes as a flash of color worn with an otherwise monochromatic outfit. But you do you—British shoe designer Penelope Chilvers won't tell. Stateside, you can find them at Nordstrom.
Portuguese cotton flannel makes for a fitting end to a winter day. And while the Vermont Country Store has a robust line of flannel sheets in traditional tartans (Black Watch, Dress Gordon, Hunting Stewart), this simple sage check reads more refreshing to me (the check also comes in a cornflower blue). A queen set is $149.95, but other sizes range from about $120 to $170.
I inadvertently left out the “Take a Closer Look” button for the Sherpa Coat, but just click on the title and it’ll pop up. And those flannel boyfriend-fit shirts have moved around on the Lands’ End site, but they’re still there!
I inadvertently left out the “Take a Closer Look” button for the Sherpa Coat, but just click on the title and it’ll pop up. And those flannel boyfriend-fit shirts have moved around on the Lands’ End site, but they’re still there!