How to Wear Tartan and Not Look Like a Lumberjack: 5 Fashionable Tips from Our Style Panel

Tartan isn’t just for kilts or cozying up around the fireplace. This classic check is finding it’s way into everything from comfy pj’s to cute coats.  As we prep for the holidays we’re working this festive print into our wardrobe more and more. Whether it’s a weekend stroll you have in mind, or a night out, our style panel has everything you need to know about wearing the cool weather fave.

Challenge #172:  How do you style tartan?

Conni Jespersen, 35 Toronto | Art in the Find

Tartan is such a rich and beautiful print that can be worn both casually and dressed up. For a fun weekend look, I love to pair it layered with a great pair of dark wash denim jeans, a fabulous warm faux fur vest, and leather booties.

Conni is wearing: Top, Banana Republic; Vest, Halogen at Nordstrom; Boots, Freebird from Zappos: Pants, Paige Denim.

Kayla Short, 29 Halifax | Short Presents

Quintessential for the cold weather, Tartan has become synonymous with Fall/Winter wardrobes. I wear it all the time but my favourite way is to wear it dressed up. Here I paired a tartan shirt dress with sheer pantyhose, leather heeled boots, and a bomber jacket for a slightly elevated and edgy look.

Kayla is wearing: Dress, Jacket, and Turtleneck; Frank + Oak; Boots, Geox; Bag, Sneha Varma.

Laura Mitbrodt, 31 Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier

When I think of tartan I think of log cabins and the cozy outdoors. I love to wear Tartan around the holidays because it can be so chic and festive. I love the look of a plaid shirt with a fit and flare skirt. For this look I decided to pair my Tartan Vera Moda hooded sweater with this black Highline Collective body con dress. The fitted dress helps balance out the oversized look of the sweater.

Laura is wearing: Sweater, Vera Moda; Dress, Highline Collective.

Mikayla Kuehn, 20 Toronto | MakStyle.ca

I always feel like I’m channeling Cher Horowitz from the movie Clueless when I wear my yellow tartan. I styled this skirt with a simple black top and choker, knee-high socks, and a pair of ankle booties. For an extra feminine touch I threw on a pink cocoon coat to complete the look.

Mikayla is wearing: Top, H&M; Skirt, Shop GFD; Coat, Boohoo; Boots, H&M.

Liat Neuman, 39 Toronto | YomanChic

Tartan is back and there are a variety of ways to wear it. This timeless print is versatile and easily styled with almost every piece you own in your closet. Since coats are key for cold weather dressing, a tartan print can elevate your everyday outerwear. For a casual look, I paired my wool coat with an over-the-knee boots and skinny jeans, the unique texture of the tartan gives a luxurious feel to the entire look, while keeping me warm and cozy.

Liat is wearing: Coat, Club Monaco; Jeans, Mango; Boots, Aldo; Top, Zara; Bag, Chloe; Choker, Ettika.