Trend Alert: Tartan Prints

24 March 2009

With news yesterday that fashion buyers are choosing to snap up typically British products in the recession and Scottish fashion event, Dressed To Kilt, taking place next week, we thought it was time to celebrate all things tartan!

Designers who use the checked print have been popular with buyers this season. Accessories buyer Amanda Ware told Reuters: "I think it's this whole Britishness thing. There's been a lot of support for both Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith, it's been the strongest this season. Vivienne Westwood is more tartan, Paul Smith is strong with the Union Jack.

It doesn't have to be the traditional red and green print you will probably associate tartan with though. Henry Holland gave it a purple twist in the past and this season Vivienne Westwood's designs were more neutral beige and grey checks. She used colour as well though, with a cool draped dress in red and yellow and blue and yellow trousers.

To fully embrace this trend try a check print dress or top, a little jumper will look really cute, but stay away from skirts. We're all for tartan but you don't want to look like you're wearing a kilt.

For a more subtle take on the look a preppy tartan hairband will look great or tartan bow detail on plain tops can have a great effect. We've done the hard work for you and found the best tartan lovelies on the high street!

The Topshop offering, £45 (below left), uses a nice neutral colour pallette and we love the bow belt round the waist. The contrasting upper panel and straps is very Luella too! For something a bit more colourful like this strapless Miss Selfridge dress, £38 (center), that seems to have taken inspiration from Vivienne Westwood with it's rouched hem.