Sassy’s Trend Watch: Plaid

I feel bad calling this one a “trend watch” because it seems that every year when those cool breezes start to blow, plaid always comes out of hiding. But these prints go far beyond your basic Christmas checks. Recently, plaid has taken on a new life giving an updated look to so many typical garments, so its trend status must be celebrated! From 70’s earth tones to 90’s grunge, or the mid-nineties cute Clueless combos, I’ve pulled inspiration and made them all perfect for this decade! If it’s been a while since you’ve given it a go, then let’s check a few updated ways to wear this classic-turned-trend!

THE COAT

From left to right: H&M Wide necklace, Brushed Checked Coat with Wool M&S, UNIQLO Women Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt, C Mpl T Unkn Wn Leopard Gold Clutch, Reiss Gillian Pleated Cropped Trousers, Fekkai Hair Fragrance Mist, Marni Brogues

By far the simplest way to try the trend is to toss on a checked coat. This one from Marks and Spencer has a furry texture, keeping you warm while giving your S.O. another excuse to give you a shoulder rub! Maybe you could even lure in David Gandy with this cosy coat (did you see our interview with him here?! Hello #GandyCandy! Keep the look underneath clean and crisp with a basic white button down like this one from Uniqlo and a pair of cropped black trousers paired with brogues with a bit of gold flashing. The menswear element can easily be balanced out with the addition of a fabulous necklace a la H&M! With this spiky kitty clutch in hand and a spritz of the new Fekkai Hair Fragrance, you’ll be ready to hit those streets in style!

THE DRESS

From left to right: Filipa Hat, CC Belted Tartan Dress, Ted Baker Salso Opulent Bloom iPhone Case, J.Crew Wide domed bangle, Rebecca Minkoff Mini Paris Crossbody, Roma Lace Up Pump, Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad Eau de Parfum, Burberry Beauty Nail Polish Antique Gold

Perhaps you prefer something more feminine? Well, I have you sorted. This 70’s inspired House of Fraser dress is perfect for both work and play and with the right accessories can switch between the two occasions with ease. For work, just pair with a basic pump or tights and a knee-high boot for when it’s colder. But we all know it never gets that cold in HK and we’d rather socialise than do the daily slog, so I’ve styled this look for a fab Zuma brunch on the balcony. Take this conservative shape and length and turn it on its head with a pair of knock out shoes! Your mini satchel holds just enough for the outing, while this hat keeps that winter sun at bay and your hair in check too (our Sassy Editor Lauren is a big fan of these floppy hats!). Paint your toes and tips with this luxe gold Burberry polish (oh my, it’s plaid too!) and then mist on a little Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad, as you never know where those lazy brunches may take you!

THE SKIRT

From left to right: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Shine Sheer Lipstick SPF 15, Burgundy Cropped Knitted Jumper, Amiee Lynn Cotton And Faux Leather Baseball Cap, Chicnova Fashion Retro Style Round Metal Frames PC Lens Sunglasses, Pleated Full Skirt with Ombre Lace and Plaids, Burgundy Snakeskin Asymmetric Oversized Clutch, Alexander Wang Lovisa Suede Pump, Timex Originals Quartz Watch with Black Dial Analogue Display and Black Leather Strap

Oh, how I love a full skirt! This one is especially lovely as it combines multiple trends in one go! How many can you spy? If you guessed five then you are correct! Ombre, plaid, lace, midi, and a full skirt. So if you buy this number and you have your wardrobe set for the new season! We play up the black accents in this skirt with pointy toe ankle strap shoes, a black on black watch by Timex, and a black leather trimmed baseball cap. Juxtapose the look with an oxblood crew neck and paint on a Lorde approved moody pout for an updated version of the 90’s grunge! Liv Tyler would be impressed!

THE SET

From left to right: Skull Keychain – Gold, Chicnova Fashion Plaid Grain Double Sides Woolen Suit, Frends Taylor Headphones, Cara Delevingne Bag Black Quilted Lamb Nappa, Dogeared I Am Happy Ring, Mania Mania Noctern Cocktail Ring, Elizabeth And James Ring, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM ‘Juno’ sandals, Gucci Cocoa, Opulent Volume Mascara, Gucci Ultra Violet, Magnetic Color Shadow Mono

For those ladies that idolised Cher Horowitz comes a 90’s revamp ready to take you to a Mighty Mighty Bosstones reunion jam sesh! This time we go more glam-goth with a chunky black bootie and a smattering of statement rings. Top the look with a phat (is 90’s slang back too!?) pair of Frends Taylor headphones and you can take on the night like a total Betty! If you haven’t already grabbed a backpack for fall, they are the must have accessory. Be sure to stash your new Gucci beauty products in your backpack for touch ups between sets. Gucci beauty recently launched in Hong Kong on 19 September so stop by Sogo and stock up!

Is that our own Sassy That Girl Geneva sporting some matching plaid? Why yes it is!

If you weren’t mad for plaid (you knew I had to go there) before, you certainly should be now. Whether you choose a little or a lot there is sure to be a style that suits you. Try your hand at this trend by tossing on a simple scarf or flannel top (tied over a sequin pencil skirt perhaps?) or load up with head to toe matching plaid perfection! Not only will you be ready for falls chillier temps, but you’ll also start the season in style!