MacKenzie Style Blog

Trend forecasting website WGSN states that a pastel shade of green being named ‘neo mint’ will be the colour of 2020, declaring “this new directional colour heralds the start of a new decade, embodying an optimistic mood”. So, if you’re looking to stay on top of the trends,

Italian designer Elisabetta Franchi embraces this bright shade of green perfectly into her Spring Summer 2020 collection. With striped mini skirts and sharp white shirts, these looks are fresh and reminiscent of the designer’s past sailing trips in the Italian sun. The MacKenzie Ancient tartan even has a white stripe throughout which makes it easy to match with any white summer tops you may already have. For this look, I recommend pairing a bias cutmini skirt and shirt with a matching tartan cap for the full runway look. If the mini skirt isn’t your style, go for my favourite – the fine pleated skirt. This is also bias cut so the MacKenzie tartan looks unusual and really stands out, and the midi length and fullness of the fabric are great for summer BBQs. This look can easily be worn with matching green sandals or even heels for a more formal feel to switch you outfit from daytime to evening.

Versace have also made use of this fresh green, combining it with grey and green checked longline coats for Spring/Summer 2020. Versace, like Elisabetta Franchi, add the matching green shoes and printed bags to complete their look. Because of the dressier jackets and pencil skirts in this collection, a casual printed t-shirt would look great and can change the look completely.

The neutral tones found in the MacKenzie tartans make mixing and matching these tartans in the same outfit look amazing. As seen in these street style photographs, the greens of the MacKenzie Ancient compliment the browns in the weathered variation making both look soft and easily wearable. I love making a statement and combining tartans to create a head-to-toe look, but here, a full tartan look would not be overwhelming, and can instead look relaxed and fashion forward. To recreate this look, try combining a sleeveless fitted dress in MacKenzie Ancient with a MacKenzie Weathered stole or even a jacket for when the weather cools.

For the men, I’ve looked to Maison Margiela’s Spring Summer 2020 collection which features brown checked coats combined with white trousers and accessories, so I would also recommend trying the MacKenzie Weathered tartan. Although brown is often thought to be great for belts and shoes it is rarely worn in garments, but now that the warm shades are everywhere, it’s easy to see how they can look subtle but polished! The MacKenzie Weathered tartan worn as a two piece suit with a crisp white shirt and boots is straight off the runway. Designers like Margiela are looking back to the 70s for style inspiration, so to really stay on trend, try a custom made waistcoat and jacket with a double breasted front and wide lapel. To make this look more modern, combine it with a silm cut trouser as seen on the catwalk, and a brightly coloured sweater like in Gucci’s Spring Summer 2020 collection to really stand out.

If you prefer the greens in the MacKenzie modern tartan however, the Gentleman’s Gazette suggests that; “Not only is green a very versatile colour, but it can also be dressed up and down. It can help you develop a signature style that stands out from the rest of the crowd who favours city greys and blues without looking too ostentatious but still keep you looking elegant and stylish”.

They go on to suggest that every man should have a green suit or at least a green jacket in his collection. The versatility of a green jacket means that it can be worn with chinos, jeans or matching suit trousers, and so it will see you through any occasion. If you are dipping into tartan for the first time however, The Gentleman’s Gazette also suggests starting with green accessories such as cufflinks or a tie to brighten up an outfit and to eventually accessorise with your full green MacKenzie suit!