Anderson Style Blog

Editorialist wrote of the Fall/Winter 2020 trends in Paris; “Checks are a perennial favourite when it comes to seasonal patterns…the classic check shone through on the Paris runways.”

So, in keeping with the 2020 seasonal trends, I’ve turned to Off-White’s ready to wear collections for womenswear inspiration on how to make a matching tartan outfit work! Their blue check ensembles are surprisingly subtle and provide a modern take on classic garments such as pencil skirts, longline coats and cropped trousers.

Editorialist’s advice on matching your check patterns is to keep your tartans similar to avoid overwhelming the eye; “It’s hard to go wrong with such a classic pattern, but the key is to choose one statement piece in a checked print to act as the focal point of your look. If you do opt to double-down on the trend…select pieces that have matching or similarly-sized checks to keep look consistent.”

Off-White have chosen to do this by combining two slightly differing shades of blue throughout the runway looks, which is something I recommend applying to your tartan outfits too. Mixing and matching the Modern and Ancient Anderson tartans will create depth in your look, while the soft blue bases keep the look relaxed and cohesive. Try combining a longline jacket and mid-length pencil skirt for a modern co-ord. To break up the tartans with a more casual look (and to add some much-needed layers for winter), try adding in a solid blue colour sweatshirt or a blue denim jacket as seen on Off-White’s runway. This will keep your look tonal and easy to wear.

For more pencil skirt inspiration, look no further than Saint Lauren’s autumn winter 2020 show. Many a midi length check pencil skirt came down the runway, combined with dressy satin tops and thick waist belts. This is a great idea to take your look from daytime to evening - add a patent belt to your tartan pencil skirt and swap your sweatshirt for a dressier cami-top in one of the 7 colours found in the Anderson tartan.

As the LA Times wrote about the Fall/Winter catwalks; “Yes, autumn and plaids go together like Scotsmen and bagpipes, but you couldn’t swing a lumberjack’s axe in the City of Lights during fashion week without slicing into a collection chock-full of checks and plaids” – and this of course applies to menswear as well as womenswear!

Etro’s menswear Autumn/Winter 2020 collection again showed shades of blue, but instead combined with black for a muted and classy feel. To re-create this look, try a statement shirt in Anderson Modern under a 2-piece navy tweed suit to balance out your look – our Cairngorm Flintstone Midnight tweed is perfect with it’s subtle black check on dark blue.

If you wanted to go for a more refined look, I also suggest introducing the Earl of St Andrews tartan to your outfit - St Andrew’s day is almost here after all! The shades of blue and white in the tartan are less overwhelming than the Anderson and can easily be paired with garments you likely already have. I would opt to stick with the Flintstone and Midnight tweed for an overcoat, but add a pair of Earl of St Andrews tartan trousers and tie, topped off with a crisp white shirt. Black boots and a matching Earl of St Andrews lambswool scarf will complete your look and make sure you don’t feel the chill of Winter!