Show Off Your Clan Heritage in Style

There are so many ways that tartan can be worn for special events or day to day, and we have lots of effective ways to update a traditional outfit, we thought we would share a few of our favourites. Tartan is full of tradition and history, yet can be styled in a very modern way to suit how you want to show off your clan pride.

The Kilt Outfit - Although this may seem obvious, as a Kilt is commonly associated with special occasions, we think you can never go wrong when wearing this very Scottish garment. It is such an easy option if you find it difficult to put an outfit together, because all the elements of a kilt outfit are decided for you, and frequently sold together. We even have a handy guide to Highland Dress to answer all your questions in one place. We recommend wearing your kilt to events such as ceilidhs, weddings, and balls, but if you are feeling adventurous and want to wear a kilt out for dinner then go for it!

A Pair of Trews - We understand that not everyone feels comfortable getting all dressed up in a full Kilt Outfit, which is why a pair of tartan trousers is the next best thing. They are smart and dressy enough to wear to formal occasions, yet still casual enough to wear during day-to-day life, or even around the house since that is where we are currently spending the majority of our time! There are so many ways to style this garment, however this would really depend on the setting that you are wearing them in. If you are attending a formal event then we would recommend wearing a shirt and a tie or bow tie, depending on your desired style. And if you are donning them in a more casual setting then why not try a lovely lambswool sweater or open collared shirt?

The Stole - A lightweight tartan wool stole or shawl is a must have for your Celtic wardrobe as it is so versatile and will suit every style and event. Drape it around your shoulders for a Hogmanay party or wear it pinned with a brooch for a Ceilidh, either way you are guaranteed to make a statement. The stole can even be used in a more practical sense, wrap it around your shoulders to keep warm if you happen to be in a chilly venue, such as a draughty old Scottish Castle! We recommend wearing a plain coloured outfit, ideally in one of the colours from the tartan, so that your stole is the star of the show.

There are so many different tartan accessories available to jazz up your outfit. It would take us all day to show you them all! (Although we do have accessory style guides for men and women if you have a desire to try something a bit different.) So we thought we would stick with the basics and show you the tartan tie, a simple but effective addition to any mans outfit. Wear it to the office for an important work meeting, or team with a pair of jeans for a casual weekday dinner. One way you can add kudos to a tartan tie is by mixing up how you knot it, if you are looking for some knot inspiration then you can check out our Ultimate Tartan Tie Guide.

Wrap up in Clan Love

We could not possibly create a tartan styling guide without mentioning the ever-popular tartan scarf? There is never a time when a tartan scarf is not in fashion, and this is a staple piece that everyone should have in their wardrobe, regardless of whether they are linked to a clan or not. However, in saying that, this is possibly one of the easiest ways to show off the love you have for your clan, loop your scarf around your neck and there you go. Fashionable and warm, what could be better? If you want to make a statement outfit out of your tartan scarf, we recommend choosing one of our Oversized Tartan Scarves or Luxurious Cashmere Tartan Stole, wrapping it around your body and belting it. Not only is this a lovely outfit, but it also cinches your waist making you appear slimmer. A total win-win! If neither of these three styles is taking your fancy, not to worry as we have a whole collection of Tartan Scarves in different lengths and weaves, all made in Scotland of course.

A Tartan Home

If wearing tartan to show off your Clan heritage does not appeal to you, then why not dress up your home with tartan? Add a splash of Scotland with cushions, throws and even doorstops. Our favourite is the Brushed Wool Tartan Rug, you can throw it over any comfy chair and it is the perfect addition to any home, it's also great for wrapping yourself up in on a cold winters day watching films. Lovers of texture might prefer a throw backed with faux fur or fleece and the contrast colour means you can flip back a corner for a casual, yet designer look. If upstairs needs a makeover scatter a few cushions on the guest bed and make it look like a professionally decorated room without even trying, and pop a Highland Cow applique cushion in the middle to add to the fun.