Elevated Tartan Is The Fashion Move For Winter 2024 — Our Tips To Pull It Off

Tartan is the winter look of 2023. Because it's traditionally made from wool, we tend to register tartan as a winter textile. The vivid print is closely linked to the holidays, and we're excited for the chance to showcase endless possibilities featuring this rich, versatile fabric. Conveniently, tartan is so prevalent in the winter trends of 2023 because so many other winter trends work with it. Red sweaters have become a winter essential, and since tartan typically (though not always) has a lot of red in it, they'll go together perfectly. Leather dusters are the dramatic outerwear piece that we must have, and these also happen to work perfectly with tartan. 

But before we go on, we have a nerdy tidbit about the differences between tartan and plaid. Plaids can have different sizes of vertical and horizontal stripes, while tartans have identical vertical and horizontal stripes. So the essential nugget is that tartan technically is plaid. In American colloquial fashion terms, people use plaid and tartan interchangeably, but we wanted to clarify that one little piece of information. 

Tartans are a perfect choice for holiday looks and any outfit ideas during the winter months. It has a private school vibe about it too, harking back to school uniforms and the cult classic "Clueless." Tartan also serves looks that lean into the luxurious country club aesthetic, amplified by brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry. Now let's get to styling. 

Like leopard print, we read tartan as a neutral. Though it's checked with different colors, the overall effect is one that pairs well with other prints. So don't be shy to mix and match your tartans this winter. Pair tartan pants and riding boots with a houndstooth Bouclé jacket. Since both prints have a rich, dark tone to them, they work well together. Polish off the sumptuous blend of textiles with a bright red bag.

There's one pattern (no pun intended!) that we've noticed with tartan; there's plenty of room to mix and match textures and prints. A cozy, yellow tartan scarf feels like a big hug, so bring that warmth into every look this winter. There's no need to over-coordinate your looks. Toss your scarf over a cheerful, hand-crocheted coat, and let the colors vie for your attention. Of course, a pink and brown knit bag is a perfect way to complete this joyful wrap of winter comforts. Cool, gold-rimmed sunglasses are the cherry on the sundae. 

If a full piece of tartan clothing feels overwhelming, tartan shoes are the perfect way to elevate your look. Style a casual outfit with a cool bomber jacket, a short skirt, and a ball cap. Finish off the look with white crew socks and platform tartan creeper flats. Amazon has a pair of T.U.K. Adult Creepers in Red Tartan Anarchic for $69.95 that fit the bill. 

A blue, tartan bucket hat is the sought-after choice for winter hats. The look is cozy and stylish, adding a jolt of interest to any outfit. Pair with a tonal suit, or work it into busy prints. As we already know, tartan plays well with others, so you don't need to obsessively match any of your pieces. Let a bold bucket hat lead the way! 

A simple black, grey, and white tartan dress layers well over other pieces. For winter months, a sleeveless dress likely isn't an option, and so feel free to bundle the outfit as needed in order to be comfortable. Wear a base top, be it a white button down or a simple turtleneck, and pair with your tartan staple. Boots are another opportunity to accessorize, so go for a bright tone, especially if your dress is more simple. Finish off the look with a blazer or long jacket. 

There's nothing like a bright tartan jacket to throw over any winter look for a polished effect. Bright greens and blues give the jacket a lively color tone, so it works well when worn over bright tops that bring out the line work of the jacket. A simple skirt or trousers are a great finish to this statement piece. The good news is that tartan jackets are easy to source, both new and vintage, so have fun with finding the perfect jacket.