When you think of winter clothing, what do you think? Puffy coats, sleek riding boots that would bring a tear to Mr. Lauren's eye, and wonderfully big blanket scarves. What else? Cable-knits, turtlenecks, vintage fur stoles, and- here's the big one- tartan. I don't think there's a female out there that hasn't worn tartan-something at least once when the temperatures put ice on the sidewalks. It's impossible. Like turning up your nose at hot chocolate or a hand-knit snood. No one's that strong. No one.
Because of that, I got together with Fiery Finish Vintage to see how I would style the favorited January staple. Chrissy, the owner, is from L.A. and was curious what my take would be on the piece, seeing how I live in the tundra. Where she would opt to don it with leather jackets and band tees, I had more of a traditional, warmer look in mind. But as I was thinking of options I found myself running into a surprising issue with the classic piece. I discovered that it was super easy to fall into a rut with it. Is there a way to wear it that doesn't just involve a turtleneck or chambray shirt? How can you give it some more diversity?
The answer, I found, is rather than trying to find matching pieces to pair it with, instead pick a mood you'd like to style it around, and then do just that. For example in this particular look I was feeling in a very "I vacation at Ralph Lauren's winter home" type of mood, which translated to slightly equestrian and preppy. To show that, I chose a long knit sweater that would give the look uneven proportions, and to balance out the lower cut of the waist, I added a turtleneck underneath to help drag the eye up. Then, I chose preppy details to emphasis my intentions, choosing sleek patent leather Chelsea boots, a boxy handbag, and a pompom cap. I'd probably never have thought to bring these pieces together if I was just picking items blindly out of my closet, rather than picking them based on a particular tone.
Once you bring it all together you have a look that's a tad more inspired than just adding a sweater, but just as easy!
PS: Want more inspiration on how to style your tartan or plaid pieces? Try reading:
- Styling Tartan Skirts with Winter Coats
- Plaid Pieces and Knits
- Styling Tartan: Simpler is Better
- Tips on How to Style Your Blanket Scarf: There's More Than One Way!
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