The Budget Fashionista

Once reserved solely for Scottish kilts, tartan (or plaid) made waves on the 1970s punk scene in London, after being revolutionized by Brit designer, Vivienne Westwood. There was hardly a designer in sight that didn’t use a little bit of plaid this season, and British It Girl, Agyness Deyn, can’t get enough of the stuff.

This season, it’s all about mixing prints, if you’re bold enough. Characteristically way-out D&G layered up clashing tartans in classic red, navy and green tones, as did Prada and Just Cavalli, who added leopard-print tights into the mix, if you thought it couldn’t get any more zany. Designers at Gucci paid homage to plaid’s punk heritage and opted for skin-tight, checked slacks with a studded leather jacket, patent shoe-boots, and smoky eye make-up. Thakoon and Dolce & Gabbana showcased more wearable plaid, in muted grey and brown, and Chanel couldn’t have been further from punk: Park Avenue princesses strutted down the runway in the fashion house’s classic, tweed suits in a subtle tartan, with demure white tights and two-tone shoes – very Blair Waldorf.

It’s festival season, and a festival wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a pair of rain boots – make like Agyness and pick up a tartan pair from Primark, £8 ($16). This plaid blazer from Topshop could easily pass for Vivienne Westwood, but is a snip of the price at £55 ($110). Miuccia Prada would surely approve of these tartan-print tights – get yours now for £4.99 ($10) in the Urban Outfitters sale! Check, mate.

Images courtesy of Elle and Style Finder.