Product of the week: The checked skirt

What makes him special:

While plaid skirt is most commonly associated with the grunge movement of the ’90s, its history is much more complex and goes back much further. The traditional pattern, referred to as ‘tartan’ in English, is now used interchangeably with ‘kid’, but its origins can be found in China. The oldest tartans can be dated back to 3,500 BC. date. The plaid has also been worn in Scotland for centuries, and different tartans have been associated with different Scottish clans since the 16th century.

The check is also strongly represented in fashion: the British fashion house Burberry in particular became known for it and is constantly releasing new versions of the classic. Vivienne Westwood also regularly played with tartan in her collections. After the punk subculture hijacked it in the 1970s, it was revived in the grunge movement of the 90s.

Why you should order it:

The ever-changing meaning the plaid skirt takes on has ensured that it has remained relevant across generations, even if the cut or pattern doesn’t change all that much. Check patterns can come in many different forms and come in a variety of colors, making them appealing to a wide audience. This also applies to the silhouettes they appear in, whether in the form of mini skirts, midi-length kilts or floor-length maxi skirts. The current resurgence of plaid is largely due to younger generations’ interest in ’90s fashion.

Where we saw him:

The checked skirt is not only very present on the street, but has also been shown on the catwalks of well-known designers for the current and upcoming season. For Spring 2023, Miu Miu was among those who took up the checked skirt, offering both mini and midi versions of the item in the brand’s signature silhouette. The label Awake also showed a checked skirt, but in maxi length. For Fall 2023, the plaid skirt also made its way onto the runways of menswear brands, most notably Family First, Etro and Gucci, where plaids featured on both knee-length and ankle-length skirts. It thus returns to its origins as a men’s skirt.

How to style it:

The plaid skirt is a casual piece of clothing that is easy to pair with hoodies and cardigans. However, if you want to style it cooler, there are numerous ways to give the classic piece a new twist. For the classic preppy look, pair the skirt with socks and sneakers or loafers, and an oversized blazer or turtleneck. To make the look even more distinctive, combine it with calf-high boots, a shoulder bag and cool sunglasses. The brave keep experimenting, contrasting it with other patterns or other checks to make a visual statement.

With its complex history and impact on pop culture, the plaid skirt is a garment that’s firmly entrenched in the fashion world and is rarely ‘out’ as, much like denim, it continues to take on new meanings. This season, the creatives have opened up the look to all genders, giving it even more appeal and making it an addition to any wardrobe.

This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk.