Plaid Skirts

Plaid Skirts in Fashion History

Plaid patterns have definitely enjoyed their time in the spotlight throughout the 20th century and beyond. As far back as 1919, The New York Times extolled the virtues of plaid and recognized the pattern as one of that year's more noteworthy fashions. At the time, it was suggested that plaid looked best on a pleated skirt. This cemented the skirt's position as one of the most classic items ever to land in a woman's wardrobe.

Punk style gave them a complete makeover.

Of course, everything changes with time, and plaid was no exception. As styles evolved, so too did the understated mentality behind skirts with plaid patterns. No longer just the schoolgirl's skirt with the prim cut, it experienced a revival thanks to the punk movement. Fashion mavens like Vivienne Westwood breathed new life to the skirts by adding rips in all the right places, securing them with safety pins and contributing to their massive appeal. It helped that the skirts differed in length – it wasn't unusual to spot shorter versions of what was once quite lengthy.

During the 1970s, the skirts enjoyed a revolution of sorts. They were part of everyday wardrobes, many times paired with a matching blazer and worn to the office. This brought a new versatility to a skirt that was more previously more casual than anything else.

The 1990s offered the skirt a sexual twist, thanks to Britney Spears's now infamous music video for …Baby One More Time. Clad in a plaid miniskirt, white button down blouse tied at the navel, a short cardigan and knee socks, Spears epitomized the "sexy schoolgirl" image and inspired millions of copycat outfits all over the world. In fact, the plaid mini became a highlight of Halloween costumes everywhere in the years following the video's release.

Today, these skirts are back in the mainstream fashion world and worn with a more style-conscious mindset. The variations are vast, which accounts for the numerous ways that they can be worn. Whether styled with solid blazers and flats for a preppy look or worn deconstructed with a tattered vest and even old school Doc Martens, these skirts have attained the kind of longevity that trendy pieces aspire to.

Styles and How to Wear Them

They look chic with a sweater and heels.

Wear it classically or experiment a little and give it your own spin. No matter what you do, you're sure to find a number of ways to wear your plaid skirts.

Prim and Proper

Take a page from history's book of style and keep it low-key. Prim styles are typically longer, or they may just graze the knee. At the risk of looking a bit too schoolmarm-like, you may wish to steer clear of anything that hangs in the calf area. Wear them with blazers in coordinating colors, and don't be afraid to dress the outfit up with minimal jewelry and accessories. These, for example, might be proper, but they enjoy a modern look that keeps them fresh and relevant among today's fashionable females:

• The American Living Tiered Madras Skirt is a great way to wear your plaid with some length. Madras patterns, in fact, lend any plaid piece a fashion-forward yet casual look. Wear this with a simple t-shirt or polo shirt, slip on some comfortable flats and enjoy a summery look.
• Mommies-to-be can enjoy this look, too! Try this Cadeau Plaid Peg Skirt for a clean, streamlined look that promises to wear beautifully with a simple button down blouse. Great whether you're at the office or out with friends, it presents versatility with its neutral color palette.

Undeniably Sexy

If you tend to associate plaid miniskirts with instant sex appeal, you aren't alone. These miniskirts are everywhere, but it's more challenging to find a style that exudes sexiness and class at the same time. Opt for one of these versions:

• Don't be afraid to flaunt a great figure! This Bebe Plaid Pencil Skirt allows you to do just that with its figure-skimming cut that accentuates a classic hourglass shape. It's just this side of risqué, allowing you to pull off something a little saucy without going overboard.
• Juicy Couture is typically associated with very youthful, trendy styles, and this Belted Skirt certainly follows suit. Its red, white and blue print is so harmonious, but it's the high waist and slightly a-line cut that lend it charm.

Where to Shop

Do a bit of searching and you're likely to find these skirts nearly anywhere. Styles and color schemes differ from season to season – for example, winter brings long, woolen designs, while summer sees a much shorter, more playful look – but they'll be found at most stores with ease.