Fashion Here's How to Look Rad in Plaid—Yes, It's Possible! By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on January 3, 2014 @ 02:42PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy Think fast! Plaid—preppy, polished or punk? This season, that is the question to answer. It depends on how you put your pieces together: Team Black Watch trousers with a crisp white shirt, wear tartan pumps with an LBD, or strike an unconventional note with a Prince of Wales topper over skintight pants. We suggest trying all of the above. Fashion Director Cindy Weber Cleary tells us how to pull it off. Runway inspiration: Versace; celebrity inspiration: Miranda Kerr Why I Love This Look:1. It's punchy! Tartans can pack a wallop, even in small doses, such as on fierce high-heeled pumps, button-trimmed gloves or a structured, ladylike bag. 2. I gravitate toward linear patterns like stripes and plaids—symmetrical designs have a visceral appeal. Their regularity is reassuring and pleasing to the eye. 3. But I also appreciate when something so predictable goes off the rails. Recently, Uniqlo's newest design director, Nicola Formichetti, created head-to-toe ensembles out of plaid shirts tied every which way for the company's fall presentation. Brilliant! Try tying a plaid shirt around the waist of a feminine dress—I used to do this in my 20s! How to Pull It Off:1. For heaven's sake, don't pair a schoolgirl kilt with a proper little navy blazer—unless you add studded black booties! You don't want to look too preppy. 2. Many fall fashion shows—Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent and Donatella's Versace, most notably—evoked the British punk scene of the '80s. If you've already been there, done that in real time, don't revisit it. 3. Instead, go the sophisticated route: Slip on a tartan jacket with a black leather pencil skirt and pointy pumps to look both elegant and provocative. Or opt for plaid cigarette pants with a tuxedo jacket and strappy sandals. Sexy shoes are definitely called for with this classic pattern. Integrate the trend into your wardrobe—stat—starting with these 10 smart finds: [wrn_button url="https://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20720151_20771894_30073943,00.html" text="SHOP PLAID PIECES" title="SHOP PLAID PIECES"] MORE:Our New Fave Silhouette: The MidiExclusive Peek at Britney Spears in January's InStyleBritney's InStyle Cover Look[instyle_context_cmad url="http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2013/WRN/121213-britney-cover-200.jpg"] —Cindy Weber Cleary 01 of 10 Alice + Olivia Pumps Courtesy Rayon-blend, $345; farfetch.com 02 of 10 Equipment Jacket Courtesy Silk, $318; equipmentfr.com 03 of 10 Joe Fresh Pants Courtesy Polyester-viscose, $49; joefresh.com 04 of 10 Alexander Olch Scarf Courtesy Cashmere, $219; barneys.com 05 of 10 Unique Vintage Bag Courtesy Faux-leather, $65; unique-vintage.com 06 of 10 Zara Jacket Courtesy Wool-blend, $140; zara.com 07 of 10 Bailey 44 Skirt Courtesy Silk, $152; stylebop.com 08 of 10 Lauren Ralph Lauren Gloves Courtesy Wool-blend, $58; bloomingdales.com 09 of 10 Elizabeth and James Dress Courtesy Silk, $455; shopbop.com 10 of 10 Nissa Jewelry Cuff Courtesy Wool and tweed, $45; nissajewelry.com