Winter winds slow as the ground thaws, petals pushing through the fresh dirt reveling in the burgeoning spring sun. Although the air is warmer, a certain chill is slow to leave as the season turns. Wrapped in your plaid, insulated and ready for warmth, you ride your bike through an awakening town. Sleepy spring magnolias poke their heads through their earthen beds and wave lethargic leaves as you whip by, energizing their growth. You stop to admire the signs of spring on every corner, birds coming home to nest on towering trees, bumblebees making their rounds, and children playing hopscotch as they mourn the loss of snow-days and hot chocolate by the fire. Getting back on your bike, you make your way home, comforted by the cuddly cardigan you sport, alive and excited at the prospect of longer days and lighter evenings, the sun accompanying you the whole way through.
Although commonly referred to as plaid, the correct term for the criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands is technically tartan. Plaid, or tartan, originated in the British Isles, ancient tartan clothes found in Celtic regions in Ireland, Britain, and Scotland. Although originally different colors were indicative of specific clans and families, today plaid is seen in every color and features a variety of patterns. From windowpane check to glen plaid and houndstooth, there’s a whole host of tartan and plaid prints that embody a folksy and free aesthetic. Plaid is always on trend in some way, shape, or form, from decked out suits to cozy flannel shirting, the runway is filled with tartan trends. Sport a button-up with bishop sleeps featuring madras paired with high-waisted jeans, or fashion a gingham dress with flutter sleeves for early spring picnics!
The Nasrin Pants & Nepeta Blazer
Shavonne sports The Nasrin Pants and Nepeta Blazer in a classic gray plaid featuring pops of light blue and deep red.
This is what one thinks of when you say “plaid suit.” Stylish, simple, and absolutely stunning, Shavonne is ready for work, heading to cocktail hour, or strutting her stuff on the runway. Pair this chic piece with a pussybow blouse for a feminine touch, or a crisp white button-up for the typical day at work. Add velvet detailing along the cuffs for a pop of texture, or utilize Swarovski buttons for a couture creation.
The Lunaria Dress
Holly sports The Lunaria Dress in shades of gray, a basic and bold ensemble ideal for picnics and grabbing a coffee with an old friend.
Sweet and simple, this lovely little shirt-dress is easily dressed up or down. Throw on some knee-high boots and a thick red leather belt for heading to ladies night, or a cozy cardigan and shearling booties for a cool day at the office. Make the collar and button placket using a light lace for a dressier style, or adorn the hem and plackets with suede for a folksy feel.
The Cress Skirt
Stephanie sports The Cress Skirt in a funky black and white check with paint-roller lines.
Fun and fierce, this is ideal for long walks through the park, brunch with bottomless mimosas, or heading to the local spring carnival with funnel cake in hand. Voluminous and flirty, pair with a basic band tee for relaxed looks, or a bishop-sleeved peasant blouse for a comfortable and cute ensemble. Replace the ruffle with beaded trim for a sparkling silhouette, or made the waistband and tie using satin ribbon for a pop of color. Retire the tie altogether and add belt loops and a thin red belt, or utilize a broach for a classy closure.
Purchase Materials Used Below:
Are these patterns speaking to you, but plaid just isn’t your style? Fashion the suit using a basic black suiting and pair with a simple blouse for a sweet silhouette, or create The Cress Skirt using a floral crepe. The Lunaria Dress is ideal for shirting, or try using a solid linen for a warm-weather ensemble. Is plaid your perfect pattern, but these garments just aren’t doing it for you? Create The Pine Dress using a romantic red tartan, or utilize windowpane check to create The Aster Pants for a fluid and fashionable ensemble.
Tag your plaid creations on Instagram using #MadeWithMood so we can see how plaid brings you pleasure, and check the Mood Sewciety Blog regularly for future collections, free patterns, educational posts, and more!
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