Platform Issue One | Page 18

STYLE

The Test OF Time - Tartan

IS BACK!

Let's here it one more time for tartan print as it returns in a huge way once more this season. It truly is one of those styles that has stood the test of time, coming back into fashion (and our high street shops) in new, exciting ways. What's so different this time and why is the alure to tartan so strong? Join me as we discover.

Above you can see a dress by New Look, sweetheart neckline, skater print and in a traditional version of tartan - a standard look buy what's so different? For one it doesn't look like something only a scotsman would wear., it looks like a gorgeous dress so well put together. True, times have changed and garments are so well put together these days that with a little tailoring, structuring and styling tartan has never been easier to pull off.

That still begs the question though what is the alure with tartan, and why does it keep coming back in exciting and fresh ways? Take a look around your high street - tartan is infused everywhere at the minute, from coats to trousers, skirts to dresses and shirts there is a little bit of it everywhere. The alure behind such a print though is it is never around for long. It is most certainly a seasonal print that returns every so often in the autumn/winter months - and that's where the alure, the draw to the print is in the fact that it isn't available all the time.

Once over tartan was seen as ghastly and unwearable, but take something away often enough and it will make us want if not miss it (we are human after all). Whatever the case for the allure and the the difference in tartan this time around there is no denying it is back in a huge way, making a statement this season.

Speaking of making a statement, this is your opportunity to rock a trend as old as time this season in a big way. Always remember though a little tartan goes a long way, always balance the rest of your outfit with neutral or block tones in order to avoid looking like a carpet. Good luck and happy shopping.