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Tina, here.

Let's blame it on my school uniform, but I've been a fan o' the tartan and plaid since I was a wee thing.

This is my school kilt we wore at my all-girls school, and it still fits. Krissy, my photographer, lovingly pointed out that that's because it's so high-waisted. Harrumph. It still fits.

There are very few patterns that I think look good draped across a human body, and plaid can be one of them. Polka dots? Stripes? Zig zags and graphics? Not usually. But plaid can work. And it seems everyone is into it again this season. I typically feature a how to wear plaid post every fall because I personally want to indulge in some plaid-wearing myself, but this Fall my motives are more altruistic because you really do need to know how to buy and how to wear plaid the right way.

Cabin fashion is a thing. It's closely related to Western Glam, and plaid is its central figure. In fact, plaid is a wardrobe hero. A wardrobe builder if you will.

This plaid skirt is longer, but it's got an asymmetrical hem and is cut on the bias, so it has good movement. Still, I've got to keep it kinda tough by pairing it with a leather Western shirt, or real casual with a white blouse tied at the waist. Otherwise it's schoolmarm.

If you take a plaid flannel shirt you typically would wear on a long hike in the woods, why not go crazy and wear it this season to an important meeting and see how everybody gets a kick out of it. I looooove blackwatch plaid, as I've documented, and usually wear it with jeans. But this fall, I am loving it tucked into a black pencil skirt.

Blackwatch plaid is made of green (huge color this fall, green), navy and black. So preppy. Or is it? You can make it sophisticated by pairing it with something unexpected like a fancy skirt.

But jeans are also appropriate for your plaid flannels.

Question: are your plaids more schoolgirl than cool girl? You may want to take a look at them and if they are kind of boxy in shape, and the wool smells like a wet dog, it's time to update to the slimmer fits and everyday wearable cottons. Your Style Vault members (and of course Complete Insiders) can shop my favorite fall pieces, including plaid, and see how to wear them in my newest collection. If you're not a member and want to take a look inside to start shopping all our must-haves, try it out for free for 5 days!

Last fall you saw me wear this jacket with my dark jeans. This fall I'm reinventing it with dressy white pants.

I love that juxtaposition of something campy or tough with something elegant and soft.

But I'll still pull out my buffalo plaid jacket to wear with jeans this fall, with my faded jeans for a more Cabin Fashion feel and Western Glam moment. It's time for you to have your moment, too. I know you crave pattern and color every now and then like I do (or maybe you do all the time - that must be so fun!), and plaid can make it happen. So many fabulous plaids and color combinations. I just urge you to pair your plaid with something calm and quiet. Mkay cupcakes? Good.

Thanks for reading! You can find everything I've worn (and talked about wearing) here. More fun fall fashion coming your way this month, my friends!

Best,

Tina