In case you couldn't tell by the title, today's post is all about tartan! It doesn't get much more classic than a nice tartan blouse or scarf. Tartan has really made its way in to other wardrobe staples. For quite some time, I didn't think I could pull off any kind of tartan clothing. Being of larger, curvier build, I was afraid I would draw too much attention to areas of my body, I didn't want to draw attention to. If you've had the same concerns, let me assure you that you CAN wear tartans, and you can look totally fabulous doing it!
I love the look of just about any tartan. When you think of tartan, you probably think of Scottish kilts. However, the earliest evidence of tartan was found in the Hallstatt culture which is linked to ancient Celtics. Different patterns represent different clans. Which is still true today. Black Watch is without a doubt my favorite tartan. It originated in 1881 worn by the Black Watch Royal Highlanders. It is still worn at present by the 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland! While that's all very interesting, I personally love it, because navy is my signature color and that's the dominant color in this particular tartan. And I just find it so very classy.
As you know, if you've been following me for any length of time, I'm continually inspired by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton. She is the ultimate style icon in my book. Well, several years ago she wore a stunning bespoke coat by Alexander McQueen during a visit to her old school, St. Andrews prep school. You can read all about it on one of my favorite blogs, "What Kate Wore". Click here, to see my inspiration. That coat was love at first sight for me. I knew immediately that I wanted to try to "repli-Kate" her look! Since I'm not a princess, I can't exactly hire the ever so talented Sarah Burton (head of design at Alexander McQueen) to create beautiful designs for my closet, nor can I drop close to eight grand on a ready to wear item from the McQueen line that inspired Kate's look. But there are endless ways to take inspiration from the Duchess without copying her to a T. That's the whole idea behind being inspired anyway, to take a look you absolutely love, and make it your own. Make it suit your needs and your lifestyle. Make it you.
A while back I purchased this lovely Black Watch scarf from Nordstrom. It is one hundred percent cashmere and let me tell you, it is so luxurious. It is one of my absolute favorites. It's so cozy and provides a hint of that tartan sophistication to any look! Here I am wearing it with my most treasured navy blue trench coat by Dorothy Perkins. You can learn more about this trench coat here.
To keep it casual I wore my trusty LL Bean duck boots, which were a Christmas present from my husband last year. A pair of these boots usually have to be ordered months in advance, as each pair is exquisitely hand made and the quality is incomparable. I've noticed though, that you can order now and receive some sizes and colors in under a month! I have the eight inch, navy blue version. Many brands have tried to copy these classics, and you can certainly get the look for less, but in my opinion, nothing compares to the original. They are a worth while investment because they will last FOREVER. And they're comfortable to boot (no pun intended)!
Now if that was just too much tartan for you in one look, lose the vest! Take it one step further and lose the sweater. Want to really glam it up? Add a statement necklace for some glitz that's sure to bring some holiday cheer! This stunning statement necklace by Mirina Collections really adds beauty and an element of regality to any look! You can read more about this necklace here.
Want to add a little trend to this classic look? I wore the same blouse, with the navy v neck sweater, under my favorite camel blazer, which you can read more about here. A pair of distressed boyfriend jeans add a trendy element to an otherwise classic look.
A multi stand pearl necklace for a bold, but minimalist approach to accessories.
Leopard print calf hair wedges by Tory Burch finish it off with an extra element of fun.
You could also pair the blouse with a nice skirt. I chose this black wool sidewalk skirt from J Crew Factory. I went with black tights and black heels to keep the blouse the focal point of the look.
This blazer from J Crew Factory is to die for! It's gorgeous and I'm so happy to have it in my closet. It really makes me feel beautiful. So sophisticated and classy. Like I said above, take your inspiration and tailor it to your specific style, get the look and feel of your inspiration, while staying true to your personal style.
Here I paired this gorgeous blazer with my go-to classic "Curvy" jeans by Ann Taylor. The deep navy pairs beautifully with the blazer and the classic white button up shirt breaks it up a bit. I went with classic pearl earrings by Mirina Collections for accessories.
I wore my beloved Chanel ballerina flats, which you can read more about here.
Button details on the blazer.
And the surprising little detail under the pocket flap, a hint of red!
Lose the white button up and throw on a holiday inspired graphic tee for a fun but classy look! My son loves this reindeer shirt, it allows me to have a little fun, but still feel put together. For more on how to style graphic tee's check out my previous blog post here.
Last but certainly not least, again, I was inspired by my favorite Duchess when she wore this beautiful coat by Diane Von Furstenburg. DVF designs are pricey and not always accommodating of my large bust and curvy frame, and while you can find incredible deals on her beautiful lines, I once again found myself on the hunt for a more budget friendly alternative. Imagine my delight when I found this similar coat at Old Navy, it even has a lovely ruffle detail (while more understated) that I just adored about Kate's choice.
The ruffle detail is my favorite part.
A black scarf by Kenneth Cole to really bundle up.
If there's one thing I learned during this blog post, it's that darker tartans are very difficult to photograph. Hopefully this photo in direct sunlight allows you to better see the beautiful design.
The ruffle detail.
Obviously Black Watch has become my favorite tartan. But there are endless patterns. With the holidays approaching this couldn't be more relevant. Tartan's with reds and greens, just make me think of the holidays. Check out some previous looks I've done with other beautiful patterns!
For details on this look click here.
For details on this look click here.
For an entire blog post on this tartan blanket scarf, click here.
For the details of this look, click here.
So although tartan started out as a representation of the Celtics clans and culture it's become commonplace among high end and every day fashion.
If you decide to give tartan a try in your wardrobe and have been inspired by any of these looks, tag me on Instagram @classicallycurvy
That's all for now!
Love,
Kate
Similar Cashmere Scarf
Printed Drapey Tuxedo Shirt
Puffer Vest
Blazer
Black Wool Sidewalk Skirt
Multi Strand Pearl Necklace
Mirina Collections Statement Necklace
Use Discount Code MIRINAGIRLS for 20% off at check out
Mirina Collections Double Sided Pearl Earrings
Use Discount Code MIRINAGIRLS for 20% off at check out
Deer Graphic Tee
Plus Size Specific Black Watch Shirt (Hurry Supplies Limited!)
Plus Size Specific Plaid Blazer
There are endless options to suit your personal needs. Have fun finding tartan prints that work for you and your personal style. I hope that I was able to give you some inspiration for your closet!
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan
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