Harriet Davey
Whenever someone finds out I’m Scottish, they always ask two things: 1) Do I like haggis? And 2) does everyone wear tartan? Stereotypes aside, these are my answers. 1) No, but lots of my family and friends do, and 2) no, but me? I wear all the tartan I can get.
I’ve always loved tartan outfits, particularly in the colder months when the thick weave loans itself perfectly to the plummeting temperatures. And now, for autumn/winter 2025 I have a feeling lots of you will be joining me in my show of tartan (or even just checks in general) appreciation, as the timeless check is already trending for the season ahead.
Vivienne Westwood, Molly Goddard, Dior, Alessandra Rich, Longchamp and Charles Jeffrey Loverboy are just a few of the brands that have dedicated runway looks to the heritage motif over the years, thus firmly cementing its status as one of fashion’s longest-standing and best-loved prints. Not only that, but I’ve already started seeing lots of influencers recently styling up their own takes on tartan outfits, which range from wearing that COS draped midi skirt during fashion month to a plaid shirt—worn on as usual, or off around the waist.
Out of all the tartan outfits I’ve seen, I’ve assembled an edit of my favourites, which are sure to inspire you to wear tartan in some form this autumn too. Scroll on to see them and to shop any pieces you might find are missing from your wardrobe to re-create them with.
What Is the Difference Between Tartan, Plaid Check?
Yes, it can be confusing! So let me break it down for you... Tartan is a specific type of patterned cloth consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, traditionally associated with Scottish heritage and clans. Plaid refers to a large piece of tartan fabric and is now often used interchangeably with tartan to describe similar patterns. Finally, checks are simpler, more uniform patterns of squares (like gingham), usually made with fewer colours and without the intricate layering of lines found in tartans. In short: all tartans are plaids, and all tartans and plaids are types of checks, but not all checks are tartans or plaids. You'll notice that I use them interchangeably below, as most people will in the industry. Hope that cleared it up for you!
See the Tartan Check Outfits I'm Loving For Winter 2025:
1. Plaid Jacket + Knit + Jeans
Style Notes: Checked outerwear always makes a comeback in autumn, and a tartan jacket is just one of the many ways you can channel it. Wear yours with a classic cosy knit and jeans pairing to keep it laidback, and add this season's key shoe style—the slip-on suede mule—to bring it up to date.
Shop the Look:
Lucy's exact jacket is selling out fast.
We all know it's time to swaddle up in cosy knits.
A fashion editor favourite for good reason.
Trust me, these are about to be huge news.
2. Plaid Skirt + Shirt + Heels
Style Notes: There’s no shortage of plaid skirts right now, but this COS draped midi skirt seen on so many fashion people across every city this fashion month is a front-runner. I love how Marilyn has styled hers with a crisp beige shirt tucked in and elevated it with heels—but it'll work just as well with a knit and biker boots.
Shop the Look:
The autumn alternative to a white shirt.
It's the skirt everyone has been spotted in during fashion month.
To wear across all seasons.
A forever buy.
3. Plaid Top + Suede Skirt + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: For decades, a 'nice top' has never failed us. And while polka dots and animal prints have been key throughout summer, for autumn, try out a plaid version with a suede skirt (thanks for the inspo, Chloe) of even with your favourite barrel-leg jeans.
Shop the Look:
Say hello to your new nice top.
The suede collection at Reiss is so good.
Love the heel shape of these.
Love the shape of this one.
4. Plaid Shirt + Plaid Trousers + Plaid Shoes
Style Notes: Have your own Highland fling in a full tartan ensemble. Tamu shows how matching slightly different checks, in a similar colour palette, can still look put together. Don't want to go top-to-toe print? You could easily just wear the shirt tucked into wide-leg trousers with a checked bag or heels.
Shop the Look:
Push up the sleeves just like Tamu.
These look so expensive.
Of course I had to include some iconic Burberry.
Obsessed with the shape of this sleek bag.
5. Plaid Kilt + Polo Top + Thong Sandals
Style Notes: Sarah has a knack for creating the coolest looks, so consider it your marching orders to style up a traditional tartan kilt skirt with a polo top and heeled sandals. As soon as temperatures really drop, just switch these out for chunky flat boots and layer a trench.
Shop the Look:
The Frankie Shop never fails.
Of course Le Kilt has the best styles.
These heels will always work, no matter the season.
Sunglasses with an autumn/winter outfit always adds a fun element.
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