Well-plaid as Italians put tartan in a legue of its own

Tag : Chiffon Fabric

It's not often a whole season of fashion is so overwhelminglyinfluenced by one single - but spectacular - collection. Normally,trends come from a variety of sources, including street fashion aswell as catwalk designers. This season, however, things aredifferent. So strong was Dolce & Gabbana's D&G collection, thathigh street stores have been lapping up its quintessentiallyBritish style.
And what exactly, you ask, did Dolce & Gabbana show this season?Tartan, plaid, chiffon and, in some cases, all three together inone spectacular outfit. Indeed, the duo made quite a success oftransforming heavy weaves such as tartan into light and floatyprinted chiffons. The collection was a triumph and showed us alljust how versatile our national cloth could be, especially when itwas printed large on to some of the finest silks in Italy.
To work this look on the high street, look out for sheer chiffonfabrics that have been printed with a tweed, plaid or tartandesign. Colour isn't too important, but the traditional reds,greens and blues often look best. Although Dolce & Gabbana made itschiffon tartan into sumptuous long dresses, there's no need tofollow suit. Instead, opt for a top or skirt that will convey thesame theme, without too much of the drama.
For more ideas have a look at our three outfits on the right.
While long, flowing tartan dresses look wonderfully romantic on thecatwalk, there's a limit to how much wear you would get out of themin real life. To combat this problem, but still stay on trend, whynot try out a chiffon printed blouse that will work just as well. This M&S Limited Collection blue top(£39.50) has a great on-trend look that will carry you throughthe winter season. To create a casual outfit that looks like itjust stepped off the catwalk, pair the top with these great red cords from Jigsaw (£68) and pop this long-sleeve blue T-shirt , also from Jigsaw, underneath (£28).


Marks & Spencer 0131 225 2301, 0141 552 4546; Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/0131 225 4501.
With the perfect printed chiffon top already hanging in your wardrobe, why not try to create a smartlittle day-time outfit that will work with that new top. Taking thesame M&S Limited Collection blouse, try pairing it with this chic navy blue tweed skirt from Jigsaw (£79). Prim and proper, secretarial chic was alsoa big hit on the autumn/winter catwalks, so this skirt and blousecombination should fit right in with your new seasonal look. Finishoff the outfit with a touch of 1970s sparkle in the form of these gold bracelets (£9.50) at M&S.


Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/ 0131 225 4501; Marks & Spencer 0131 225 2301,0141 552 4546.
Although printed chiffon looked feminine and wistful at theautumn/winter collections, there's no doubting that real peoplewill want to wear this fabric in normal, everyday situations. Sounless you're planning to traipse through the heather in yourbrand-new designer frock, we'd recommend pairing your chiffon withsomething a bit more hard wearing. Taking the same printed M&S chiffon top , try pairing it with these 1970s-style boot-cut jeans , also from M&S Limited Collection (£35).


Finish off the look with this practical navy blue raincoat , from M&S (£69).
Marks & Spencer 0131 225 2301, 0141 552 4546.