Designers go mad for plaid

Once again this fall we're seeing the ever classic plaid embraced in many Fall Ready-to-Wear collections such as House of Holland, Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen. Normally when plaid comes to mind, I'm unpleasantly reminded of my boxy knee-length uniform kilt from my secondary school days.

Thankfully the designers this season have painted a much prettier image of plaid in my head. Though, plaids seem to be on the trend list every fall/winter season, this year designers have put a fresh twist on the traditional print. For example, House of Holland sent models down the catwalk in vibrant blue and yellow on a black background tiered skirts, drain pipes and banded sweater dresses. While Alexander McQueen's collection showed a gray, red and black plaid mohair British-colonial style jacket. Ralph Lauren, on the other hand, went for a completely different take with his red and black buffalo plaid evening gown, featuring one shoulder and a black waist cinching belt.

Plaid has been seen everywhere from skirts and pants to shoes and handbags; making it easy to set this fashion into your wardrobe. Here are a few ways to wear falls hottest pattern...

For a casual daytime look a plaid button down in a classic colour combination such as red, navy, black or gray. Wear it untucked, buttoned down or buttoned up and layered! For the perfect cotton button down check out dELiAs Elisa Plaid Shirt ($35) which comes in a purple/black, for those fashion daredevils, or gray/black combination for the conservative fashionista. For a complete look wear your plaid button down untucked, layered with a cropped black blazer and your favourite skinny jeans.

A plaid dress is a smart option for any type of fall weather. Frilly Lizard has a great Striking & LG shirtwaist red, black and white dress ($50) featuring patch pockets and long cuffed sleeves. For warmer weather wear this dress with bare legs and a pair of flats. For cooler weather go for the ‘90s grunge inspired look with this dress by rolling the sleeves a quarter of the way up, throwing on a pair of black tights with a chic lace up boot.

For a classic look a plaid jacket is a clever buy, as it will probably last you a few fall seasons. For a jacket with a bit of edge, look for a plaid print mixed with a bold hue. The latest Kensie Girl collection did just that with an adorable quarter-length bright blue, brown and black print swing jacket. In their catalogue they coordinate the coat with a polka dot printed a-line skirt, a layered plaid shirt underneath. Though this look is a bit over the edge for some people, it's a good example of how mixing prints has become a popular trend for this season.

Whatever plaid piece catches your eye, you can't go wrong with investing in this classic fashion.