How to wear: Tartan Mini Skirt Outfit

This was my outfit of the day when out for lunch in my local hood, Notting Hill, yesterday. It was such a gorgeous crisp sunny autumn Sunday in London so after I managed to drag myself out of bed with a wee hangover (sunglasses luckily hide the dark circles...) it was time for some food and laughter with friends at Granger & Co.

 I got a lot of compliments on my tartan mini skirt that I picked up at Gina Tricot in Sweden a few weeks back (read here). The skirt is right on trend with the 2012 fall/winter fashion as part of the popular English Heritage style. I continued the navy/black look by pairing it with black tights, boots and a navy knit jumper.

Tartan mini skirt by GinaTricot

Black boots by Country Road

Navy Jumper with elbow patches by ZARA 

Sunglasses RayBan

Watch Michael Kors

I think a tartan mini skirt is a timeless investment for any fall/winter wardrobe. A lot of people might be scared of looking too 'school girl' in this kind of skirt but I think when styled correctly it can look very chic and fun. Here a few little tips for when wearing tartan (or plaid, as more commonly called in America):

• Pair your tartan skirt with stylish tights and over-the-knee boots or ankle-boots. This look will help you make yourlegs look longer. If the skirt is quite mini then make sure you wear it over opaque tights or leggings to remain looking classy. Knee-length pencil tartan skirts also work, as long as you downsize your top half with a form-fitting blazer/jacket or shirt. Don’t go longer than a knee-length tartan skirt unless you want to look like you stole the kitchen tablecloth.

• Stay in the same color family. Tartan usually has at least three or four different hues interwoven in the design, giving you a wide palette of color choices. The only time you should not match is when you are coupling a black and white tartan with, say, a red silk shirt. 

• Also pay attention to the fabric and colour before buying tartan for your wardrobe. Neutral and earth colours look good on all those who are short and are not comfortable with their body proportions. Whereas tall people can go for the bright coloured checks to add a fun colourful streak to their look.


• Fit plays a vital role with this print. A perfect tartan or plaid print must be well fitted on the body part for which it is intended. Baggy tartan skirts or shirts can look very unflattering to most body shapes.

• Tartan is a bold pattern, so avoid going overboard when accessorising. For starters stick with one prominent tartan piece or several small plaid accessories.

• Keep the top in solids, a subtle design or a print in one or two basic colors. You do not want to top a tartan skirt with a loud tartan blouse, even if they do have the same hues. Usually tartan pairs well with neutral tones like black, white, navy, grey or tan for a chic look.

What do you think of my tartan look, is this something you would wear this winter? xoxo