Plaid is in!

Alright, its been in fashion (again) since early this fall, but with current trends, its definitely the hottest thing. It has this androgynous feeling, especially when its on shirts and other tops.

But unfortunately, someone plaid it bad. Real bad.

There are certain plaid prints and designs which has been officially been listed as trashy no go. These includes big black square plaids, purple combinations and red & green plaids.

And who killed them? None other than the Singaporeans who overdo on them.

Be more fanciful. Try on bolder colours and not follow blindly. Monochrome plaids are nice, but NOT with neon coloured skinny jeans. This week alone, I’ve seen more than a dozen “bengs” and their counterparts in them. NOOOOO!

Similarly, purple combinations (usually with black, white or black and white) plaids are fast becoming a “mat” icon. No discriminations here, but, the whole look, being iconic of them, as made it look bad. Once again, the combination of such plaided shirts with the whole “mat” look makes it unbearable. Maybe, you can try it on with tailored shorts or if you insist on neon colours, have it on berms.

As for the red and green combination, well, although December 25th is nearing, but don’t, please DON’T, dress up AS a christmas tree.

Now, how to look good in plaids.

Go for non-traditional colours and plaid patterns. Yellow, blue, green (with white, black or other non-clashing colour combination) are great choices. Burberry Winter Collection featured some really nice plaids (other than its usual Burberry pattern!).Try something bold. And avoid big square patterns, instead, put on something smaller and more regular.

Do not overdo coloured plaits. Checkered prints are already something which catches attention. Try not to pair it with more checkered prints. If you already have a plaided top, try to match with a simple brown/black bottom. You may want some compatible accessories like plaid design shoes or bangles/wristband/shades, but try not to match it with a checkered scarf. Remember, plaids is a design, don’t overkill designs. Keep the others simple.

Similarly, your other half (top is to bottom and bottom is to top) should be in clean, simple colours. No checkered shorts with checkered shirts. Printed shirts are okay, but try to avoid loud prints that make you look over burdened with designs.

All Bowed Up

Another new trend is in bows. Simple single coloured bows in contrasting colour adds another layer to a plaided short sleeved shirt. It generates a boyish feel that is chic yet not overly kiddish. Or opt for a bow/tie with a checked/plaid design to go with your white top (long sleeved/short sleeved shirts or even collared tees).

Fashion guru Keith Png’s shop in the attic, Hide & Seek, offers exclusive custom bow making. Prices vary as with your choice of design of material, the material itself, size, and wheter you want it to be a buttoned on bow, or a sling tie bow.

Hide&Seek can be found at 22B Hong Kong Street (opposite Central). (More on this great place to shop in another update).

So plaid down and (bow) tie up. Try on something different this weekend!