How to Style Tartan for Modern Men and Women
Tartan has moved well beyond formal Highland dress and into everyday fashion, but styling it well still takes a bit of intention. The pattern is bold by nature, so the trick is knowing how to let it stand out without overwhelming the rest of the outfit.
Start Small if You're New to Tartan
If you're not used to wearing a strong pattern, ease in with a single tartan accessory, a scarf, a cap, or a bow tie, paired with a simple neutral outfit. This lets the pattern do the work without needing to plan an entire look around it.
Building a Full Tartan Look
For a more confident approach, a tartan jacket or shirt works well layered over solid-colored basics like a plain white tee, dark denim, or tailored trousers. Keeping the rest of the outfit simple stops the look from feeling busy.
Mixing Tartan With Other Textures
Tartan pairs surprisingly well with materials like leather, denim, and knitwear. A tartan flannel with a leather jacket, or a tartan scarf over a chunky sweater, both feel current without straying from the pattern's traditional roots.
Everyday Tartan Pieces Worth Owning
- A tartan scarf for cooler months
- A tartan cap or flat cap for a casual finishing touch
- A tartan flannel shirt that layers easily
- A tartan hoodie or bomber for a relaxed, everyday feel