How to Wear Plaids for Fall, 1958

When I asked for requests for the blog on Facebook last week, Carey wanted a post about tartans.  Plaids are a classic for fall.  It seems every year the fashion magazines claim that "Plaid is Back!"  Actually, they never go out of favor.  Here are some suggestions for wearing plaid.  All of today's images are from 1958.

If you're choosing a bold color, consider a plaid that is worked in a tone-on-tone effect so as not to jar the eye of your beholders.  Guy Laroche designed this scarlet plaid coat for Duchess Royal.  It comes with an attached scarf collar that can be worn in many ways. Sold in 1958 for $110 (about $859 in today's dollar.)

Pair plaids, especially bold ones, with solid neutrals.  This lets the plaid stand out and become the star.  At left:  Modern Juniors sleeveless tunic worn over a red wool jumpsuit.  Set sold in 1958 for $33 (about $258 in today's dollar.)  At right: Dick Dumas blanket coat in bold orange, red and yellow is worn with a solid turtleneck and simple black pants.  Sold in 1958 for $60 (about $469 in today's dollar.)

When wearing an allover plaid, such as a suit, tone down the colors so as not to overwhelm your figure.  This spectator suit by Ellen Brooke was available in soft brown or misty blue.  Bold red or green would have been too much.  Sold in 1958 for $135 (about $1,054 in today's dollar.)

Consider the scale of the plaid you are wearing.  While an oversized, bold plaid can work for a casual coat, when wearing a suit or a dressier topper, keep the size of the plaid smaller for a more professional look.   Also consider your figure.  If you are a petite woman, a smaller scale plaid is best.  Nelly de Grab wool/mohair suit was sold at Bergdorf Goodman.  Sold in 1958 for $40 (about $312 in today's dollar.)

Plaids can be perfect for a casual look too.  Pair a plaid skirt, shorts or pants with a solid blouse or sweater for a classic look that will always be in style.  These wool pieces are all by Loomtogs.

Don't consider yourself a plaid kind of gal?  How about carrying a plaid blanket wool handbag as a standout accessory?  Pair it with a simple solid coat for a fabulous splash of color!  Coronet wool handbag with black calfskin handle and straps.  Sold in 1958 for $30 (about $234 in today's dollar.)