Plaids and Checks for Spring, 1959

While plaids are often associated with dressing for fall, there are some that are perfect harbingers of spring.  Think houndstooth checks in black and white or pastel colors.  Think plaids in paler, more muted tones like tans, blues, aquas or pinks.  Think plaids and checks in small or micro scale.  Think lighter weight tropical wools or rayons.  Think plaids and checks for spring!  The looks today are from Spring 1959.

Jane Derby fashioned this suit of a houndstooth check in black, white and brown.  The bodice of the dress is beige wool jersey.  Love the fringed effect at the edges.  Huge leather bag for travel by Mark Cross.

Maurice Rentner beige and white check wool suit worn with a white crepe blouse.  This suit would have likely been designed by Bill Blass before his name was put on the label.

Pattulo-Jo Copeland red and white micro check wool suit is as perfect for travel as it is for the office or the Easter holidays.

Harry Frechtel wool and mohair tweed suit in a mix of coral and white.  Worn with a matching hat and scarf.  That's another travel bag by Mark Cross.

Houndstooth is the perfect choice for your spring coat.  This one by Jack Sarnoff is fashioned of gold and white wool.

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.)

Mad For Plaid - 1972

It's 1972 and the whole world is mad for plaid. Plaid coats, plaid suits, plaid skirts, plaid pants. Plaid, plaid, plaid!

Get Gaston Jaunet wool plaid coat with cape style sleeves.

At left: Webe plaid overcoat with detachable capelet.
At right: Redine Loubens herringbone wool cape and knickers.

Dormeuil tartan plaid pant suit with bell bottoms.

At left: Boutique Nina Ricci plaid wool jacket worn over black pleated dress.
At right: Jean Patou Boutique bias cut wool coat with kimono sleeves.

Pierre Balmain Boutique fuzzy wool coat with capelet.

Mad for Plaid - 1950

The Fall-Winter 1950 Simplicity Pattern magazine is loaded with plaid looks for sewing projects. Care to be inspired for your own home sewing for fall?

Above: Green topper coat, Simplicity 3327. Red vest, Simplicity 3298. Plaid skirt, Simplicity 3027. Add a little Louis Vuitton and you're set to travel! Oh, and a sealskin purse.

Plaid wool blouse with velvet collar and cuffs and co-ordinating tuck front skirt, Simplicity 2624.

Left: Plaid and solid wools make a smart suit, Simplicity 8157.

Right: Bold checked wool jacket, Simplicity 8208.

3/4 swing coat belted at the waist, Simplicity 8188.

A plaid vest makes a statement with a suit, Simplicity 3298.

Taffeta plaid full skirted evening dress, Simplicity 3139.