After recently watching Brave, I have become enamored with Princess Merida and her adventurous spirit. IMO, Merida is the most badass Disney princess so far and the tartans and plaid fashion of Brave are just another reason to love this movie. Of course, as a princess brought up in a traditional manner, Merida wears a blue dress made from a heavy fabric throughout most of the film. However, if Brave was set in modern times, I'd bet that she would sport tartan trousers, because these would be far better suited to archery and horse riding.
Brave isn't the only story that appears to have a love affair with all things tartan and plaid. One of the most memorable looks spotted in iconic '90s movie Clueless was the cute co-ord plaid suit, as seen on the main protagonists Cher and Dionne.
But don't confuse tartan with plaid. Tartan is a fabric steeped in history, often worn by the Scottish people to pay homage to their clans. Plaid was appropriated by British and American manufacturers and inspired by tartan. Today, it's a stylish material that remains incredibly iconic and fashionable. So, if you have an adventurous spirit like Merida and you love fashion like the Clueless gals, here are some awesome kilts and plaids you can wear any time of year.
1. The Classic Plus Size Plaid Shirt
New Look Inspire Long Sleeve Check Shirt, $30, ASOS
When in doubt, pop on a lumberjack style plaid shirt for classic, laid back vibes.
2. The Monochrome Kilt
Le Kilt For Asos Mono Plaid Pleat Mini Kilt, $106, ASOS
This black and white skirt will go with anything and can be worn all year round. Make like the model and pair it with some Converse for easy grunge style.
3. The Shirt Dress
Plaid Shirt Dress, $58, Torrid
Choose a plaid printed dress made from lighter fabrics to wear with bare legs in summer, or thick tights and boots in winter.
4. The Clueless Kilt
Check Kilt Mini, $60, Top Shop
Take a leaf out of Cher Horowitz's style book and go for a yellow plaid mini.
5. The Punk Leggings
Asos Curve Legging In Red Plaid Check, $30, ASOS
Wear these plus size leggings with a band tee, some biker boots, and a studded leather jacket for a Brit punk look.
6. The Pretty Peasant Top
Embroidered Plaid Peasant Top, $23, Forever 21
Whoever would have thought that plaid would look rad on a peasant top? This pretty style will make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.
7. The Edgy Lip Print Kilt
Le Kilt For Asos Kilt In Lip Print, $19, ASOS
This eccentric lip print kilt will give girly girls a gateway into the realms of edginess. Match your lipstick to your scarlet kilt pin for color coordinating brownie points.
8. The Vivienne Westwood Clutch
Vivienne Westwood Clutch In Derby Signiture Check Print, $188, ASOS
Treat yourself to this reasonably priced Vivienne Westwood clutch without having to eat Ramen for an entire month.
Want more fashion and beauty tips? Check out the playlist below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!
9. The Plaid Blouse
Plus Size Collared Plaid Blouse, $18, Forever 21
Want to add some plaid into your workwear wardrobe? It's easy with a smart casual plaid blouse.
10. The Tailored Trousers
Jovial Journalist Pants, $70, Mod Cloth
If you've got somewhere important to go, slip into a pair of smart plaid pants to make a stylish statement.
11. The '50s Frock
Tulipa 50's Dress, $89, Blame Betty
Mix plaid with florals for a feminine frock that's perfect for spring and summer.
12. The Sleeveless Shirt Dress
Plus Size Tartan Plaid Shirt Dress, $23, Forever 21
When warmer weather comes around, soak up the rays in a sleeveless shirt dress.
14. The Cut-Out Dress
Asos White Checked Pleat Hem Pini Dress, $138, ASOS
Exude cool in a cut-out dress paired with your favorite sneakers and sunnies.
15. The Tartan Skort
Janine Tartan Checked Woven Skort, $26, Boo Hoo
Don't worry if it's a windy day: A tartan skort will allow you to feel safe and secure while giving off the same girly aura of a mini skirt.
16. The Pleated Kilt
Le Kilt For Asos Hem Pleat Mini Kilt, $106, ASOS
If preppy is your middle name, give Blair Waldorf and friends a run for their money in a pleated hem kilt.
17. The Plaid Flats
House Of Stuart Plaid Flats, $35, Sourpuss Clothing
Finish off your outfit with a rebellious edge by wearing a pair of plaid flats.
Whether your adventure takes place in an urban jungle or a real life forest, show the world your brave spirit by rocking kilts and plaid throughout the entire year.
Images: Courtesy Brands
