An Ode to the Tartan trouser

I recently wrote about my soft spot for big ugly shoes. Well, on a similar 'necessities' theme I thought I'd divulge my affinity for all things checked and tartan. For the last couple of years I've been loosely on the search for the perfect pair of tartan/checked trousers after I spotted this image on tumblr:

Original Tumblr inspiration image

(L): Asos / (R): Topshop

Its funny how style and tastes evolve as I'm now not quite as mad about the Tumblr ones as I once was. I found my first pair in Topshop last year and then my new ones from ASOS were originally spotted in the ASOS magazine feature about Brit Marling a few weeks ago. They're quite a loose fit but they're considerably more comfortable than the Topshop ones - I couldn't wear those to a big meal or a day of lectures! I popped into River Island a few days ago and spotted another pair (thankfully I restrained myself and didn't buy them but they are fab). I'm reluctant to include a photo of them as the website picture does them no justice at all. In reality they're a deeper red and have really nice black detailing. These Topshop boutique ones are also lovely and, like my ASOS checked trousers, are available as a full suit. Obviously I'm aiming to dress these kind of trousers down a bit so I'm not really interested in matching jackets but these could look amazing as something a bit more alternative to a formal event or as work wear. I'll probably leave them as I've got a couple of other pairs of printed trousers and I have to be realistic about my student budget.

Topshop suit trouser 

Last year looking for a pair of tartan trousers was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But after Fall collections from the likes of YSL, the high street is inundated with them. Mango, Zara, and River Island are notable for their punk inspired collections this autumn. However, I think you have to be careful with tartan trousers as for many people they incite images of badly dressed punks and old ladies - definitely avoid the ones with copious amounts of zips, safety pins, and straps! If you aren't feeling the trousers then I think there are many alternative ways to work tartan and checks into your winter wardrobe.

Saint Laurent F/W13 - Image credit: style.com

Hedi Slimane's Saint Laurent (still struggling with the name change a bit!) collection,  with its juxtaposition of gentle feminine fabrics and textures against metal and leather, was fantastic. Usually the term 'grunge inspired' incites an eye-roll from me but I do see elements of it in this collection. (It could be argued that high fashion can never be grunge, but thats a blog post for a rainy day.) It got me thinking of different examples of how to work tartan and checks. I liked how delicate black lace slips were paired with tough black boots and oversized checked shirts and cardigans. You can also find plenty of tartan tea dresses on the high street which are great if your tastes are more on the gentle and delicate side.

Summer Staples

As a student I can hardly afford to buy clothes on a whim and therefore I tend to consider purchases carefully, thinking about how much wear I would actually get out of X item of clothing and do I have own anything that would actually go with it?

Anyway, for those on a budget this season I've tried to put together a few staple items that adhere to the trends but don't require you to keep buying clothes all summer long. I'm not suggesting you buy these specific items/do the suggested DIY's but I've written about them just to give ideas of how to work S/S12 trends into your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

DIP DYE

Moto Dip Dye High Waist Hot Pant - £34

I'd probably stud these beyond recognition but worn with a simple black or cream shirt, with no tights and these would look great. To dress down a bit on holiday you could pop them on over your bikini or wear with a simple crop. The key to something like this is to make them the most interesting part of your outfit.

PASTELS

ASOS Pastel Shirt - £30

I've never been a pastel person, I'm horribly pale which means any gentle pastel colours wash me out. However, it's a key trend for this summer so if you've got the right complexion for it, do it! I've gone for this chiffon mint shirt because it's a item that can be taken through to winter with some heavier accessories and some knitwear.

STRIKING FLORALS

H&M Dress - £49.99

I really wanted to include trousers for the 'Striking Florals' staple but they hard to work unless you have A LOT of clothes (which I don't) so I'd probably work Katrantzou style florals into my wardrobe in dress form. Motel, Zara and H&M are doing some of the best dresses I've seen on the high street this Spring.

METALLICS

(image credit)

Metallics are big this spring, particularly in clothing but on a student budget I think the best way to do it is through bold jewellery instead. For example, I'm seeing these gold/silver neck cuffs everywhere at the moment and they look great under the collar of a shirt. I think that metallic trousers would look great this season but by next season you're going to be left with them thinking 'Am I really ever going to wear these again?'

GRUNGE

Flannel Shirt - Cow - £14

Rather predictably my favourite trend this spring. When I think of 'grunge' I think of the 90s, Nirvana and oversized checked shirts, which is exactly how I'm embracing the trend. The bigger the better with the checked shirt, a men's vintage shirt would be ideal worn over leggings and docs. (I know, I've just done the dirty deed and suggested wearing leggings as trousers on their own but as a general rule, if it covers your crotch, it's okay!) You could also combine the trends with this one - for example, a lot of stores are doing pastel items adorned with studs, zips and spikes at the moment. Or simply get onto Ebay, order a pack of studs and go to town on an old tatty denim shirt! I found this great DIY on 'a pair and a spare'.