Taking the Stand: Plaid Tunics

Let’s Review the Case:

Remember those plaid flannels of the early 90’s a.k.a. the grunge era? They’re kinda making a comeback. Wait, wait, before you close this window and scream case dismissed, we ask you to give this trend due process. The Pretty Committee isn’t about letting you make the same mistake twice, which is why they’ve agreed to review one fashion’s most recent reincarnations of the lumberjack print.

Plaids in general were huge on last fall’s runways and made their way back to the Fall ‘09 catwalks. As you can see from Exhibit A, the styles that graced the runways were far less androgynous than anything we saw on My So- Called Life. One might even go as far as to call them feminine, maybe even flirty.

As for what’s been seen on the street, well, that’s a different story. Some people are indeed trying to bring back the grunge look. (Refer to Exhibit B) For the sake of time, The Pretty Committee will be reviewing one of the more modern takes on plaid– the plaid tunic.  You didn’t think we were going to take on the second coming of plaid did you? We don’t have all year here.

Readily available in malls across America right now (Refer to Exhibit C), plaid tunics have been declared a fall must-have by some. But are they? While some have embraced the trend with open arms, (Refer to Exhibit D) most are still a little wary. They need your help Pretty Committee.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Olsen Twin, Kirsten Dunst, Lindsey Lohan

Exhibit C

American Eagle Outfitters, Modcloth Checkmate Tunic, Splendid Plaid Tunic

Exhibit D

Rihanna, Liv Tyler, Taylor Swift

What’s the verdict? Is plaid forever grunge or should we take the tunic plunge?

Left-Tie: I don’t like plaid tunics. They are sloppy and boring. They remind me of Becky from “Roseanne.” Exhibit A has potential. It’s like Courtney Love raided Kurt Cobain’s closet and sold his clothes to Versace. Poor thing. She’s always selling his stuff for money. See they are so boring I went off on a tangent.

Kawaii Kid: The plaid tunic is a tough case. Its defense says, “I’m comfortable, I can be accessorized, I’m a print that hides and shapes at the same time.”  However, this Pretty Committee member says – “there are too many more fun things to wear than your pajamas around town!” Case closed.

Trendspotter: I turn into John Kerry when it comes to the plaid tunic, total flip-flopper. I actually bought one last year from Forever 21. It was a really bold blue and black buffalo print and it came with a black skinny belt. I wore it twice and then decided I hated it and needed it out of my closet. But now I look at Liv Tyler wearing hers and I think well, maybe they are cute. Perhaps it was the plaid, maybe something less bold. I dunno. My votes cancel each other out, so just move on to Lady Lex…

Lady Lex: I like the plaid tunics, but let’s not revisit our grunge days. The tunic should be kept fresh and modern looking with leggings or skinny jeans, most important of all though is the cut. I know menswear (i.e. boyfriend jeans, menswear vest, etc.) are in right now, but this does NOT and should NOT apply to plaid under any circumstance. Keep the cuts ultra feminine and I think you’ll be safe.

Jess: I am 100% all for plaid this season.  I think it gives off the “I’m not trying too hard look” which I love.  However, exhibit A worries me a little bit.  I think plaid should know its place in the world of fashion…it will never be “high-fashion” material, in my opinion.  It should stick to everyday grunge-wear!!

Ashley: Every time my friends and I agonize over high school pictures, we come to this excuse – we lived in Seattle, we wore man-sized plaid flannel and huge Doc Martens. WTF. Who decided that looked good on a girl? That said, I like the plaid trend that’s back in full effect because it’s cut for a woman (except the Olsons, seriously at what point do we realize that their disheveled look is not couture???) It looks much more tailored paired with skinny jeans and a belt and adds some interest to an otherwise stripes and solids world.

Posh Hippie: Plaid is rad. I think the plaid tunic is a great answer to the flannel shirts of the grungy ’90s. I’ve seen some really cute lumberjack style jackets out and about as well. The indie-kids never let go of plaid. If you are into bands like Wilco, Blitzen Trapper, Fleet Foxes or the Avett Bros, the sexiness of plaid has been back for years. The trick is to find a shirt that’s as tight as possible (guys too) without the buttons popping out, which means having no chest (guys too) is key. Like anything, it’s not the pattern but the application that counts. That asymmetrical Nanette Lepore frock, for example, is gorgeous. I like this trend.

Verdict: We’re giving plaid tunics the green light, but please make a good faith effort to keep it looking feminine and modern and NOT grunge.

XOXO,

The Gals and Guys of INPT