Despite the overwhelming rise of microtrends, designers and sartorial enthusiasts across the board seem to be developing a desire to sport seasonal uniforms.
Much like the heads of fashion houses such as Jonathan Anderson or Miuccia Prada, who are rarely, if ever, seen wearing anything other than their respective go-to ensembles (jeans, trainers and a jumper for Anderson; a midi skirt or dress with a cashmere knit for Prada), the fashion set are sticking to tried-and-tested formulas and capsule collections filled with premium clothing.
Joan Didion’s 1979 packing list from The White Album illustrates this perfectly.
In it, she curates a simple selection of essentials - including underwear, cigarettes, bourbon, legal pads and pens, naturally. Clothing-wise, however, the inherently stylish writer simply packs two skirts, two jerseys or leotards, one pullover sweater, two pairs of shoes, and some stockings. It really can be that easy.
The meteoric rise of brands like Sandy Liang, Après Studios and Damson Madder, who have become known for their versatile and demure schoolgirl-inspired aesthetics, builds on this point. In rejection of the lightning-fast and endlessly repetitive trend cycle, the most stylish of society are busy cutting down on surplus, one-and-done clothing items, while building up heritage sartorial collections that’ll last for years to come.
Gone are the days of shaming outfit repeaters - now, they’re being praised.
Emma Chamberlain is another figure who serves as a brilliant inspiration in this regard. In a recent YouTube video, the social media star addressed her previous obsession with overconsumption as she rid her wardrobe of any non-essentials - donating 90 per cent of it to charity and sticking to perennially stylish capsule pieces instead - namely, well-tailored trousers and pleated midi and maxi skirts.
This return to school uniform chic takes the stress out of deciding what to wear daily, and ensures we buy less and wear more. One such uniform staple - in the UK at least - is a pleated, tartan skirt. Sure, we dreaded having to wear them as kids, but as adults we can appreciate their textual, versatile and endlessly stylish nature. And at New York Fashion Week, the streets were filled with one particular style from COS.
With capsule collections on the rise, it was only a matter of time before we saw tartan skirts of varying lengths and colourways gracing the streets and catwalks for the autumn/winter fashion week season.
Below, I’ve curated a selection of the best checked and tartan maxi skirts on the market to imbue your seasonal wardrobe with endless versatility.
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COS Draped Checked Midi Skirt
A skirt that deserves its own street style social media account for its ubiquity during New York Fashion Week, this draped, checked number has a distinct editorial feel. Featuring burgundy and ivory hues with a textural draping effect that falls from the waistband, the skirt is crafted from a super soft and endlessly comfortable wool blend.
Buy now £119.00, COS
Burberry Leather-trimmed Pleated Checked Wool Midi Skirt
Designed with traditional kilts in mind, this luxurious Burberry option has the weight and construction of a tartan befitting a true Scot. The trio of chic leather buckles are adjustable, and the razor-sharp pleats, which begin midway through the skirt, create wonderful movement.
Buy now £1550.00, Net-A-Porter
Boden Josephine Wool Kilt Skirt
Realised in a classic red, navy and green tartan design, this glorious wool knit kilt from Boden is set to sell out in a flash this autumn. It’s a traditional wrap kilt with an internal hook and bar fastening, as well as a chic buckle detailing at the waist. Due to the wrap design, there’s a subtly sultry leg slit.
Buy now £189.00, Boden
By Anthropologie Seamed Plaid Wrap Maxi Skirt
A flirtatious option with dramatic leg slit, this plaid wrap skirt from the By Anthropologie range features faux horn buttons at the waist and bias cut details which work to create an extra-flouncy, draped hemline.
Buy now £130.00, Anthropologie
Cortana Agate Checked Crepe Maxi Wrap Skirt
A show-stopping high fashion number set to elevate your autumnal wardrobe tenfold, Cortana’s take on this season’s checked skirt features a cinching wrap detail and a bias cut that shifts the checkered design ever so slightly when wrapped.
Buy now £529.00, Net-A-Porter
Massimo Dutti Long Flared Check Shirt
This long, flared checked number from Massimo Dutti is as versatile as it is stylish - perfect for pairing with a t-shirt on casual days, and a smart blouse with heeled boots for office days. It has a soft, slightly textured finish.
Buy now £69.95, Massimo Dutti
H&M Circular Cotton Skirt
Perfect for those in the market for a flowing, effortlessly flouncy checkered option, this circle skirt from H&M falls beautifully - forming makeshift pleats that create fun visual differences in the pattern. It has a concealed zip and discrete pockets, too. Winner.
Buy now £29.99, H&M
Après Studio Liquorice Plaid Ruched Skirt
Plaid skirts with Basque waistlines are all the rage this season due to their sheer versatility. This chic option from Après Studio is a solid investment in year-round fashion – suitable for autumn months with thick tights as well as blissfully breezy summer mornings.
Buy now £154.00, Après Studio
Essentiel Antwerp Iplaid Beige Midi Skirt
Though there’s a myriad of bias-cut, checkered maxi skirts on the market this autumn/winter, Essential Antwerp’s take on the trend is the most unique I’ve seen - with its shimmering, sequined detailing throughout.
Buy now £223.00, Baltini
Next Green Check Kilt Maxi Skirt
This forest green kilt from Next has a touch of pinky-red woven throughout for an eye-catching finish. Pleats throughout give it a flattering, tailored and traditional feel.
Buy now £46.00, Next
The Tiny Big Sister Check Wrap Skirt Petrol Blue
In a delectable, eye-catching petrol blue, this wrap-front pleated skirt from The Tiny Big Sister is cut and pleated to perfection. The silhouette is effortlessly chic, and the bold colourway sets it apart from the darker, autumnal check hues seen across brands this season.
Buy now £189.00, The Hambledon
