Pattern Chic: Black Watch Plaid Blazer

Although the origin of the name has been disputed, the black, blue and green colors of Black Watch plaid (or often called tartan) are world renown.  Transcending the highlands of Scotland, this beautiful combination of colors lend their distinctive woven design to the world of fashion for the winter season of 2013-14.

1. 424 Fifth Lord & Taylor -Black Watch Plaid Blazer
2.  Old Navy -Popover Chambray Blouse
3. 424 Fifth Lord & Taylor -Black Watch Plaid Cropped Pant

A wool-blend blazer (1) in this bold pattern is a great way to embrace the plaid trend.  Paired with similarly patterned pant (3) in a cropped feminine silhouette, the look is completed with a chambray popover blouse (2).

Tie: IZOD, in Mini Royal Stewart
Shoe: DV by Dolce Vita, Bunny in Teal Suede

How I Styled It

A feminine take on a traditionally masculine look is a unique and stylish way to take on a trend. 

To avoid looking 'matchy-matchy', this 'borrowed from the boys' Black Watch plaid blazer is paired with a cropped, slim fit pant in a similar (and smaller) pattern.

Style Tip: When dressing in monochrome, utilize different types of fabric (in this case, wool blazer and poly-cotton blend pant) to add visual depth.

The two Black Watch plaids next to one another, create a unified look.  Adding a bold plaid tie in a co-ordinating color (remember, red and blue are both primary colors and choosing two out of the three primary colors pair well; while red and green are opposite one another on the color wheel and similarly pair well with each other), pumps up ones style factor.

Perhaps my favorite 'neutral' is a chambray shirt.  In this ensemble, the blouse doesn't button all the way up, which gives the look a relaxed feel (like at the end of the work day).

To complete the look, I added these ultra-feminine platform pumps in in a bright teal suede with a bow detail to balance out the look.