Tips on Tartan
by Joanna Steele-Perkins
Many of the big designers and the high street stores are
stocking Tartan this Autumn and Winter, which is fabulous for
all of you with Scottish or Irish ancestors, but perhaps more of
a challenge for everybody else! Even if you do have a family
tartan, the colours may not necessarily suit you. My father's
family come from the MacGregor clan and the modern tartan is not
quite right for me. Fortunately the "ancient hunting" MacGregor
tartan is!
Tartan doesn't just have to be kilts and sporrans, with knee
high socks and bagpipes, although of course this can look
fabulous at an appropriate occasion. Much of the tartan
available in retail outlets is not from any official clan, as
designers have used their own colour combinations, so don't feel
you can't wear tartan just because you don't have the ancestry.
There are several things to bear in mind when purchasing your
tartan. You need to think carefully about the colour , the style
of the item, the pattern size and your body shape.
The geometric "shape" of tartan is best suited to "Rectangular"
or "Lean Column" body shapes. Curvy bodies do not suit this
pattern quite so well, but never fear, a tartan scarf or handbag
in complimentary colours is all you need to make a fashion
statement. "Triangles" can build up their upper half with a nice
tartan jacket or short coat. You may need to visit an image
consultant and have a style consultation to ascertain your body
shape.
There are a large number of tartan tights around, but these are
really for the young with long slim legs. The pattern can give
the appearance of width so probably best avoided by most. Tartan
boots and shoes can be found in some boutiques, just make sure
that the style suits your leg length.
Tartan is not everybody's cup of tea so don't feel you have to
go the whole hog! Just a small tartan gesture is quite enough, a
hair scrunchie or brooch will suffice.
About the author:
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior image consultant with Colour
Me Beautiful image
consultants. Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular
contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on
all aspects of personal image and her services include colour analysis, style
consultations, make-up lessons and bridal advice.
