Tips on Tartan

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.