| Tartan is in town this Autumn and Winter, which is | | | | bodies do not suit this pattern quite so well, but |
| fabulous for all of you with Scottish or Irish | | | | never fear, a tartan scarf or handbag in |
| ancestors, but perhaps more of a challenge for | | | | complimentary colours is all you need to make a |
| everybody else! Even if you do have a family | | | | fashion statement. "Triangles" can build up their |
| tartan, the colours may not necessarily suit you. I | | | | upper half with a nice tartan jacket or short coat. |
| am lucky enough to fall into that category and my | | | | You may need to visit an image consultant and have |
| father's family have their own tartan and the colour | | | | a style consultation to ascertain your body shape. |
| suits me! | | | | There are a large number of tartan tights around, |
| Tartan doesn't just have to be kilts and sporrans, | | | | but these are really for the young with long slim |
| with knee high socks and bagpipes, although of | | | | legs. The pattern can give the appearance of width |
| course this can look fabulous at an appropriate | | | | so probably best avoided by most but if you have a |
| occasion. Most of the tartan available in retail outlets | | | | creative or dramatic style personality go for it! |
| is not from any official clan, as designers have used | | | | Tartan boots and shoes can be found in some |
| their own colour combinations, so don't feel you can't | | | | boutiques, just make sure that the style suits your |
| wear tartan just because you don't have the | | | | leg length. |
| ancestry. | | | | Tartan is not everybody's cup of tea so don't feel |
| Once you have ascertained which colours suit you, (a | | | | you have to go the whole hog! Just a small tartan |
| colour consultant can help you with this), there are | | | | gesture is quite enough, a hair scrunchie or brooch will |
| several things to bear in mind when purchasing your | | | | suffice. If you really can't abide tartan, stick to a |
| tartan. You need to think carefully about the style | | | | checked pattern (the same rules apply) and be |
| of the item, the pattern size and your body shape. | | | | thankful for the "flower power" summer we have |
| The geometric "shape" of tartan is best suited to | | | | just had! |
| "Rectangular" or "Lean Column" body shapes. Curvy | | | | |