Passing Plaid


As a kid I never loved plaid. These days I’m warming up to it. I see the hipsters in their ironic plaid and I think to myself…yes. Must have plaid. And a fedora. Possibly paired with my Converse kicks. Weirder still is that Anthropologie has a plethora of plaid proliferating pour printemps. Plaid and Anthro in the same sentence. Together. (I know, I’m still getting used to it too.) It started with the Pearland Dress ($128) which got the quick hit treatment. Now Anthro has plenty of other plaid options.


I am so glad that Anthro is not marketing the Afterhours Tunic ($98) as a dress. It’s almost long enough to be one on me. With a slip underneath I could probably pull it off as a cover-up. If you’re 5’5″ or under this would work as a dress. It has an easy if unstructured feel and a medium was a bit roomy on me. When I left the shirt to hang naturally the drawstring hit on my high hip as opposed to my waist. Styled to match the product photo from the back — with the drawstring at my waist — the shirt gave more of a blousy feel. It was like menswear converted to women’s wear. I liked it.


The Minka Tunic ($78) feels more like a southwestern plaid to me. I like how the shirt has a more tailored waist to create that hourglass shape. I would honestly wear this horseback riding. I don’t remember seeing this shirt in-store.

Plaid inches closer to gingham with the Outshine Dress ($128). I like the pattern but am unsure about the corset triangle detail. My guess is that it would be flattering on but it kind of resembles a slice of plaid pizza to me. Plaid pie? This is making me hungry.

The Draped Plaid Dress ($148) is a brave move. Heavy menswear print; draped like a toga; purposely lacking structure. The June Catalogue photo is somewhat successful but I have doubts about any piece that a musician/model has trouble selling. Maybe a belt is the answer here. I am intrigued by the design. But most likely this will look like a bagpipe sack on yours truly.

The Cinched Voile Tunic ($78) conjures mental images of a honeycomb. It has a decidely throwback quality that I really like. This top looks like it will flatter a variety of figures and that’s never a bad thing. I can’t wait to see this one in real life.

So…plaid. How do you feel about it’s invasion into Anthropologie?

7 Comments

  1. June 4, 2009 / 10:37 am

    I am just not warming up to it. Too many cuter things to purchase than to try to like one of the plaid items.

  2. June 4, 2009 / 10:57 am

    I'm not to big on the plaid either…But I have seen the minka tunic in store many times.Just Fyi the outshine dress is hideous on, unless you have no chest and no hips or bum….

  3. June 4, 2009 / 12:24 pm

    No, No, No Plaid! Catholic and boarding school killed any chance I may ever wear plaid. Besides, it isn't pretty. I agree with Blondmoma, too many other things to purchase.

  4. June 4, 2009 / 5:30 pm

    I haven't worn plaid since my "grunge" phase back in highschool.I probably wouldn't do it again, but if I *had* to choose between their offerings the Outshine dress is pretty cute!

  5. June 4, 2009 / 7:56 pm

    I bought the Minka tunic in the white (blue) at an Anthropologie store and it fits awesomely. But I ended up returning it because it reminded me too much of high school.

  6. June 4, 2009 / 11:36 pm

    Can you tell me what is the shoe sizing for Anthro? I am a 7.5 at Jcrew so would that be a 8 at anthro or just 7? Sorry for the OT. Thanks.

  7. June 4, 2009 / 11:59 pm

    Hi hikari, I recommend sizing up if you are a half size. Most of the shoes than run whole sizes only are European sizes and I've found those tend to run on the smaller side…any half-sizers have different advice?


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