Of The Moment: Forever Plaid

Plaid to the bone: Tartan runway looks from (L to R) House of Holland, Ralph Lauren, Karen Walker, Y-3, and D&G. Click for full-size.

Plaid for fall is a given, but this year the runways were absolutely resplendent with the pattern. I've shied away from plaid for the past few years (perhaps I overloaded on it a bit during my teenage punk phase?), but this season it seems oh-so-right again. D&G's mixed plaids, in particular, are looking fresh and edgy, without any of that safety-pin-through-the-nose punk cheekiness I'm trying to keep away from.

Lower-end retailers are already saturated with tartan in all colors, sizes, and styles. Here are several low-priced picks fit for a schoolgirl, a lumberjack, a Scotsman, or whoever else you might want to channel in flannel.

So much plaid, so little time! Click for full-size.

1.) Long plaid bomber, Maria, $99.50, Alloy.

2.) Plaid peeptoe heel, $24.50, Wet Seal.

3.) Multi-color gingham shirt, $19.80, Forever 21.

4.) Scottish plaid tights, Emilio Cavallini, $32, Bloomingdale's.

5.) Bow and cross necklace, $5.80, Forever 21.

6.) Square plaid scarf, $9.80, Forever 21.

7.) Autumn plaid scarf, $6.80, Forever 21.

8.) "Pamela" check dress, $39.50, Delia's.

9.) Tartan and lace skirt, $19.80, Forever 21.

10.) Tartan silk blouse, $34.80, Forever 21.

11.) "Modeli" plaid pumps, Anne Michelle, $19.99, Cutesy Girl.

12.) Red plaid funnel neck jacket, BB Dakota, $80, Fred Flare.

13.) Classic plaid scarf, $9.80, Forever 21.

14.) Check ruffle dress, £45 ($85), Topshop.

15.) Asymmetric tartan skirt, £35 ($66), Topshop.

16.) Long plaid sweater, $19.99, Charlotte Russe.

17.) Plaid shortie socks, $8, Urban Outfitters.

18.) Plaid bow hair clips, $4.80 for two, For Love 21.

19.) Red plaid peeptoe oxfords, Zinc, $29.99, Cutesy Girl.

20.) Large plaid print skirt, $22.80, Forever 21.

21.) "Bailey" convertible messenger bag, $24.50, Delia's.

22.) Scarlet plaid bangle, $3.99, Heritage 1981.

23.) Poplin plaid jumper dress, $22.50, Wet Seal.

24.) Plaid pencil skirt with belt, $24.80, Forever 21.

25.) "Edeva" plaid panty, $3.80 or three for $10, Forever 21.

26.) Windowpane plaid tights, $8, Joy Of Socks.

27.) Gingham headband, $2.80, Forever 21.