Retailers Push Tartan Patterns as Fall Fashion Transitions to Holiday Wear
Major brands are distinguishing between casual fall plaids and formal Scottish tartans to meet seasonal demand.
By Oliver Bennett ·
The fashion industry distinguishes between two types of striped fabrics as the calendar moves from autumn to winter. This distinction drives current retail offerings for the 2026 holiday season.
Retailers are separating plaid and tartan in their inventories. Plaid describes a wide range of patterns with intersecting stripes. Tartan refers specifically to historic Scottish designs that repeat identically in both directions.
This technical difference influences how shoppers approach seasonal wardrobes. Consumers can use plaid for casual fall activities and reserve tartan for celebratory holiday events.
Avec Les Filles sells a plaid asymmetrical wrap midi skirt for $89.60 on macys.com. The garment features a diagonal pattern in merlot and navy blue. It includes a slanted hem and a ring buckle on the waist.
Brooks Brothers offers the Athena Classic Plaid Button-up Jacket for $89.95 on brooks-bennett.com. The jacket uses a patchwork plaid in burgundy, gold, navy, and beige. The cut provides a structured silhouette with a retro aesthetic.
House of Brumar lists the Ladies Belted Tartan Dress at $525 on houseofbruar.com. This piece is woven in England from pure wool using the Atholl Modern pattern. It features notched lapels, structured shoulders, and a matching fabric belt.
Boden sells the Belgravia Wool Blend Pants for $249 on us.boden.com. These pants come in maroon and olive check or brown, blue, and orange patterns. They feature a midwaist rise and a long, lean silhouette.
Tuckernuck markets the Blackwatch Erin Pants for $188 on tnuck.com. The design uses the traditional green, blue, and black Blackwatch pattern. A matching Blackwatch Thompson Vest is available for the same price.
Vince offers the Diamond Plaid Slip Skirt for $398 on bloomingdales.com. The A-line skirt features a diamond plaid print in dark moss and sage colors. The design combines eveningwear sheen with a staid staple structure.
Anthropologie sells the Maude Club Caitlyn Wool Cotton Midi Dress for $267 on anthropologie.com. This fit-and-flare dress uses a Blackwatch pattern in a wool blend. It includes a straight neckline with black lace and straps.
