From Clueless to the catwalk, the humble plaid skirt is no stranger to the spotlight. A veritable staple in every it-girl’s wardrobe throughout the 1990s, the classic kilt-inspired garment has truly never gone out of style – though it does so happen to be having a particular moment right now.
Taylor Swift has stepped out in plaid more times in the last few months than we can count. From the red gingham tea dress she wore to the US Open with beau Travis Kelce, to the Vivienne Westwood mini dress she sported at a Chiefs game a few weeks ago; one standout piece from her Supportive Football Girlfriend Era is the custom Rails mini skirt that the LA-based brand designed just for her, its tartan uniquely interwoven with Chiefs red. Though you can buy said universally flattering miniskirt from Rails, the red colourway was just for Miss Swift. Sorry, fellow Chiefs fans.
Perhaps the megastar has felt inspired by her best friend’s iconic schoolgirl by day, Upper East Side socialite by night character, Serena van der Woodsen. Blake Lively’s role as the blonde bombshell alongside Leighton Meester’s inimitable heiress Blair Waldorf in the CW’s Gossip Girl certainly inspired a generation’s worth of uber-preppy style – perhaps Swift is just bringing it back to the forefront.
The plaid mini skirt’s collegiate nature is inherent, no matter how you style it. Kilts of all lengths and varieties have been utilised by schools for uniform purposes across the UK and beyond for decades, if not centuries. Though the tradition began in areas with particularly strong Scottish heritage, their distinctive appearance thanks to the near-endless possibilities associated with unique tartan patterns gives schools a unique visual identity.
The trend spread throughout the rest of the UK after the kilt was popularised by Queen Victoria, who often sported one to demonstrate her love and loyalty to Caledonia.
The belted plaid of the kilt was advantageous in the Scottish Highlands because it was warm, allowed for freedom of movement, and could be used as a cloak when necessary during particularly unforgiving weather. We therefore can’t say our Scottish ancestors would be entirely delighted by the ever-reducing hemlines on contemporary kilts.
Nevertheless, we’ve curated a selection of the best plaid miniskirts and kilts for perfecting your autumn/winter ensemble below.
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Rails Adriana Skirt Teal Multi Check
Worn in a custom colourway by Taylor Swift, Rails’ perfectly mini yet forever flattering multi-check miniskirt is a year-round staple. It’s crafted from a structured twill with a comfortable mid-rise fit and kilt-inspired wrap fastening, which cuts a gorgeous asymmetric hemline.
Buy now £168.00, Rails
Burberry Fringed Checked Wool and Cashmere-Blend Flannel Mini Wrap Skirt
Inspired by traditional Scottish kilts, this sumptuous Burberry miniskirt is designed to look effortlessly chic, as though you’ve slung one of the brand’s beloved checkered scarves around your waist.
Buy now £594.00, Net-A-Porter
Mango Check Skirt with Double Belt
Though not technically a miniskirt, we’d be remiss not to include this oh-so-collegiate buckled check skirt from Mango. Pair with a white tee, cashmere jumper and sheer black tights to have your office uniform sorted for the foreseeable future.
Buy now £45.99, Mango
Versace Button-Embellished Frayed Checked Tweed Mini Skirt
Yet another Swift-approved mini for the books, this autumn/winter 2024 piece from Versace is crafted from a frayed, checked tweed with classic logo medallion buttons adorning the front.
Buy now £720.00, Net-A-Porter
Superdry Check Mini Skirt, Green Check
Neither too tight nor too loose, this perfectly pleated mini from Superdry is the ultimate nostalgia piece for those looking to recreate a perfect preppy aesthetic. The A-line silhouette is perennially flattering, and the skirt is available in a variety of different check colourways.
Buy now £44.99, John Lewis
Acne Studios Belted asymmetric pleated checked wool-blend mini skirt
Featuring textured pleats and an additional, slim peekaboo waistband, this asymmetric mini from Acne Studios has a distinctly Western feel, though we’d likely pair it with some ribbed socks and a pair of sleek loafers.
Buy now £530.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Pleated Mini Skirt
Gloriously understated and timelessly stylish, H&M’s take on the classic checked mini is a pleated houndstooth dream that is going straight into our baskets while it’s still in stock.
Buy now £21.99, H&M
Chopova Lowena Rena Mini Carabiner Skirt
London-based Chopova Lowena has created an array of iconic garments that you’ll spot sported by the fashion set, and the Carabiner Skirt is one such cult-classic, must-have piece. Crafted using deadstock woollen plaid fabrics attached to an oversized leather belt with carabiners, it's by far the most unique take on the kilt that we’ve ever come across.
Buy now £1045.00, Chopova Lowena
