It wasn’t difficult to predict that fashions from the hit show Gossip Girl would make their way into the mainstream. Even then, we basically assumed it would be a trend reserved for the teens and twenty-somethings. Well…it’s had more impact than that. We’re not telling you to run out and buy a plaid mini, but we will give you tips on how to embrace PREP.

Teen: Prep style has been part of teen fashion for as long as we can remember. Keep it modern but sweet, you don’t want to look like a stripper. Make sure the pleated skirt fits properly, there should be NO pulling. Keep proportion in mind. If the skirt is short, wear a button down that’s a little fuller, not too fitted. For teens, it’s about boy meets girl.
In your 20’s: You’re the perfect age to play a little bit with this style. Make your Prep a little more funky by adding an unexpected piece like a cardigan with a little sequin. Feel free to pile on jewels like a lot of pearls.
In your 30’s: Be a sophisticated Prep. Add a plaid vest to a beautiful blouse and wide leg denim. The perfect shoes for you are penny loafer pumps! Voila’, you’re on trend without trying to look too young!!
In your 40’s and beyond: Yes, this is a look you can pull off. You want to go a little more classic in your approach. A blazer with a crest is a great option. Pop in a pair of red loafers, and a plaid bag. Or, you can pull off a red lizard bag and shoes (fake is fine). It’s o.k. to go for it a little with your accessories. 40’s and beyond is all about elegance, confidence, and sophistication. So, interpret the trends in that manner for your age group.

prep in your teens:

Ok, this isn’t the first time you’re hearing that plaid is big for Fall/Winter. If you want to get a bit of the look without committing to a dress, top, or jacket - throw a plaid bag over your shoulder. The look will still have an impact, without going overboard. The red plaid speaks to the ‘Oh so current’ while the navy plaid is more subdued - which one suits you?

Find these bags at CoolComputerBags

Plaid can be bold, rough and grungy, but we’ve found real life women who have dared to wear the look with grace.

New York women have decided: they love the plaid mini dress. And it’s the perfect item to take you from Summer to Fall. The women above pair these cute, breezy dresses with light heels and sandals, but these plaid pieces can easily be transitioned into Fall. On the left, the woman daringly pairs her yellow and black plaid with punchy colors to play up the summery nature of yellow, but this can easily be matched with darker colors for fall to create a completely different look. The woman on the right wears a dress with a flirty back cutout that can be warmed up with a shrug for fall. This simple dress shape proves to be an easy way to wear a daring print.

Of course, plaid can easily go awry. On the left is a classic example of ill-fitting plaid. These lines in the print are no longer straight; they are following every single curve of the woman’s body, which isn’t flattering. While plaid should be tailored, it should never be skintight! The woman in the middle pairs plaid shorts with a print top, which makes the outfit way too busy. Though a careful mixing of prints can sometimes be genius, this looks messy and unplanned. While this last outfit on the right may be stylish in the moment, lets be realistic: I don’t care how trendy maxi dresses or plaid are, in a few months this woman will be sure to look in her closet and wonder why she ever wore that much baggy plaid at once.