LONDON - The Tartan Plaid is so in and it is not just for the Scottish.
The tartan is the new must-have.
Never more perfect than in winter, never more versatile than in 2014.
Our Daily News Style Panel show you the new incarnations of this timeless pattern.
Nyaradzo Mugarisanwa (Knitwear Designer)
When most people think of tartan they envisage the common red, black and yellow pleated or flared skirts they wore in their childhood.
The tartan can be fun and comes in all sorts of designs and styles.
I wore a plain canvas black top, head scarf and skinny jeans keeping my accessories to a minimal.
The coat was in a sale at my favourite store, H&M and is from their A/W 2013/14 range.
I always shop at the end of a season in preparation for the next one.
That way I get to wear something different from everyone else.
The style of the coat means it can be worn dressed up or down and the cut of the collar lends itself well to be worn with polo necks and any collar.
The jacket on the other hand is a very subtle and a more contemporary tartan.
From a distance it looks just tan but up close the fabric detail can be seen. It is vintage and I got it as a gift.
I wore it with rolled-up sleeves and a few accessories. I like to roll up my jacket sleeves to expose the lining which provides a good contrast.
The jacket is 100% wool. It's very light but I know come winter I will be very toasty.
Wool is good for insulation but not ideal for summer. Unfortunately this makes it dry clean only. For this jacket scour Mupedzanhamo, charity shops, second hand shops.
MaryAnnn Kamuruko (Fashionista)
My looks are inspired by our theme which is ‘Tartan’ or ‘check check’ as some people would like to call it.
Tartan featured on the runways through A/W 2013/14 and can be worn smart or casual.
This channel- inspired jacket is more popularly known as tweed which is similar to Tartan.
It is classic and versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways.
I tried to achieve an office look and I paired it with a bodycon dress from River Island and thigh- high boots from Top shop. In the second look I wore it with a black polo neck and skinny jeans.
I accessorised with a chunky neck piece, studded bowler bag and French Connection sunglasses to add an edge.
Thigh-high boots work well with dresses, skirts or shorts in the winter.
They keep you warm, giving you the option of wearing your summer clothes during the winter time. Vintage markets like Mupedzanhamo are a good place to look for classic pieces and there is no shame in going there to look for bargains.
Edgars, Truworths and boutiques around Harare also have a mixed variety of pieces to recreate this look.
My second look is fun and comfortable and will keep you warm this winter while out and about. For more fashion follow me on Instagram @maryannkamuruko
Mel Chimedza (Stylist, Fashion Blogger)
For decades tartan has been gracing catwalks, it has seduced all high-end designers such as Givenchy, and Alexandra McQueen.
On and off, it has made it to the top trend and 2014 has seen Tatarn take over all fashion closets. Of late tartan has been the fashionista uniform of choice.
Proving Tatarn isn't just for casual attire, I made a strong case for the print in this Zara shirt dress and a double-breasted blazer.
Adding colour to any formal wear, it breaks the old black and white rule. Why not wear tartan to work?
So, for a formal look I went all-plaid in a Zara top and slacks, and accessorised it with nude stilettos and a blazer.
This look is effortless and classy! So if you are feeling bold, try the look from head to toe.
And for a more casual look, pair a plaid shirt with jeans and stilettos for that Saturday movie date for a chic look.
Lisa Chiwira (Personal Stylist)
Tartan is normally associated with the highlands of Scotland. The traditional tartan pattern consists of checked stripes interlocking each other horizontally and vertically.
This print has been seen everywhere from high-end designer stores to your local stores worldwide.
So it seems like it's a trend that's here to stay for several seasons to come.
Instead of your usual boring traditional kilt-like pleated skirts as well as shirts as we have always known it, we have been blessed with it in the form of trousers, blouses, shorts, and even accessories like bow-ties for men and women, belts, shoes and earrings.
For a modern take, designers have this time re-introduced the print in different textures like soft mohair, beautiful silks and chiffons. Exciting, isn't it?
I have never been a big fan of the traditional tartan print but I do love a plaid shirt. I love the idea of dressing it up and down with denim, leather or tailored pieces, finishing off the look with either flats or heels depending on the mood or occasion to keep things interesting.
That's what I love about fashion. It's not to be taken too seriously. Have fun with it!! I have chosen this shift dress to show how it can be worn in different ways.
Don’t forget that if you’d like to keep up to date with all of the fashion trends and inspiration on how to wear them, our Style Panel features every month end. Stay fashionable!!!
*Pamela is a Zimbabwean fashion journalist and fashion accessory designer based in the United Kingdom. She can be contacted on pamsamasuwo@live.co.uk