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Timeless Tartan: Tommy Hilfiger Puts His Twist on the Traditional Pattern | Vogue

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Timeless Tartan: Tommy Hilfiger Puts His Twist on the Traditional Pattern | Vogue

To revisit this article, select My Account, then View saved stories

The exact moment at which an element of design becomes a classic is difficult to pin down, but it likely occurs at the moment when it can be reworked and remixed to modern effect without losing any of its original charm. Consider the tartan: Those endlessly colorful, criss-crossed textiles long associated with the Scottish Highlands have evolved far beyond the borders of its heritage over several centuries, and still, the pattern has maintained an enduring yet thoroughly modern appeal.

Tommy Hilfiger—a brand that is itself steeped in several decades of history—has embraced the timeless tartan for fall with its American Recreation collection, inspired by the pattern’s association with the great outdoors. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the resulting collection consists of ruggedly chic pieces that are versatile enough to be worn for generations to come, no matter how young or young at heart you may be.

Tommy Hilfiger Logo Plaid Scarf, $94.50, tommyhilfiger.com

Rendered in the brand’s signature rich red, bright white, and noble navy blue, Tommy Hilfiger’s take on the Scottish tartan pays homage to the colors of its American heritage. With the ’90s and Y2K revival still roaring on, their latest collection pairs the pattern with playful silhouettes that are perfect for the young style maven who wants to craft a throwback look. Paired with a slim-fitting ecru turtleneck, the kicky tartan mini skirt sets the stage for an outfit that calls to mind the mid-’90s and serves as a canvas for the pièce de résistance: a wooly alpaca-blend jacket in matching tartan that’s cropped with varsity-style ribbed stripes at the waist. Worn along with knee socks and a high-heeled lug sole, the final effect is of-the-moment yet drawn from a rich tapestry of historical influences.

Tommy Hilfiger Luxe Leather Tartan Crossbody, $269, tommyhilfiger.com

For a slightly older style enthusiast—for instance, someone who may have already enjoyed wearing ’90s style during the decade itself—Tommy Hilfiger’s American Recreation collection also features a series of easygoing, everyday-wear kinds of pieces, like the relaxed fit jeans that feature a bit of tartan print when the cuffs are turned up. Paired with that simple ecru turtleneck and a tartan snow boot, all that’s needed to venture out into fall and winter weather is a sturdy piece of outerwear, like the brand’s New York Puffer. The well-loved relaxed silhouette, made from recycled polyester, can take you all the way through winter, and this year it’s been given the tartan treatment, creating a statement piece that’s as warm as it is wearable.

Tommy Hilfiger Relaxed Fit Double Breasted Blazer, $269, tommyhilfiger.com and Tommy Hilfiger Tartan Mini Skirt, $119, tommyhilfiger.com

A more experienced style maven may already have her perennial style staples sorted for the foreseeable future, but the brand's tartan collarless shirt is a lovely addition to any wardrobe, whether paired with simple slacks or sharp pencil skirts. Tommy Hilfiger’s American Recreation collection contains a variety of accessories that add a splash of color and a touch of flair to every outfit: a tasseled tartan scarf and matching gloves; a checked camera bag with a punchy panel of cerulean blue; a rugged brown leather lace-up boot with tartan wrapped around the shaft. The brand’s cold-weather offerings are practically endless.

Tommy Hilfiger Collarless Tartan Print Poplin Shirt, $99.50, tommyhilfiger.com

Just as Tommy Hilfiger’s own brand heritage has been forged over decades of creating cool, casual designs that can be worn by people of all ages, its American Recreation collection envisions style that can take on the elements with ease while drawing on the elements of design history to create something fresh and new. While these versatile pieces are meant to be worn for years to come, they can also be worn cross-generationally in the here and now—proving that great style is both timeless and ageless, too.

Timeless Tartan: Tommy Hilfiger Puts His Twist on the Traditional Pattern | Vogue

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