(See what we did there? Like the love child of ‘Got milk’ and ‘You’ve been tangoed’)
Laura Reynolds looks at the hype surrounding the collaboration.
Just a week to go until the man in red arrives...
But what exactly are the origins of this famous fabric?
The History of Tartan
Tartans were once associated with regions or districts of the Scottish Highlands. However, from the mid 1800s, specific tartans became associated with Scottish clans or families who wished to display their Scottish heritage. People chose their preferred checked-cloth patterns depending on their taste. I would urge you all to take the same approach on the high street and choose something that reflects your individuality!
The "Heritage" Look
This look is all about sophistication. You want to look like you have just wandered out of your cosy country retreat; so the key to this is layering. Do not be afraid of mixing tartan with various tweed patterns - this look is supposed to be slightly eccentric. Firstly, find a plain jumper to wear as a base and then begin the layering process. You could add a tweed waistcoat, a sweater vest or a ‘grandad cardigan’, and don't forget the classic ‘lecturer favourite’: a tweed jacket.
To complete the look, purchase a tartan scarf. The best places to find unique tartan scarves are the charity shops of York. My housemate bought hers from the British Heart Foundation for 50p! I kid you not. You don't have to be sitting on a fat family inheritance to pull off this look. At 50p a pop, you can afford to experiment with lots of different colours and patterns of tartan scarves to keep your outfit looking fresh.
Finally, so that you don’t end up looking like a total country bumpkin, toughen up the look with long black, preferably patent, boots and a glamorous bag.
The Punk Look
Alternatively, for the non-conformists out there, use tartan as an excuse to resurrect 1970s Punk. The use of tartan in the 70s by punks was an expression of discontent with the establishment, who traditionally wore tartan as an authoritative symbol. So people, this look is about breaking all the rules. You want to avoid the preppy, heritage tartan scarves and go for very unorthodox tight tartan trousers and jackets. If you're brave enough, invest in a pair of tartan trousers from Top Shop or New Look - they will look fabulous with a leather bomber jacket or black boots priced from only £28. They will also come in handy for future fancy dress parties once their novelty has worn off.
An option for those on a tight budget is hitting the haberdasheries for odd pieces of tartan material, which you can then sew onto a pair of old jeans with massive rips in the knee. This is cheaper way of giving your look a subtle punky twist - and it keeps your knees warm!
The Go Between
For those who opt to go somewhere in between the heritage and punk looks, your best option is to accessorize. Invest in a tartan bag for this season - there are plenty to choose from on the High Street. Student friendly Primarni sell a couple of red/black/white tartan bags for under a tenner - bargain! These bags look good, but they are also extremely practical in the day for carrying books around campus and double as overnighters.
Also spotted by my tartan radar on the high street were preppy headbands, cute pumps and gloves. These accessories worn individually will instantly update any outfit and put you up there with the fashion elite.
Just remember to avoid a combination of tartan scarves and Tam O' Shanties at all costs; this look is only mildly acceptable if you are attending a reunion gig hosted by The Bay City Rollers.
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