Four Fresh Ways to Rock Plaid (And Gingham!) For Spring

We're well into spring (as if you didn't know), but there are still trends to conquer before the season, well, swings to summertime.
Our eyes are on the chic plaid get-ups we've seen celebs stepping out in over the past few weeks—we're talking chic coat and dress ensembles (although the tried-and-true plaid button-down is sure to remain a closet-staple if your favorite denim skinnies have anything to say about it). That's why we did a little deep thinkin' (and a lotta runway stalking) to figure out how to make this trend seem new again. These four ways might be your best bets (and, well, there's always that button-down as backup).
1. Make It Two-Tone: Take a note from Blake Lively, who made one of her whirlwind 12 (we know, we know) press tour looks on April 21 a two-tone plaid coat and dress combo from Marc Jacobs. We also like the look in pants and chambray shirt form, which we spotted on the spring 2015 runway at Karen Walker, and à la Altuzarra, whose spring 2015 showing include sexy picnic plaid separates.

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2. Wear Sheer: Plaid doesn't need to feel drab and heavy—which was proved no better than Julianne Hough in a sexy, sheer panel illusion fit-and-flare frock by Self-Portrait at her Good Morning America appearance in March. We also loved the look at Michael Kors (in an applique-embellished skirt and sheer black top get-up) and Yang Li, who brought airiness to a new level of cool with a loose blouse and floor-sweeping maxi combo.

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3. Go Gingham: The print's picnic-ready little sibling got some major facetime on the runways for the spring 2015 season (in color-splashed black and white at Diane von Furstenberg and with sprightly sky blue at Oscar de la Renta). We also liked Reese Witherspoon's sweet street style version of the trend, which featured a swingy red gingham mini, denim jacket and nude heels.

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4. Cinch Your Waist: Give plaid a sexier shape this season by donning a wrap dress, like the chic Michael Kors number we spotted Zendaya in on April 22, or adding a figure-hugging belt to a skirt or dress look (just take note from the slit-to-there gingham frock at Altuzarra and Kors' button-down and midi skirt rendition).
Mad for plaid yet? We thought so!