From Iowa to Pennsylvania, the humble swing-state plaid stakes its claim as the most patriotic and unifying pattern on Election Day. Left, Charles Mischke of Churdan, Iowa; center, Antoine Owens-Davis and D’nise Smith of Philadelphia; right, a voter in Pittsburg wearing classic black-and-white buffalo plaid.
L to R: Steve Pope/Getty; William Thomas Cain/Getty; Jeff Swensen/Getty
Designer jean maven Gloria Vanderbilt’s, pictured here in Chicago in 1945, wears a subtle touch of plaid that takes a tailored turn, while Gar-de's version, available at Oak (http://www.oaknyc.com/men/men-apparel-outerware/garde-leather-mens-redche), retools the bomber jacket with plaid wool sleeves. “I think bear culture is also a big factor in the current workwear/lumberjack trend,” says Ohioan-turned-New Yorker Nate Harris. “This look is deeply inscribed in the psyche of American men.”
L to R: Everett; Courtesy of Gar-de
Country singer Merle Haggard epitomizes the rugged male archetype in his slim-cut work shirt circa 1980, but Ralph Lauren’s deft touch translates a plaid shirt from his fall 2008 collection into a look that would not be out of place on Park Avenue.
L to R: CSU Archives/Everett; Biasion Studio/WireImage/Getty
Esteemed jazz pianist Thelonious Monk stakes his own claim on the plaid jacket in 1968, making a garment typically characterized by clashing, over-saturated colors look considerably cooler. Gap’s belted wool coat likewise goes for an understated effect with its classic red-and-black buffalo plaid.
L to R: CSU Archives/Everett; Courtesy of Gap
Sears can probably claim the title for top American plaid purveyor; here they’ve designed outfits for the 1974 U.S. Ski Team. Talbots’ bias-cut maxi plaid skirt recalls that ‘70s splendor.
L to R: CSU Archives/Everett; Courtesy of Talbots
This 1974 Christian Dior suit, worn by then-president of Cartier, Michael Thomas, is probably unlikely to be seen on a swing-state guy anytime soon. But re-imagined as a deconstructed suit from the ever-creative Yohji Yamamoto fall 2008 collection, it might hold more appeal to modern men.
L to R: CSU Archives/Everett; Benoit Tessier/Reuters
American aviator Amelia Earhart is an appropriate style icon for fresh flights of feminine fancy downtown on a Saturday night, courtesy Steven Alan’s “Jasper” flannel shirt. Adorable, yet practical, the way plaid should be.
L to R: Everett; Mat Szwajkos/Steven Alan
The joy of plaid is its malleable, democratic personality—it’s satisfies the most wholesome amongst us, as this couple circa the 1940s illustrate on their bowling date, but it also can display a grungy, dirty side like Anzevino and Florence’s Courtney Love-inspired flannel shirtdress from Oak. God bless plaid.
L to R: Everett; Courtesy of Anzevino and Florence
