It's Fall, despite what the sporadic 70+ degree days in New York City might be telling us. We're at a point where our warm-weather clothes and our cold-weather clothes are receiving equal wear, and we've had to get creative with our transitional wardrobes. But, whether it's 59 degrees or 77 degrees, we know this is true: it's time to stock up on tartan.
Of Scottish origin, tartan is traditionally made out of a woven, twilled wool and features a chequered pattern. Formerly used as a Scottish clan identifier, tartan has a rich, important history.
Now, we're looking for thick checked pieces that will keep us warm as the weather cools—and we're turning back to Fall/Winter 2026 runways for inspiration.
Chloé FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics
Chloé FW26 // Spotlight LaunchmetricsChloé's Fall/Winter 2026 runway featured tartan galore in the form of layered coats, some complete with fringe trim, and checked tier skirts. Chemena Kamali's collection, which focused on traditional craft and folkwore, made a case for tartan as much-needed statement pieces—and convinced us that we all need a tartan coat in our rotations.
Burberry FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics 
Acne Studios FW26 // Spotlight LaunchmetricsAt Burberry, muted and moody tartan jackets with fur collars and trim made the case for the textile as sophisticated. At Acne Studios, tartans and plaids in the form of skirts, blazers, and shirts were mixed and matched in the ultimate example of pattern clashing.
Louis Vuitton FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics
Dries Van Noten FW26 // Spotlight Launchmetrics At Louis Vuitton, a heavily textured tartan mini skirt and cropped jacket set were sent down the runway—a look that still lives rent free in our heads to this day. At Dries Van Noten, a multi-colored knit checked coat and scarf reminded us that you can never have too much tartan.
