MAXINE GORDON pleads with you to play with plaid this autumn.

SCOTLAND has given many wonderful things to the world (TV, telephone and Tunnocks teacakes to name just three), but one of its most enduring gifts is tartan.

The celebrated checked cloth has long been hi-jacked by the world’s fashion brigade, who have torn it away from its traditional role in selling all things Scottish (kilts, shortbread, cuddly Nessies) and plonked it straight on to the catwalk.

Leading designers of the calibre of Chanel, Marc Jacobs and Celine have all used tartan in their collections for the season and – as ever – where they lead, the rest follow.

It’s not hard to pick up a piece for a fraction of the cost of the designer labels on the high street or even at the local supermarket.

F+F at Tesco have included a red and blue check design in their newest ranges for autumn.

Over at Debenhams, young hipster Henry Holland has created a fun selection of plaid pieces, including a blue pleated skirt and a cheery red tartan bag with pom poms.

In the late Seventies, plaid was the preserve of the punks, spreading their anarchy across the UK; in the Nineties, it was the turn of grunge to tamper with tartan.

Today, the look is more fashion-focused and wearable with wardrobe staples such as cropped trousers, mini skirts, Crombie-style coats and shift dresses all in tartan.

The key to pulling off plaid with aplomb is to make it the star of the show. Team some tartan trews or plaid skirt with a white shirt and cashmere sweater in a neutral shade such as camel, navy or grey, and you’ve nailed the look.

A tartan dress needs not much else – just some dark tights and a dark coat or jacket will do the trick and remember to keep accessories to the minimum.

If you opt for a tartan coat, keep what’s underneath minimal (head to toe in navy or black would be ideal).

Follow those tips and you’ll survive your first tour with the tartan army in style.

Twitter: @MaxineYGordon