By Aindrea Emelife

When you think of tartan, you probably imagine bagpipe players and kilts. Its time to banish that stereotype as this winter, tartan isn’t only for kilt wearing bagpipe players, as we see plenty of plaid making its way down from the highlands and onto the streets. Chunky lumberjack checks included, tartan is set to add a much needed brightness to the darkness of some of the other winter trends. With fashion icons such as Agyness Deyn and Kelly Osbourne already sporting tartan, it's set to be one of winter's hottest looks - but go overboard and you could end up looking like a tin of shortbread!

Showing on the catwalks of Just Cavalli, House Of Holland and Ralph Lauren, the checks are sure to bring a tear to any Scot’s eye. This winter’s look is far more daring than last year, stretching far past the bog-standard tartan print shirt and knee-high socks. It will see you wearing tartan dresses, skirts, jackets and full suits (for the brave) in a palette of clashing colours such as electric blue and eye-catching yellow. Dries Von Noten, Karen Walker, Alexander McQueen and Thakoon have also taken checks aboard.

One of my favourite Autumn 08-09 collections was that of the infamous Henry Holland. His collection boasted many tartan pieces, including a vibrant purple tartan suit and purple tartan skirts.

The pièse de resistance and the climax of the show was Agyness, purple tartan eye patch firmly in place, decked out head to toe in a strapless, tiered, purple tartan bridal gown, featuring an additional rainbow-coloured veil secured with a super-sized pair of antlers.