From Hobbs to Boden, we’ve found the key pieces you need to nail the season’s timeless print trend

Here at Good Housekeeping, we like to make sure you’re in the know when it comes to what you should be wearing each season. For summer, we said gingham was the star of the show, led by one standout skirt by Albaray. Now that it’s autumn, there’s one particular print dominating wardrobes everywhere: tartan. And that comes as no surprise, considering its roots in the rainy Scottish Highlands.

Typically seen in red, green and blue, tartan continues to define autumn style, making it an essential staple for nailing the season’s dress code. Just ask Kate, Princess of Wales: she has a square-shaped soft spot for the pattern, having been spotted in countless bespoke tartan-print dresses and coats over the years.

Of course, you don’t need a royal budget to wear the heritage design. The high street is stocked with plenty of tartan staples that won’t make you have to consider remortgaging your house.

Let’s start with Boden. The British-born brand knows a thing or two about tartan. Take its Cassie Check Tea Dress, for example, a comfortable midaxi dress featuring red and blue plaid, available in a generous size range (4 to 22) and in both petite and regular lengths. No worries if you’re under 5ft 3in, then.

Then there’s Anthropologie’s wool-blend funnel-neck coat. A brown, academia-inspired longline piece, it’ll serve as both a cosy autumn staple and an extra layer once temperatures begin to seriously plummet. It’s an excellent failsafe for the office, too. Just pair it with a fluffy knit jumper (or With Nothing Underneath’s tartan shirt, if you’re not afraid of a little intentional clashing), wide-leg black trousers and trusty boots.

Damson Madder’s green plaid puffer coat is also a strong choice, and essentially three pieces in one: a classic puffer, a gilet (if you detach the arms) and a preppy tie-neck scarf. A sartorial triple threat, if you will.

As for trousers, Uniqlo’s flannel styles are a brilliant option. They come in two plaid patterns: dark brown (included in our edit) and a lighter brown if you prefer a softer autumnal palette. River Island also stocks a similar pair, with hints of blue for a more traditional approach.

And that’s just the start. We searched for hours and pulled together the best tartan staples you need to nail the season in style.

Shop our expert edit below