Winter car coat GOOD, plaid overload BAD

You likely already know I'm not generally a fan of Marc Jacobs, but his grey winter car coat is a perfect fit for winter. It's a slight update on a classic, and a design that works spectacularly well in countless scenarios, especially in a place like New York -- where we may not have cars, but we're in need of lightweight outerwear that flexible enough to be worn to work, out after work, and when you're in casual mode.



I dig it. Apparently, only $950

Of course, I'm obligated to temper my praise of the above car coat with some measure of hideousness. No doubt you're already well informed about the popularity of plaid. Perhaps you've already succumbed (alas!)

This trend is to be avoided. Plaid (or tartan, as it's known elsewhere, and more properly) is, like most complex patterns, best used only in strict moderation. As a result, it works well only in very, very limited situations: in formal military or clan dress, lumberjackery and general outdoorsmanship, and the occasional pyjama. We should all remember the lessons of grunge rock-era styling -- there's a reason that grunge rockers' style of dress, based around the plaid flannel shirt, has long been lampooned. The movement drove the tartan pattern into inanity.

More pragmatically, can you really expect to be wearing this a few seasons from now?





I should hope not, lest you be forever known as "the Logger." I should add that while the jacket (which retails for about $720 at Bergdorf) may actually look pretty bitchin' right now -- yes, I can admit it -- unless you plan to throw it on to go outside and chop firewood every winter for years to come, it's a downright poor investment.

And, god help us, Tommy Fazio at Bergdorf actually suggest it be used in a formal setting: "It
looks great as outerwear, and can even be worn with a bow tie as an
alternative to a sport coat." No, no, no, a thousand times, no. Unless you've got more money than you know what to do with, avoid this jacket and plaid in general. Avoid them like the plague.