'I never thought I'd wear plaid. This $30 piece just sold me.'

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In case you missed it, fashion is in its print era.

Yes, neutral capsule wardrobes are lovely and tonal looks in earthy tones will always feel elevated and timeless, but there's something about a print that gets me going.

Not sure about you, but 2025 has seen me purchase a number of trending prints.

Polka dots. Stripes. And now… plaid?

WATCH: Why you should make the shoe the centre of your outfit. Post continues below.

If one of your three fashion words is 'preppy' or even 'punk', you're probably familiar with this criss-cross pattern.

(Sidebar for anyone wondering if plaid and tartan are the same thing — plaid refers to the overarching print style, while tartan is the type of plaid most commonly associated with Scotland.)

Now, I love Outlander as much as the next woman. But plaid? For spring? Undecided.

However recently, everyone on my social feeds is talking about the Target Lily Loves Mesh Hanky Hem Dress in Blue Check.

@emeliamorrisstylist Plaid and check is going to be my entire personality this upcoming spring /summer @Target Australia #targetaustralia #targetaus #target #plaid #fyp ♬ original sound - Emelia Morris

I first saw the $65 Target plaid dress on our resident stylist, Emelia Morris.

With the mock neckline, kilt-like cross-body ruching and Y2K asymmetrical hem, it's very cool.

Some might even say Ganni-esque, but without the spendy price tag. Emelia even went as far as to say plaid will be The Print of spring and summer.

Maybe it's the millennial in me, but I couldn't see myself wearing it in my real life. It felt a little "too cool" or TikTok for me, personally.

Then, I spotted the same plaid print in a long-sleeve top. Boom. Sold.

Enter, the plaid long-sleeve top I'll be wearing in spring. Image: Supplied.

Don't mind the sporty trackies I tried it on with (I feel like a millennial dressed up as a Gen Z), but this plaid piece is a bit of me.

The plaid top has the same 'zietgiesty' detailing of the dress, but in a more wearable and transseasonal cut for spring and summer.

Keen to give this print a go? There are two ways you can approach plaid for your wardrobe:

1. Use it as your outfit's 'showpony'.

This is how our fashion editor Tamara Holland would do it.

"You could wear a statement plaid top paired with simple denim, a check plaid coat, or dare I say, a plaid blazer."

Plaid styling inspo. Images: Instagram @crystal_conte and @emeliamorrisstylist.

2. Treat it like a neutral.

As someone who regularly wears multiple animal print species in the same outfit, this is how I would do it.

You can wear plaid with 'the wrong shoe', animal print or another pattern like stripes or polka dots, while keeping the colours complementary or tonal.

MORE. PRINTS. PLEASE. Images: TikTok @_sophiamoria and @emeliamorrisstylist.

Speaking of colour, Tam recommends selecting your pieces to match the aesthetic you're after.

Reds and greens are very Highland fling, neons give off a punk vibe, while muted tones and neutrals feel modern.

I also love how German creator Fernanda Lintner styles her plaid by mixing different colours, and adding bright bags and shoes.

This is not your professor's plaid. Images: Instagram @fernanda_reads.

Have I convinced you to try plaid yet?

I'll do you one better; here's a quick plaid fashion edit to shop right now.

Target Lily Loves Mesh Hanky Hem Dress, $65.

Image: Instagram @drainbowjenny.

Target Lily Loves Off Shoulder Mesh Top, $30.

Image: Target.

Variety Hour Studio Alice Dress, $299.

Image: Variety Hour Studio.

ASOS Object Plisse Top and Wide Leg Pants Set, $179.

Image: ASOS.

Vero Moda Lise Check Midi Skirt, $99.95.

Image: The Iconic.

New Era Check9twenty Cap, $50.

Image: Glue Store.

Vero Moda Shirred Top, $84.

Image: ASOS.

Lioness Ford Top, $59.

Image: Lioness.

Cotton On Mikki Drop Hem Mini Dress, $59.99.

Image: Cotton On.

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Feature image: Supplied.