After the flower power era, it might have been hard to imagine a style would emerge that would make the former fashion appear subtle. But the folks of the 70s had a brand new way to assault the eyes – the unforgettable clashing pattern of plaid.

Borrowing from the tradition weave of Scottish tartans, plaid was brought into the modern era, thanks in no small part to Sears department stores. They unleashed a preponderance of plaid on the public with their popular Toughskin clothing and the world was forever altered. Rack after rack of polyester flairs were eagerly purchased and paired with everything from decaled t-shirts to turtlenecks.

From that point, the beast had been unleashed and wearers no longer cared much about the concept of clashing colors. From head to toe, plaid was piled upon plaid in ways that are best left unimagined. By the time the Scottish boy band, The Bay City Rollers arrived on the scene, dressed from head to toe in the patterns from their homeland, there was no turning back. Plaid was firmly entrenched as the style de jour. And, interestingly enough, while almost every style enjoys a comeback at some point, plaid has remained, for the most part, conspicuously absent from modern clothing racks. It’s likely just a matter of time though. Be afraid, be very afraid.