Breaking
Plaid

There's something about plaid that can sometimes be a bit intimidating. Maybe it's the wild colors, which can seem like they're clashing. Or if the fit's not perfect, it can feel really old and lame. But this fall, the plaids are a bit more polished. Instead of bold in color and boxy in shape, the patterns are subtle, shadowy and tonal and the fit is lean and mean. Something of a new trend, the style hasn't worked its way into more mass brands yet so it will likely cost you. But it's not so "trendy" that these pieces won't be in style for years to come. From Incotex's slim cut unstructured blazer and Hamilton 1883's brushed cotton spread collar shirt to Alexander Olch's innovative "pocket rounds," these are the kind of clothes that can reinvigorate the rest of your fall wardrobe.

• There's plenty of plaid on BBC's buzzed-about The Hour (Wednesdays on BBC America). If you haven't seen it yet, get caught up on iTunes.

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