Plaid

"Laid-back" may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of plaid — after all, the checkered print has deep roots among private-school prepsters, stuffy equestrians, and lumberjacks — but this season, designers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch are working hard to shed the stodgy stigma by offering sleek and sophisticated plaid pieces that flawlessly mix city girl and country mouse. As usual, we're looking to the stars to glean some modern inspiration on a perennial favorite — so click through to see how style setters like Coco Rocha, Rashida Jones, and even the Duchess of Cambridge put a fresh, cool spin on a certified schoolgirl classic.

Plaid's been a perennial closet staple since our days in school uniform, thankfully it's come a long way since then. With Michael Kors setting the tone for the print's latest incarnation — cool, bold buffalo plaids with a classic, albeit contemporary Americana feel, we're feeling newly inspired to embrace the traditional pattern with a luxe, perfectly seasonal feel. Rather than pleats or punky-feeling buckles with our plaid, we're looking to cozy fabrics and sleeker silhouettes, like a lean pencil skirt or a pair of skinny-fit trousers. We especially love how plaid looks juxtaposed against buttery leather. As far as channeling that quintessential autumnal feel, you can't go wrong with any of these cool-girl plaid staples. Just click on to shop the 16 we're loving right now.

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Take This Waltz, starring Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen, debuted last Friday, June 29. Michelle's character Margot is a happily married woman who falls in love with the artist who lives across the street. But scandal aside, Margot dresses supercute in retro dresses, preppy plaids, and denim cutoffs — in short, she portrays the perfect casual-cool Summer style. Check out Michelle's wardrobe in the movie, then shop similar pieces for yourself.

Jessica Biel, Jaime King, Jessica Alba, and Katharine McPhee were all on the same fashion wavelength when they wore preppy pieces while out and about in NYC. What made each of their outfits standout is that they all paired their prep with pieces that made them cool. Jessica Biel wore her plaid golfer hat with a crochet tee, Jaime sported loafers that were edgily studded, Katharine rocked white loafers with a Louis Vuitton scarf, and Jessica Alba showed off green pants with a denim jacket. Step inside for a closer look at these four ladies and to re-create their preppy-chic outfits for yourself.

Plaid prints may bring thoughts of tennis outings, yacht parties, or crab feeds, but these nine celebs proved there are many ways, both edgy and chic, to work the classic print. From casual coffee runs to red-carpet events, Hollywood's hottest have showcased this versatile pattern in a number of different ways. Whether you layer your plaid button-down over denim like Brooklyn Decker, rough up a plaid frock like Emma Watson, or suit up in a plaid-on-plaid number like Alexa Chung, we are sure there is the perfect plaid piece just for you. Step inside to see how these A-listers added their personality to the classic print, then shop our picks to incorporate a little, or a lot of, plaid into your wardrobe.