How to Bring Vintage Highland Fashion to a Modern Wardrobe

From Vivienne Westwood’s rebellious tartans to the oh-so-romantic 18th century looks worn by Clare Fraser in the Outlander series, Scottish Highland style has had some iconic moments in fashion—and we’ve heard it’s making a comeback this season.

With crisp autumn nights on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cable-knits, tweed jackets, and tartan galore of this timeless heritage look.

However, while textured layers and tartan skirts ooze charm and whimsy, it can be tricky to pull off the key pieces of this trend without looking either mismatched or outdated. So, we’ve put together this guide to show you how to bring vintage highland fashion to a modern wardrobe.

Ready to put a 21st century spin on a centuries-old style? Let’s dive in!

Originating way back in the 16th century, vintage highland fashion is the epitome of old-money style! 

A mix of colours, patterns, and shapes, it’s a distinctive look that was flaunted by Scottish nobility and clan chiefs to show off their social status and to celebrate their cultural identity.

Featuring the traditional kilt, made to represent the wearer’s clan, along with a white shirt, knitwear, brogues, and a choice of several jackets, Highland attire was a versatile style used for any occasion from countryside jaunts to weddings.

Once upon a time, vintage highland fashion might’ve been reserved for men’s formalwear, but since then the look has inspired some of the most groundbreaking moments in women’s fashion. Today, highland style is an aesthetic worn by anyone, anywhere – from street style to runways, cosy cottages to ballrooms.

Materials Made to Last

Vintage highland style is all about tradition and craftsmanship. So, it’s important to look for high-quality Scottish materials, such as tartan, tweed, and cashmere. These fabrics will not only last for seasons to come, but they’ll give your look an authentic feel. 

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your fabrics – think tartan skirts and tweed blazers, or knitted jumpers and corduroy trousers. This will add depth and a hint of luxury to your highlands outfit.

Reflecting the traditional kilt, your tartan is the most important part of your highland heritage look. The key is to pick one tartan item as your statement piece.

The tartan skirt most closely resembles the kilt, and it’s also a versatile piece that can be styled in so many different ways – for example, with an embroidered white blouse and a tweed jacket for the summer, or a woolly cardigan for the winter. 

A mini or midi skirt will bring modern sophistication to your outfit, but if you really want to embrace the vintage vibes, try an ankle-length skirt inspired by the full and frilled styles worn by the women of the highlands.

Dresses are a popular choice for modern highland looks too. From pinafores to bodycons, tartan dresses bring a rocker chic vibe to your vintage highland look. Wear your dress over a shirt and layer with a black trench coat, and you’ll have an outfit that truly embodies the Scottish heritage style.

If skirts and dresses aren’t your thing, you can still pull off the look with a tartan jacket and a waistcoat! 

Historically, patterns and shades of kilts represented the wearer’s clan or family, making each pattern special. You can make your look just as original by choosing a tartan piece in your favourite colour – the more vibrant, the better – to represent your unique personality.

Cool, damp, and cloudy, the Highlands are known for their long, harsh winters. So, it comes as no surprise that knitwear is a cornerstone of vintage highland fashion.

Knit jumpers and cardigans won’t just keep you warm through the season, but they’ll add depth and texture to your outfit. Cashmere is light and oh-so-soft, making it a luxurious choice for windy autumn days. Cable knits with intricate patterns are perfect for capturing the craftsmanship of highland design.

Vintage Scottish knits are usually made in cream or earthy tones that reflect the vivid palette of the country’s landscape. 

For a traditional look, you can wear yours over a tartan skirt, or, for a cosy streetwear vibe, swap the skirt for a pair of stylish corduroys.

The Prince Charlie Jacket is a tailored jacket reserved for formal occasions. With a cropped shape and opulent details, like silver buttons and a satin lapel, the Prince Charlie Jacket brings elegance to your formal highland attire.

Wearing your highland outfit to a black tie event? Recreate this regal look with a cropped blazer. Look for embellishments like unique buttons and embroidery – you could even customise it yourself! 

The Argyll Jacket is a seamless blend of casual and formalwear—structured enough to feel polished, yet relaxed enough for everyday styling. Slightly longer than the traditional Prince Charlie jacket but shorter than a standard blazer, it has a pared-back silhouette that makes it incredibly wearable.

While it still features standout heritage details—like silver buttons, epaulettes, and gauntlet cuffs—its overall shape is closer to a modern blazer, making it an ideal choice for smart-casual dressing.

What makes the Argyll especially adaptable is its range of fabrics and colours. From earthy tweeds to deep charcoals and emerald greens, there's plenty of ways to express personal style. 

Women can add a fashion-forward twist with velvet jackets —perfect for pairing with wide-leg trousers, pleated midi skirts, or over a fitted jumper dress.

The Tweed Jacket is suitable for both semi-formal and casual occasions – think countryside sports games and garden parties. Known for its texture and distinctive patterns, this heritage staple often features herringbone and tartan designs.

The traditional earthy tones of moss green, sandy brown, and slate grey are designed to complement the richer tones of your Highland outfit, but you can put a playful spin on the look with a more colourful tweed jacket. 

A purple tartan skirt and a matching blazer can create a beautifully eye-catching ensemble.

Accessories for a Traditional Touch

Heritage styles are all about those subtle, yet captivating, details.

Scottish noblemen and women liked to add brooches to their outfits for a finishing touch – made of silver and adorned with celtic designs, these traditional accessories brought a touch of elegance and class. 

To bring this vintage trend into the modern day, consider pinning a bedazzled brooch to your blazer, dress, or even your skirt!

Highland fashion is full of fairytale charm. Why not embrace that by draping a cape or shawl over your everyday outfit. Whether you’re wearing jeans or a floaty dress, a shawl will bring a sense of nobility and a hint of whimsy.

Give a nod to Scottish craftsmanship with a leather or tartan bag, complete with intricate details like contrast stitching and silver hardware. You could even follow in Vivienne Westwood’s footsteps and go grunge with tassels and chains.

Our most important tip for vintage highland accessories is to tie your accessories into the colour of your tartan – Gone for pink tartan? Make the colour pop with pink handbags, hats, and footwear.  It’ll make your choices feel intentional and artistic.