Winter brings gloomier weather, and as you look around, people tend to wear more somber colors like grey and black. This winter, don’t fall in to that habit. Instead, include a subtle yet eye-catching pattern to add some interest to your outfit.

As shown above, you can wear a solid-colored shirt and use a combination of classic fall patterns, like herringbone and plaid, which can be incorporated by use of outerwear accessories and, of course, sport coats. By adding small doses of these rich patterns, you’ll keep dismal weather from getting your style down. For more pattern (and layering) help, check out the step-by-step guide below.

Step 1. Start with a simple (and comfy) crewneck tee.
Step 2. Add a classic button-front (I recommend chambray).
Step 3. Throw on a soft v-neck sweater.
Step 4. Incorporate some texture. A herringbone sport coat will work wonders for this step.
Step 5. Look to patterned outerwear accessories. A plaid scarf in dark hues is the perfect neutral eye candy.

For the office
A basic plaid scarf gives a festive look to work attire, while keeping you warm on the weekday commute.

For running errands
Throw on a plaid blazer with your favorite pair of jeans, and you’ll never miss wearing your yoga pants to the grocery store. (Well, almost never.)

For girls night out
Avoid a too-country look by pairing a plaid top with a bold statement necklace. Dark wash jeans and heels elevate the outfit to not-quite-casual, perfect for a day or night out with the girls.

By Melissa Mann, Staff Writer

How are you wearing your winter plaid? Tell us in the comments or tweet us at @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now. 

The Have-it-All-Holiday Sweepstakes
Entry Begins on Facebook on Saturday, November 17th at 11:00am ET.
OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. 

Please read these rules before entering the Sweepstakes. By entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to be bound by these Official Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements set forth below.

Sweepstakes may only be entered in or from the 50 United States and the District of Columbia and entries originating from any other jurisdiction are not eligible for entry.  This Sweepstakes is governed exclusively by the laws of the United States.  You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

The Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Sponsor, not to Facebook.

1. Eligibility. Participation in the Have-It-All-Holiday Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States & DC who are aged 18 or older. Sweepstakes is void elsewhere and where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Employees, officers and directors of Retail Convergence.com, LP (“Sponsor”) and J. Crew Group, Inc., and each of their respective parent and related companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, partners, advertising and promotion agencies, and any manufacturers or distributors of Sweepstakes materials (collectively, all of the foregoing, the “Released Parties”), and their immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, spouse) or members of the same household (whether related or not) of such employees/officers/directors are not eligible to enter. You are not authorized to participate in the Sweepstakes if you are not located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. J. Crew is not a sponsor of this Sweepstakes.

2. How to Enter.  To enter the Sweepstakes, you must visit the Rue La La Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ruelala, provide your entry information, read and agree to the Official Rules, and click the “enter to win” button.

All entrants must have a valid email address. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address during the Sweepstakes Period. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted.  All entries become the sole and exclusive property of Sponsor and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic.  Only fully completed entries are eligible.  Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor.

3. Start/End Dates. Sweepstakes begins at 11:00:01 am Eastern Time (“ET”) on November 17, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 am ET on November 23, 2012 (“Sweepstakes Period”).

4. Random Drawing/Odds. Six (6) winners will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries received on or about November 26, 2012.  Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received for the drawing. All random drawings will be conducted by Sponsor. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.

5. Prizes:  Three (3) winners will receive a Rue La La account credit (each, an “Account Credit”), each in the amount of $250.00 each.  Three (3) winners will receive a J. Crew Factory gift card, each in the amount of $250.00 each (each, a “Gift Card”).  The approximate retail value (“ARV”) of all prizes combined is $1,500.00.  The Account Credit is not redeemable for cash.  Account Credit will only be awarded if winner is a member of www.RueLaLa.com and can only be used during the checkout process on www.ruelala.com. Sponsor will credit the winner’s Rue La La account in the amount of the Account Credit.  Account Credits are not valid for prior purchases or balances.  Account Credits must be used within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the Account Credits are deposited into the winner’s Rue La La account (the “Account Credit Period”).  Upon expiration of the Account Credit Period, any unused Account Credits will automatically expire.  Account Credits are subject to the Terms of Use of RueLaLa.com located at www.ruelala.com/common/terms.  Gift Cards are subject to the terms and conditions printed thereon.  Prizes are non-transferable.  No substitutions or cash redemptions. If in the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.  All taxes and unspecified expenses are the sole responsibility of each winner.

Winners acknowledge that the Sponsor, the Released Parties and all other businesses affiliated with this Sweepstakes and their agents do not make, nor are in any manner responsible for any warranty, representations, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the quality, conditions, fitness or merchantability of any aspect of the prizes being offered.

AN ENTRANT is not a winner of any prize, even if the sweepstakes SHOULD so indicate, unless and until entrant’s eligibility, and sweepstakes winnerS have been verified and entrant has been notified that verification is complete.  Sponsor will not accept screen shots or other evidence of winning in lieu of its validation process.

6. Notification. Winners will be notified by email and may be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release within seven (7) days of prize notification.  If any winner cannot be contacted within five (5) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected, time permitting. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given.  Limit one prize per person or household.

7. License/Usage. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. By entering, entrants agree to the use of their names, addresses (city and state), photograph, picture, portrait, voice, likenesses, biographical information, and/or statements for purposes of advertising, trade, or promotion in any media (now known or hereafter known) throughout the world in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to obligate Sponsor to make use of any of the rights granted herein and each winner waives any right to inspect or approve any such use of any and every nature and kind. If any winner is deemed a minor, then such prize will be awarded to such winner’s parent or legal guardian.

8. Release. By participating, entrants and winners agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, the Released Parties, Facebook, and its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in Sweepstakes, or possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize or participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery. Neither Sponsor nor any Released Parties are responsible for any damages, taxes, or expenses that any winner might incur as a result of this Sweepstakes or receipt of prize.  Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, may be disqualified.

9. Additional Terms. In case of dispute as to identity of entrant, Entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) responsible for assigning email addresses or the domain associated with the submitted email address. Any attempted form of entry other than as set forth above is prohibited; no automatic, programmed; robotic or similar means of entry are permitted. Sponsor, Facebook, each of their affiliates, partners and Sweepstakes and advertising agencies are not responsible for technical, hardware, software, telephone or other communications malfunctions, errors or failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, web site, Internet, or ISP availability, unauthorized human intervention, traffic congestion, incomplete or inaccurate capture of entry information (regardless of cause) or failed, incomplete, garbled, jumbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit one’s ability to enter the Sweepstakes, including any injury or damage to participant’s or any other person’s computer relating to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes.  Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should (in its sole discretion) virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention, fraud or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In case of termination, Sponsor will select the winners from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or web site.  Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices (including the use of automated quick entry programs) or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives. There is no purchase or sales presentation required to participate.  A purchase does not increase odds of winning.  Sponsor is not responsible if Sweepstakes cannot take place or if any prize cannot be awarded due to travel cancellations, delays or interruptions due to acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, weather or acts of terrorism. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

10.  Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer of Warranties.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR ACCESS TO AND USE OF THE SERVICE AND/OR THE SWEEPSTAKES, DOWNLOADING FROM AND/OR PRINTING MATERIAL DOWNLOADED FROM ANY WEBSITES ASSOCIATES WITH THE SWEEPSTAKES. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE RELEASED PARTIES’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR CAUSES OF ACTION EXCEED $100. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, THIS SWEEPSTAKES AND ALL PRIZES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS”  WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY RESTRICTIONS OR LIMITATIONS REGARDING THESE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS.

11. Disputes; Governing Law.  The parties waive all rights to trial in any action or proceeding instituted in connection with these Official Rules, including, without limitation, the Sweepstakes. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes shall be settled by binding arbitration in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such controversy or claim shall be arbitrated on an individual basis, and shall not be consolidated in any arbitration with any claim or controversy of any other party. The arbitration shall be conducted in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston.

THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND THE INTERPRETATION OF ITS TERMS SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICTS OF LAWS RULES. For any matters which are not subject to arbitration as set forth in these Official Rules and/or in connection with the entering of any judgment on an arbitration award in connection with these Official Rules and/or the Sweepstakes, the parties irrevocably submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in or closest to the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The parties agree not to raise the defense of forum non conveniens.

12.  Use of Data.  Sponsor will be collecting personal data about entrants online, in accordance with its privacy policy.  Please review the Sponsor’s privacy policy at http://www.ruelala.com/common/privacy.  By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s privacy policy.

13. List of Winners. To obtain a list of winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2013 to: Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210, Attn: Marketing Department: Winner Confirmation Request – The Have-It-All-Holiday Sweepstakes.

14. Sponsor. Retail Convergence.com, LP, 20 Channel Center, Boston, MA 02210

With our The Rue Golf Club Boutique coming up, we turned to the expert to get her tips on what to wear – and pack – for a day on the course.

What are some style trends you’ve been seeing on the greens? We’re ready for your tips!
Looking stylish on the green while also being able to play the game comfortably is key for golfers. First off, look for technical fabrics that have the ability to wick moisture away from the body, decrease unpleasant odors, offer sun protection, and that don’t pill or wrinkle – these have been making their way into the golf world pretty steadily.

Men shouldn’t be afraid to try polos that are brightly colored, striped, or patterned with jacquard or argyle prints. This is a great way to stay true to traditional golf wear while taking a fashion plunge. Cargo shorts are also making their way onto golf courses, so know that it’s okay to be a little nontraditional. Cargo shorts will keep you cool in the heat, and the pockets are great for storing extra tees, golf balls, and any other essentials.

Women are able to look feminine by sporting silhouettes that are more form-fitting and less frumpy. Printed skorts and pants are a big trend, along with traditional argyle and striped tops. For the edgier golfer, embellishments like studs, beading, and Swarovski stones are also a leading look.

What’s the “it” color for men and women on the course?
Women are hot in all shades of pink while the gents tend to be cool in the lighter hues of blue.

Which men’s and women’s pieces transition best from the course to dinner at the clubhouse?
The ladies can slip on a pair of cute flats or heels and instantly look chic in their golf dress or golf skirt. Men can look sharp by donning their favorite sport coat over their polo and flat-front khakis. The hardest piece to transition is shorts for both men and women.

Can golfers mix patterns in an outfit?
Golf is a fun sport and nothing says fun like mixing patterns on the course. The key to not going overboard with the mix is to keep the patterns in the same color family, so if you’re wearing a pair of pink plaid shorts, opt for a pink argyle vest.

Do you have any no-fail guidelines for accessories?
My no-fail guideline for accessories is: Yes please, the more the merrier! Take a risk and try a hat like a straw fedora or a stylish visor that will instantly upgrade a golf look – not just a baseball cap. Wear fun patterned socks, pick shoes with trendy metallics or bold colors. As far as belts go, try a colorful ribbon belt. The smallest accessories allow you to take the biggest, boldest risk.

We’re seeing funkier and funkier golf shoes – what’s a style recommendation for people looking to get a little edgier in the footwear department?
Leopard print shoes for the ladies and bold hues like dark blue or orange — even green for the gents! It’s fun – go ahead and try it.

What are the essentials for packing for a day on the course?
Let’s face it: Nothing is worse than losing your ball and not having an extra one, or getting caught in the middle of a rainstorm and not having an umbrella to hide under. This is why it’s important to have an emergency backup kit in your bag. Golf balls and tees, sunscreen (if you forget, you can always ask to borrow the cart girl’s), umbrella, granola bar or fruit-and-nut mix (so your blood sugar levels remain constant), bottle of water (my rule of thumb is to drink about 3 ounces of water or Gatorade for every hole played), and a hair tie are all musts to have on hand.

Tell us about your golf style icons – both classic golf style and nontraditional golf style?
Vintage photos from the late 70s always inspire me. Of Nancy Lopez, before she cut her hair. Katharine Hepburn’s golf course style in Pat and Mike. There’s also a scene in Ordinary People with Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland confronting each other on a golf course and I’m always too distracted by how well they are both dressed. For the boys, I love Arnold Palmer past, present, and always, and Johnny Miller’s look from the 70s. I’m totally having a 70s love affair at the moment!

What makes a great gift for a golfer?
I hate the idea that there’s one thing that’s great for ALL golfer’s — we come in all shapes and sizes with all sorts of tastes. For some it’s that special club, for others it could just be a polo from their favorite course — I say shop for the individual not just the golfer.

What’s your all-time favorite golf-themed gift that you’ve ever received?
A set of hot pink golf balls from a gentleman I was playing golf with for the first time. I liked that they were so feminine and over the top. When he gave them to me, I laughed for 15 minutes — I loved that he totally got my sense of humor — the irony of playing with pink balls!

As we head into fall, how should golfers prepare themselves for the cooling temperatures?
Layers, layers, and more layers. I’d rather have a lightweight sweater, and wear it under a lightweight windbreaker or anorak. It’s just so much easier to pile on or peel off instead of committing to one heavy and cumbersome piece. I love vests for this very reason.

The Rue Golf Club opens Tuesday, August 22, 2011 at 11AM ET.
Set a reminder >