Mad For Madras

When I was growing up, I went through a big preppy phase (didn't we all?). I loved wearing my madras plaid bermudas, madras watchbands, purse covers, etc. Yet when madras made an appearance this season, I wasn't quite ready to embrace it again. I mean, here's something that I wore, ahem, twenty-some years ago. I'm just not sure I can embrace it with the same gusto as I did back in the 80's.

After a trip to the beach with family last weekend, I was inundated with madras. During the course of the weekend, my mother sported a madras skirt and both my cousin and uncle wore madras shorts. After initially proclaiming that I just wasn't loving the madras, though, I've had a change of heart.

Madras has its roots in India, a country that I truly admire for beautiful textiles (among other things). Traditionally, it's a loosely-woven fabric shaded with vegetable dyes and designed to fade with time. It sounds like the perfect fabic for summer. So after taking a look at madras beyond the trad shorts and skirts, and seeing the fab creations out there from the French company, APC, among others, I have fallen head over heels for madras in the form of accessories, shoes, handbags and dresses.

I'm loving this Madras Patio Dress from Gap ($55), which would be oh-so-perfect for a July 4th BBQ. Or these fabulous Pink Madras Flats from Bettye Mueller ($206) that would add playful sophistication to a yellow top and a pair of white capris. Don a fun pair of Madras Flip Flops ($20) or a Madras Raffia Ribbon Hat ($36) for a casual look by the pool. Just keep it fresh and original, with a less is more attitude.

Because too much madras can be T.T.F.W.*

* Too Tacky For Words, definition from the The Official Preppy Handbook.