NOT exactly Christmassy, tartan somehow seems to feel festive anyway.

Or perhaps it's just that time of year?

It could be the reds and greens that do it, but the symbolic national dress of Scotland seems fittingly appropriate, especially while you're toasting yourself against an open fire.

That tartan is still a major part of fashion today is reflective of its timeless appeal.

Switch the clocks back to the third century and you'll find Falkirk tartan, the earliest documented kind in Britain.

Zipping forward to the 17th century and you can find the earliest image of Scottish soldiers tartan clad in a woodcut from 1631.

Astonishingly, it was made illegal to wear such Highland clothing in the Dress Act of 1746 - an attempt to ban aspects of Gaelic culture.

Despite this, it has firmly stood the test of time and we can now be a part of the rich fabric of tartan's history - albeit on a more modern way - without facing prison!

Online retailer Boohoo has a cute-berry coloured tartan smock dress with a playful high collar at £15.

This is great for casual wear and day time engagements.

Black tights, Chelsea boots and a leather jacket will finish the look.

The same goes for New Look's navy gingham check tunic dress at £24.99.

Not quite tartan but a nod to it at least, this playful 60s style dress can be worn day or night.

Match with chunky black heeled boots and no tights for night, and with tights for the day.