Can't Get the Barbour Tartan Skirt? The Best Alternatives Under £200

The reason the Barbour one works is the colours. Muted greens, navy, a bit of rust. Not the bright red Christmas-card tartan. Look for a wool blend so it hangs properly, a midi length that hits mid-calf, and a bit of movement in the hem. Stiff tartan plus a kilt pin is where it starts looking like a uniform.

M&S is our top pick. Their tartan midis are lined, sensibly priced and come in proper lengths. Zara and Mango go a bit trendier, often pleated. Next is surprisingly good on checks this year, and ASOS is handy if you want to see 50 options in one go.

Boden and Joules are the closest in spirit to Barbour, very countryside weekend. Hobbs for a smarter, office-friendly one. & Other Stories for the cooler, slightly oversized version, Damson Madder if you like a quirky check, and Sézane if you want it to feel a bit French.

Prices move about a lot and sales come and go, so check before you get attached.

John Lewis stocks Barbour, Boden and Joules side by side, so you can check if the real thing's back in. Selfridges if you want to look at pricier tartan from the likes of Burberry and Ganni. And never underestimate Vinted. Search 'wool tartan midi' and filter by your size. Charity-shop kilts are also brilliant if you don't mind a quick trip to the tailor.

A midi is the most useful. It works with knee boots, loafers and trainers, and it looks smart enough for the office without trying too hard. A maxi is the cosiest and the most dramatic, but it needs a slim top half or it can swamp you. A pleated mini is fun with tights and loafers, though it tips into school uniform very quickly, so keep the jumper oversized and the shoes chunky.

A wool or wool-blend tartan drapes properly, keeps you warm and looks better the more you wear it. A polyester one goes shiny, clings to tights and crackles with static. Check the label. Anything above about 50% wool is a good sign. And look for a lining. It stops the skirt riding up over tights and makes it hang far better.

Muted greens and navy are the easiest, and they go with grey, cream, camel and brown. A red tartan is more festive, and it's lovely for December, but you'll probably wear it less in February. Brown and cream checks are quieter still, and almost read as a neutral. If you're only buying one, go for the colour you already wear most of on top.

Tartan is one of the best things to buy pre-loved, because the old ones were nearly always pure wool. Search Vinted or eBay for vintage wool tartan and filter by your waist size, since older sizing runs small. Charity shops in market towns are worth a look too. A good tailor can take in the waist or shorten the hem for not much, and you'll have something nobody else owns.

Wool doesn't need washing often. Hang it outside or by an open window to air between wears, and steam out any creases. Spot clean marks gently. If it's pleated, hang it on a clip hanger by the waistband so the pleats stay sharp, and only dry clean it once a season.

A chunky cream fisherman jumper and knee boots. The classic, for a reason.

A grey sweatshirt and trainers on the weekend, so it feels less prim.

A black roll-neck, sheer tights and loafers for work.

Skip the matching tartan scarf. It's a lot.