How to Wear Plaid

Co-authored by Katie Quinn and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Few patterns are as iconic and recognizable as plaid. Originating from the “Tartan” style of cloth used in ancient Scotland, this print is a well-known fashion staple around the world.^{[1]
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Research source} When it comes to this versatile pattern, the possibilities are endless—to help narrow down your options, peek through this list for a little outfit inspiration! We've got ideas for casual outfits, formal ensembles, and everything in between.

1

Pair neutrals with plaid for an easy combo.

Neutrals allow the colors in your plaid to really stand out. Pick out a neutral-toned top or some neutral bottoms to act as the base of your outfit. Then, layer your plaid garment over top to add an extra burst of color! Choose neutral-colored shoes to finish off your look.^{[2]
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- You might wear a black tee and jeans with a brightly-colored plaid flannel with black boots.

2

Pick garments that contain one of the colors in your plaid for a cohesive look.

Plaid patterns offer a lot of colorful wiggle room. You might match parts of your outfit to the colorful section of your plaid, or play around with the neutral tones in the pattern.^{[3]
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- If you’re wearing a blue, black, and white plaid shirt, you could match with a pair of blue or black jeans.

3

Pair a plaid button-up and chinos for a classy look.

Slip into a button-down plaid shirt with a stiff collar. Then, slip into a pair of neutral-toned, tapered chinos that complement your top, like charcoal, deep brown, or navy blue. Layer your winter coat over top to finish the outfit.^{[4]
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- If your plaid shirt is on the larger side, stop by a tailor to get darts, or specially-placed seams, along the back of the garment.

4

Look profressional in a suit and plaid shirt.

White dress shirts aren’t the only way to get dressed up. Choose a dress shirt with a smaller plaid pattern that nearly looks checked. Slip into your suit jacket and pants as usual, and pick out a matching tie to complete the look.^{[5]
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- Choose a suit jacket that matches the texture of your plaid shirt. For example, if your top is made with thicker material, grab a thicker suit jacket from your closet.

5

Stay professional with a plaid blazer.

Blazers are a chic way to introduce plaid to the workplace. Assemble the rest of your outfit first, focusing on neutral tones that blend well with your jacket. Then, slip on your plaid jacket overtop for a casual, work-ready look.^{[6]
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- For example, you might layer a dark, plaid blazer over a neutral-toned top and skirt.

6

Dress up for formal events in a plaid suit.

Plaid isn’t just meant for casual looks! Plaid-patterned jackets are a sophisticated way to dress up your outfit. Layer your suit jacket over a polo shirt for a business casual look, or go formal with a classy dress shirt.^{[7]
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- Wear your suit jacket over your hoodie to dress down your outfit a little bit.
- Opt for a smaller print in a more subdued color if you want to wear a plaid suit.^{[8]
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  Katie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.}

7

Create a dapper look with a plaid coat.

Plaid coats add a fun burst of color and texture to your look. When you head outside, button up your coat so it becomes the focal point of your outfit.^{[9]
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- For a seamless look, pick out a top that matches 1 of the colors in your plaid coat.

8

Choose plaid pants as a semi-formal accent.

Plaid pants add dimension to your look without going over-the-top. Pick out a pair of pants that meshes well with the color scheme of your outfit—to play it safe, mess around with neutral tones, like black and white.^{[10]
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- For a more modern look, pick out plaid plants with a more minimalist design.

9

Slip on a plaid skirt for an elegant feel.

Plaid skirts add some texture without being too dramatic. Slip into a plaid pencil skirt for a polished, work-ready outfit, or pick out a long skirt for a breezier look.^{[11]
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- Pair your skirt with a plaid jacket or blazer to really take it to the next level.

10

Recreate an iconic look with a plaid flannel and jeans.

Wear a casual, button-down top untucked over your pants. Leave your shirt buttoned up for a classic look, or keep it unbuttoned over a plain tee. There’s no right or wrong way to style this iconic outfit!^{[12]
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- Plaid tops are flexible, and work in all kinds of weather. Grab a long-sleeved tee if it’s a bit chilly outside, or stay cool in a short-sleeved plaid top.
- Slip into a pair of distressed jeans and combat boots for an edgy, grungy look.^{[13]
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11

Slip a jean jacket over a plaid dress for a classic outfit.

Slide into a short, breezy dress in a fun plaid pattern. Then, layer a denim jacket over top, along with a brimmed hat. Complete the look with a pair of tights and ankle boots. Now, you’re ready to hit the town!^{[14]
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12

Pair a plaid top with bold pants for a streetwise outfit.

Find a pair of solid-colored pants that match your plaid top. This isn’t too difficult—most plaid patterns are made with a variety of different colors, so you’re bound to have a matching pair of pants somewhere in your wardrobe.^{[15]
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- For example, if your plaid top has thin, red stripes going through the design, slip into a pair of red jeans or slacks to accent the color scheme.

13

Create an laid-back look with a plaid flannel and bodysuit.

Layer a pair of wide-leg jeans over your bodysuit. Then, slip on an oversized, unbuttoned flannel, which doubles as a jacket or cardigan.^{[16]
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- You might pick out neutral-toned jeans and a neutral-toned bodysuit and contrast them with a colorful plaid.

14

Toss a fringe jacket over a plaid flannel before a night out.

Layer a plaid top over a short, knee-length skirt. Slip on a pair of tights or leggings underneath, along with a set of tall combat boots. Add some texture to your outfit with an oversized fringe jacket.^{[17]
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15

Wear plaid on plaid for an eye-catching outfit.

Different types of plaid don’t have to look tacky. Pick out 2 plaid tops that fall under a similar color scheme, but have slightly different patterns. Pair these garments together for a stylish, eye-catching look!^{[18]
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- For instance, you might mix a traditional plaid top with a Tartan-style skirt.

16

Dress up your look with a pair of plaid shoes.

Plaid is a popular color for accessories, too! Some companies manufacture shoes in plaid, which add a high-end look to your outfit. Pick out a pair of plaid pumps or mules to give your outfit a luxurious accent.^{[19]
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- You can also find plaid shoes in casual styles, like slip-ons, sneakers, and boots.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What are some faux pas when you're wearing plaid?

Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.

Katie Quinn

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I don't think there's a blanket answer for that—it's really personal. Do choose a plaid that's proportionate to your body—a smaller person needs a smaller plaid, while a larger person can wear a larger plaid.
Question

What kind of pants should I wear with flannel?

Community Answer

Black or blue jeans work with any flannel. If you're a girl/someone who wears feminine clothing, black leggings are a good option also.
Question

What kind of hat goes best with a plaid button up and chinos?

Community Answer

A panama or fedora in a neutral color works best. If you have one in a color that matches your plaid, that works too.