How To Wear Plaid This Fall

Is there anything more fall than plaid? If pumpkin spice is the flavor of fall, then plaid is the print of the season. And maybe, when we were younger, we only thought of plaid as appropriate table cloth material or perfect for those holiday dresses our moms would stick us in for the family Christmas card. Either way, whether you’re a lover or a hater, plaid has experienced a major resurgence lately. Plaid is seen everywhere in the fashion world from the runway to the streets. Everyone is embracing plaid as the quintessential fall pattern, and you should too. And now that we’ve established why we should all invest in a plaid piece or two, the question still remains: how do we style plaid? How do you rock plaid in a way that makes you feel confident and not like a table cloth?

A Trench:

If you’re new to plaid (or new to wearing patterns in general), maybe a trench coat doesn’t seem like the most subtle way to incorporate plaid. That’s alright. Once you’ve practiced with plaid pants and scarves and blouses, you’ll be able to tackle the trench. A trench coat is a statement piece, and it becomes even more so when it’s patterned, so you definitely have to have a fierce sense of confidence to rock this trend.

Pants:

This is where most people who are experimenting with plaid begin because plaid pants are versatile yet subtle. They’re versatile because they can be dressed up with a leather jacket and boots or heels. Or they can be dressed down and paired with a graphic tee and sneakers. Often we fall into the fashion routine of jeans one day, black jeans the next, and our dark-wash jeans for special occasions. But jeans can be boring, and they don’t add much visual interest to your outfit. Plaid pants break the monotony of jeans and slacks and definitely add some charm to the look.

A Dress:

This trend comes in all shapes, styles, and colors. In every style of dress, there’s usually an option for plaid. And that’s because plaid dresses are so cute and definitely in for fall. Wear your plaid dress with tights, boots, and a cute jacket, and you’ll be in for fall, too. Wrap dresses, skater dresses, shirt dressers-they all look better in plaid. Pairing your plaid dress with boots is so perfect because while your dress says ultra-feminine with a pattered twist, your boots say total badass. It creates the ultimate balance between your two personalities: cute but edgy.

A Skirt:

School girl vibes never go out of style, but the fall is definitely a perfect time to debut the look. What’s amazing about a plaid skirt is that it’s so easy. The skirt can and should be the centerpiece of your outfit, and the rest of your look will serve as supporting acts. Maybe where you’re from, a short, school girl-esque plaid skirt isn’t really practical for fall. But pair it with tights (or knee-high socks!), an oversized sweater tucked in, and boots, and you’re ready for the chilly weather than autumn brings.

A Matching Set:

A matching set is perfect for fall because it looks like you’re so ready for summer to be over and for the first day of school to arrive. But not as a student…as the teacher! You’re gonna look so professional in this outfit because a matching set gives the illusion you’ve got it all together (whether you actually do or not can be our little secret). A blazer is a total statement piece in its own right, so imagine pairing it with a matching plaid skirt or pants? You’re here and you mean business. Try pairing the set with a graphic tee–it will take your look from teacher to after school tutor.

A Scarf:

Maybe you’re not ready to ditch your jeans and band shirt and turn them in for a plaid ‘fit. It pays off to begin your journey to the Land of Plaid by incorporating accessories before anything else. Adding a plaid accessory is like adding a pop of color; they jazz up your outfit and add some visual interest. Plaid accessories allow for subtle touches of plaid rather than a whole piece of clothing dedicated to the print. And scarves are the perfect accessory for fall. They keep you warm, and they tie your whole outfit together. It’s a win, win. Pair it with a plaid beanie and gloves!

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Shoes:

Maybe plaid, bejeweled, buckled heels aren’t exactly your thing. Lucky for you, plaid shoes come in all types: heels, sneakers, flats, boots. Both Dr. Martens and Vans have a pair of plaid shoes. Plaid can be intimidating, so plaid shoes are an easier way to incorporate the print than, say, a plaid blazer or trench. Plaid heels will look adorable as part of any outfit, as will plaid sneakers, flats, and boots. I’m thinking black jeans, a black blouse, a denim jacket with plaid heels or flats. You’re welcome.

A Bag:

Everything that’s been said about plaid accessories is true for a plaid purse, as well. It’ll add visual interest to your outfit; it will serve as a pop of color if you’re an all-black kind of girl; it’s an easy way to integrate the pattern if you’re feeling unsure. Am I crazy, or would an outfit centered around both plaid heels and a plaid bag be amazing? Well, whatever your comfort level with the pattern is, there are easy ways to make it a part of your lookbook, and a chic plaid bag is one of those ways. Tote bags, bucket bags, backpack bags, and clutches all look better decked out in plaid print.

Plaid is always in–spring, summer, fall, and winter. Any time of the year is a good time for plaid. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to style and wear with confidence. But worry no more! No longer is plaid only appropriate for table cloths and tacky holiday dresses. Comment down below your favorite ways to wear plaid.