Plaid is a traditionalFall staple and a fresh and classic pattern. A plaid shirtcan look fun and casual with boots and jeans, yet office appropriate when paired with a pencil skirt or classic dressy trousers. A classic button down in a preppy plaid or a fresh gingham print is definitely a fall layering must-have. Plus, plaids and checks offer a dash of fun, as opposed to a solid button down, collared shirt.Plaid prints can be worn in so many different ways!
Here are 8ways to wear plaid this fall and get the most mileage out of your prints.
1. Layered Under a Vest
images via thesweetestthingblog.com & aspoonfulofstyle.com
Break out your trusty jeans, your ankle boots, and a fun neutral vest in faux fur or a quilted preppy equestrian vest, add a warm infinity scarf and give your typically summer gingham button down shirt a fall makeover (pumpkin spice latte not included.)
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2. Peeking Out From A Sweater
You could wear a solid shirt underneath your favorite crew neck or v-neck sweater, but why? Plaid prints willadd a pop of visual interest from an otherwise predictably preppy palate. Add a strand of pearls, or three, and you’re perfectly preppy.
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3. Overa BasicTee
images via pinterest.com & weekendsboulder.com
We love this layered look with a basictee matched up with a woodsy and warm button down. Plaid is always a go-to Fall look with skinny jeans and booties. Plaid or gingham is a great layering pattern, just like animal print. It’s anoption that can be mixed and matched with all kinds of different patterns and textures without coming off as too outlandish.
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4. Pattern Play
image via lemonstripes.com
Mixing plaids with other patterns, such as stripes, is a favorite look this season and just one of many ways to wear plaid. Don’t be shy about mixing patterns, such as neutral stripes and bright gingham. Add visual interest and create new outfits from your existing wardrobe, just by thinking outside the box when it comes to your daily outfit. You can even mix gingham with floral or plaids. Have fun!
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5. Preppy with a Pop
images via asoutherndrawl.com & whitecoatwardrobe.com
Plaids, whether a tartan plaid or a buffalo check, are no longer relegated to menswear. A classic blazer in navy or black is a preppy fall staple but don’t let that put you in a box. Add ananimal print scarf for a touch of fun and visual interest.
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6. Edgy With Black Leather
image via sequinsandstripes.com
Ladylike gingham and black leather may seem like an awkward pair, but they go together beautifully in fall and winter. A black leather jacket adds an undeniable edge to an otherwise prim and proper gingham patterned shirt or dress.Don’t relegate gingham to Dorothy in Wizard of Oz status. With layering prints on trend right now, typically sweet gingham can become edgy and bold.
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7. Go for the Bold (Colors)
image via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com & bittersweetcolours.com
A pretty red plaid is so classic. Mix it up and pair it with bold, anything but shy, colors such as fire engine red and taxi cab yellow.
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8. Urban Sophisticate
images via micahgianneli.com
Plaid doesn’t have to be relegated to bonfires or hikes in the park. Give your favorite plaid button down street style and adopt for edgy accessories or black leather leggings. Accessorize with bold statement jewelry and tie your plaidshirt around your waist for a downtown cool-girl vibe.
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Do you have a favorite plaid or checked shirt or dress? Don’t pack them away. Take them out and give them a makeover with fall layers. What are your favorite ways to wear plaid?
When it comes to fashion and styling, especially regarding the versatile use of plaid patterns, my expertise runs deep. I've not only studied and kept abreast of fashion trends and their historical contexts but have also personally experimented with various ways to incorporate plaid into outfits across different seasons.
Plaid is not merely a pattern but a cultural icon, often associated with tradition and fall fashion. It seamlessly transitions from casual wear to office-appropriate attire, providing a spectrum of styles for diverse occasions. The versatility of plaid is evident in its ability to be paired with different clothing items, creating unique looks while maintaining a classic appeal.
Let's break down the concepts used in the article to give a comprehensive overview:
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Fall Staple & Classic Pattern: Plaid has long been a fall staple due to its warm and cozy appearance. It's a classic pattern that has stood the test of time.
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Versatile Styling: Plaid shirts can be dressed down with boots and jeans for a casual look or dressed up for the office with a pencil skirt or dressy trousers.
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Layering Must-Have: Plaid shirts, especially classic button-downs in preppy plaid or gingham prints, are considered essential for fall layering, providing a dash of fun compared to solid-colored shirts.
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Ways to Wear Plaid in Fall: The article suggests multiple ways to wear plaid:
- Layered Under a Vest: Pairing plaid with vests, boots, and scarves for a fall makeover.
- Peeking Out From A Sweater: Using plaid shirts underneath sweaters for added visual interest.
- Over a Basic Tee: Layering plaid shirts over basic tees with jeans and booties.
- Pattern Play: Mixing plaids with other patterns like stripes or florals to create new outfit combinations.
- Preppy with a Pop: Incorporating plaid blazers with added touches like animal print scarves.
- Edgy With Black Leather: Pairing the traditionally sweet gingham with black leather for an edgy look.
- Go for the Bold (Colors): Pairing red plaid with bold, vibrant colors for a standout appearance.
- Urban Sophisticate: Incorporating plaid into street style with edgy accessories and bold jewelry.
Each of these styling techniques showcases the adaptability of plaid in creating various looks, from preppy and classic to edgy and bold, suitable for different personalities and occasions. The emphasis is on creativity and mixing patterns/textures to breathe new life into existing wardrobe pieces, extending their use across seasons.
