Fashion

A Complete Guide on How to Style Plaid Outfits This Fall

Tap into your inner '90s baby and follow in the footsteps of Clueless favorites Cher and Dionne by styling all your plaid outfits this fall.

skirt female girl person teen coat adult male man face
Photo via IMDb.

Sweater dresses and chunky sweaters will always be staples in our fall fashion rotation, but sometimes, there's a call to switch these things up. Tapping into our inner Cher and Dionne from Clueless this season we're following in the footsteps of our favorite '90s movie characters by adding plaid outfits to our wardrobe.  Beyond the style inspiration from Clueless, luxury brands such as Burberry and Vivienne Westwood also provide masterful takes on how to incorporate the preppy pattern from the academia aesthetic. From layering to mixing prints, from the runways to street style, L'OFFICIEL has compiled the ultimate guide to styling plaid outfits this season.

Simple Staples

taylor zahkar perez in burberry trench, plaid sweatshirt, and cargo pants
Bella Hadid on the street next to a black car
anna delvey in black and plaid trench coat; producing runway show kelly cutrone
princess diana wearing plaid holding flowers in a crowd of people
Clockwise from top left: Taylor Zakhar Perez in Burberry; Bella Hadid; Princess Diana; Anna Delvey

Everyone has seen plaid in its simplest form – the typical plaid blazer, vest, skirt, and of course, the flannel. A couple of simple plaid staples are never a bad idea to have on hand throughout the colder months, but there are always fun ways to dress them up. Plaid outfits are often associated with grunge or the academia aesthetic. If you're going for the former, try investing in an oversized plaid flannel to wear over ripped jeans and a concert tee or white tank top, or style it tied around your waist. As for the latter, vests, pleated skirts, and blazers are your best options. Try pairing a plaid mini skirt this season with your favorite sheer tights, loafers, and simple neutral-toned vest complete with a plaid blazer for a semi-monochromatic plaid outfit this fall. Mixing similar plaids together is a fun way to spice up your look without stepping too out of your comfort zone.

Layering

person fashion clothing coat tartan lady
kate moss wearing plaid jacket
Tanner wearing a green plaid jacket and sunglasses.
Clockwise from top left: Jodie Turner-Smith in Gucci; Kate Moss in Bottega Veneta; PFW street style; Tanner Reese

One way to spice up your plaid outfits is by layering, such as layering a classic flannel piece atop your go-to graphic tee or chunky sweater. Complete this look with a favorite blazer or thick coat, especially as the temperatures continue to drop this season. Plaid blazers are always a fantastic option to turn to when wanting to elevate a chic look for a work environment or date night, and plaid shackets or puffer jackets are perfect for adding a subtle pop of plaid into your everyday look. 

Accessories

model wearing orange yellow and brown plaid scarf from acne studios
model wearing red plaid vivienne westwood look
Model for Burberry carrying a plaid luggage bag.
Clockwise from top left: Acne Studios; Vivienne Westwood; Burberry

Fall accessories are often thought of as handbags or scarves—both great ways to add a pop of plaid to your overall plaid outfits. However, it's time to try something new. While plaid is often thought of as preppy, incorporating the pattern into your ensemble through streetwear accessories like bucket hat or belt bag adds an unexpectedly welcome element to the overall look.

Nails

If you're hesitant about stepping towards the plaid movement this season but still find something enticing about it, start small. Try a plaid nail pattern at your next nail appointment. Go all the way by asking for a full plaid manicure, or try a more laidback manicure by doing an accented plaid nail. This is an easily reversible way to give plaid a shot without the closet space commitment.

 
 
 
 

Mixing Prints

model wearing blue corset top plaid pants pink trench coat
a model in plaid plazer, top and pants
adult male man person female woman glove glasses necklace face
Olivia in a brown varsity jacket, black bra top, and green plaid skirt.
Clockwise from top left: Sergio Hudson Spring/Summer 2024; Marni Spring/Summer 2024; Olivia Ponton; Quavo, Erykah Badu & Usher

Mixing prints can sometimes be a bit controversial in fashion, but it doesn't always have to be. There is an art to mixing prints when it comes to your personal style, and mixing plaids like a pro is definitely doable. Try mixing prints in your plaid outfits this season by pairing a red-toned plaid blazer with a favorite blue or brown-toned plaid maxi skirt. Or go for a plaid trenchcoat with a plaid vest or flannel underneath, complete with a basic pair of jeans or solid wide-leg trousers.

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