Pleasurable plaid

Sometimes women shy away from plaid for fear that they end up looking like a lumberjack or a school girl. We understand. Plaid can be tricky, but we’ve got some pointers on how to wear it and feel your best!

Ladylike

Wear a plaid shirt tucked into a high-waisted, silky skirt. Slip on some heels and add a cape if it’s chilly. This mix of menswear and ladylike items is unexpected and fresh.
Try a knee-length shirt dress in a light color, like champagne or white, and layer a dark plaid shirt on top. Make sure the sleeves of your dress peek out from the sleeves of your plaid top. Men’s shirts are great for this as they tend to be darker colored (think navy and forest green) and are just big enough to wear over another top. Add dark tights and tan shoes and you’ve got a feminine take on plaid.
The smaller the plaid pattern is, the more ladylike it feels. Try out a delicate plaid dress with a leather jacket and boots and you will look and feel far from a manly lumberjack.
Pair your plaid with lace! If you are worried that a plaid skirt will immediately bring back the memory of school uniform days, stay away from pleated skirts. Instead opt for a flowy chiffon skirt. Don some heels and a lacy top and no one will mistake you for a school girl.
Not every plaid shirt is flannel. Look for silky ones or wrap shirts with a plaid pattern. If it doesn’t have buttons it will look even more ladylike and can easily be worn with pants or a skirt.

Menswear-inspired

When you’ve got a plethora of things to do outside of the house this weekend, a plaid flannel shirt can be super handy. Wear dark-wash jeans with a graphic tee or tank top and a plaid flannel to keep yourself warm. If you get too toasty, wrap the shirt around your waist to keep the colorful pattern as a part of your look.
Do you have a fitted plaid top? Tuck it into a pair of greige or light tan pants and add some riding boots for a look that is great for chauffeuring the kids around to games.
Layer a chunky knit sweater or sweater vest over a plaid button-up for just a peek of plaid. You won’t be overwhelmed by patterns with this pairing. Add a puffy vest if you find yourself needing some extra layers for your commute or outside fall festivities like games or parties.
A red flannel worn over black leggings with motorcycle boots or riding boots is perfect for walking the dog and running to the store. If bonfires are on your calendar, try this menswear-inspired look. Add a flowy scarf for a touch of femininity.
You’ll appear cool and edgy when you pair a dark plaid button-up with a black or navy maxi skirt. Add a fedora and large leather handbag and you’ve got a comfortable but chic look.