The versatility and timelessness of plaid never fail to amaze us here at Porterist. Plaid has been a popular year-round pattern for decades and continues to stay trendy. Whether you’re more of an outdoorsy Granola Girl or prefer the preppy fashion style of Rachel Green from Friends, plaid should be a staple in your wardrobe. Plaid is an evergreen pattern that can be styled in so many different ways. You’ll want to take notes on how to integrate plaid into your wardrobe.
In this article, we’ll share plaid outfit ideas for all four seasons that suit different fashion styles. From a subtle accent piece to a standout main attraction, plaid can be worn in a myriad of ways. We will discuss its history, outfit ideas, how to style plaid accessories, and more. Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Plaid: A Classic Pattern for Every Occasion
So, where did plaid’s popularity come from? Plaid was first worn by the ancient Celts, a tribe that spread across Western Europe to Asia Minor. The term plaid originates from the Gaelic word “plaide," meaning “blanket.” The material was not only warm, but the colors of the pattern served as status or region identification.
Plaid, or more specifically, tartan, originated in the Scottish Highlands, which many people think of when they see the material. In the late 18th century, Scottish immigrants brought the material to America. Since then, people from all walks of life have worn plaid.
In recent years, plaid has transitioned from being worn for its durability and warmth to being worn for its fashionable look. It’s perfect for every occasion and is used in both casual and formal wear. The resurgence of plaid came about in the 1990s with the release of the blockbuster hit Clueless.
Must-Try Plaid Outfit Ideas
Now that you know the history of plaid and how it came to be, let’s dive into some highly fashionable outfit ideas for each season. We’ll share a couple of ideas for different occasions in each of the four seasons.
Spring Fresh: Plaid Looks for Warmer Days
The beautiful and mild temperatures of spring are ideal for plaid ensembles. Spring is a great time to embrace lightweight plaid fabrics and softer color palettes. When choosing plaid pieces for springtime, look for light and airy options, such as pastel plaid skirts or shirts.
-
Outfit Idea 1: For a casual lunch date or shopping around town, pair a plaid midi skirt with a fitted ecru blouse and ballet flats.
-
Outfit Idea 2: Layer a plaid blazer over a white dress with navy blue pumps for a sophisticated and polished look. This look is suitable for work settings or off-site business meetings.
When wearing plaid in the spring, try to wear lighter shades when possible to match the season’s fresh, airy vibes. Stick to light pinks, yellows, blues, and greens to keep with spring’s pastel theme.
Summer Plaid: Staying Cool and Stylish
In the high temperatures of summer, it’s important to stick to breathable fabrics like cotton and linen with plaid prints. You can incorporate plaid into your wardrobe with shorts or lightweight dresses for summer outfits. Brighter-colored plaid options are great for summer and give off a fun and flirty feeling.
-
Outfit Idea 1: Pair a loose-fitting plaid sundress with strappy sandals and a woven tote for an afternoon at a winery or farmer’s market.
-
Outfit Idea 2: Wear a plaid mini skirt with a cropped tank top and beige sneakers for a more casual summer look. This outfit would be perfect for going to a baseball game or a summer BBQ.
Gingham is a particular type of plaid reminiscent of a picnic blanket that’s popular during the summer months. Red gingham pieces are great options for summer fashion and work well for casual backyard parties or Fourth of July celebrations.
Cozy and Chic: Plaid for the Fall Season
Autumn is the season where plaid truly comes alive. You’ll see plaid outfits everywhere during the cooler fall months. Whether it's plaid flannels, blanket scarves, or mini skirts, this material is widely used in fall fashion. During fall, focus on layering plaid in rich, natural tones and jewel tones, like burgundy, mustard, and forest green.
-
Outfit Idea 1: Style a pair of plaid trousers with a chunky knit sweater, heeled loafers, and gold jewelry. This stylish look is appropriate for the office or getting lunch with friends.
-
Outfit Idea 2: Wear a lightweight knit sweater and a plaid scarf paired with dark-wash jeans, a trench coat, and ankle boots for an afternoon of shopping downtown.
Try mixing plaid with other materials, like leather or wool to create textured and dynamic looks. Plaid flannels are also excellent additions to a fall wardrobe and can be styled with fall layering.
Plaid for Winter: Warmth Meets Style
One of the best things about plaid is the warmth it provides. Cozy plaid pieces, such as coats, blanket scarves, and flannel shirts, are ideal for your winter wardrobe. The beauty of winter plaid clothing is that pieces are typically made from heavy woven cloths that provide insulation. Plaid is also a popular pattern around the holidays, with abundant red and green options from many brands.
-
Outfit Idea 1: For a stunning look that’s both comfortable and fashionable, wear a plaid coat over a turtleneck sweater and jeans. Finish the outfit with your favorite pair of knee-high boots.
-
Outfit Idea 2: If you’re looking to dress more casually, pair a plaid flannel shirt over a long-sleeved tee with fleece-lined leggings and snow boots. For extra warmth, layer a puffer jacket on top!
You can also easily incorporate plaid into your winter outfits by accessorizing with gloves, hats, or scarves. Darker-colored plaid pieces give off a cute and cozy look that’s popular in the winter.
Plaid Accessories: Subtle Yet Stylish
Sometimes, you may just want a plaid accent for your outfit. In this case, accessories are the way to go! Plaid accessories add a subtle pop of pattern and color. There are many types of accessories you may find plaid options for when shopping, including scarves, handbags, belts, and hats. For a Clueless-inspired look, check out this posh plaid bucket hat.
Pairing plaid accessories with solid-colored outfits is a fantastic way to elevate any look. Also, you can stay warm during fall and winter by adding plaid hats, scarves, or gloves to your outfits. Plaid blanket scarves are a popular option for adding this fun pattern and staying warm in cold weather.
No matter what accessory you choose, plaid’s timeless appeal complements many different styles. Remember, fashion is meant to help you express yourself and your unique personality. So, have fun exploring what plaid accessories best fit your fashion sense and experiment with different outfits to find what you like.
Refresh Your Wardrobe with Timeless Plaid Pieces
Plaid’s versatility is unmatched, as it can be styled for every season and in a multitude of ways. This timeless pattern is never going out of style. If you need more plaid in your closet, Porterist has your back.
Browse our plaid collection for inspiration and high-quality pieces to complete your looks. Experiment with plaid in your wardrobe to find what suits your style and makes you feel your best.
Shop Porterist for affordable, eco-conscious, and fashionable clothing today. We offer a wide selection of women's clothing, shoes, and accessories. We’re sure you’ll find something you love!