• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Books
  • Fashion
  • Brews & Bites
  • Travel
    • International
    • USA
    • Chicago
  • Let’s chat
  • Holiday

Basically B

You are here: Home / Fashion / How To Style A Plaid Shirt 5 Ways

How To Style A Plaid Shirt 5 Ways

10.14.21Fashion3

I think it’s easy to write off a plaid flannel as “lumberjack chic” or “only meant for jeans or leggings” but the truth is–a flannel can be much more versatile than you think! I’ll show you how.

First, let’s start out by talking about WHICH plaid flannel to go with? Well, you have endless choices (and of course, you can most definitely create this with any flannel in your wardrobe), but if you’re in the market for a new one, I really love the classic Old Navy ones. Old Navy just does a plaid shirt right, and I’m all about going for the classics. I’m wearing here! Here are a few reasons why I love it: 

Super soft, not too hot: It’s a rayon blend, which is insanely soft and cozy without being overly hot. (Which, as I’m sure you know, can be the one downside of flannel–hello overheating!)

Not too thick, easy to wear long or tucked in: I also like that it isn’t too thick, so it drapes really beautifully when you tuck it in! 

Versatile pattern/color: I LOVE a great black and white flannel. I find this color scheme to be the most versatile when it comes to styling plaids. Of course, I love a red plaid, but that feels Christmassy to me, whereas a more neutral plaid you can wear September through even April.

Easy to dress up or down: Many flannels can be super thick and nubby, making them a lot harder to “dress up” so to speak–but as I mentioned above, it’s a really lovely fabric, so you can still dress it up and make it look much more polished than a typical flannel! 

Sizing + fit notes: The fit is supposed to be oversized. I’m typically a medium and I tend to like my flannels/plaid shirts more oversized so I was happy with my size. If you want it tighter, go a size down.

5 Ways To Style A Plaid Shirt

PLAID FLANNEL WITH FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS:

One of the most typical ways to style a plaid shirt. Leather is EVERYWHERE this year, and I will say it again and again, the Spanx leggings are worth it! I am not a legging girl, but I find myself reaching for these time and time again. They’re super comfortable, but look pulled together. Throwing on a pair of loafers or booties adds a preppy/classic twist that puts the finishing touch on the outfit! 

PLAID FLANNEL WITH A CHUNKY CARDIGAN AND MOM JEANS:

I live in mom jeans. They have just the right amount of stretch, aren’t sucking your legs, and they are flattering on every body type. These are my favorite from Target lately. If I am wearing something chunky on top, I tend to go for a slimmer or straighter leg to not look frumpy. A chunky cardigan just screams fall, and this is the perfect outfit for any fall activity. Throw on a hat to complete the look!

SWEATER DRESS WITH A PLAID FLANNEL TIED AROUND YOUR WAIST:

I live in sweater dress this time of year. They are basically like wearing a warm nightgown. I think sweater dresses are the lazy girls guide to fall dressing. They look instantly put together, with minimal amounts of effort. I love tying a flannel around my waist to give me more shape because sweater dresses can tend to be boxy. Throw on a pair of chunky boots are you have a look that took little to zero effort, but looks extremely put together!

PLAID FLANNEL WITH SKIRT AND BOOTIES

This is such a girly feminine way to wear a plaid flannel, and I am clearly here for it. Y’all know I am all about the girlie looks! I love wearing skirts in the fall before the weather gets too cold and I resort to pants mostly. Except I do love a fun pair of tights. But until then, skirts and boots are a classic combo in my wardrobe.

PLAID FLANNEL WITH GRAPHIC TEE

I am a huge fan of a holiday themed graphic tee! Get out your pumpkin spice tee, Halloween, or Thanksgiving tee and throw on a flannel to complete the look. This is a great casual way to sport a plaid shirt. Holiday graphic tees not your cup of tee? Try a band tee, or a striped tee. Mixing patterns is a fun way to elevate your look. My only tip if you are mixing patterns is to make sure there is at least one common color.

What’s your favorite way to style a plaid flannel!?

3

Related

Previous Post: « How To Make Your Home Cozy For Fall
Next Post: 10 Self Care Ideas For Fall »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi There!

Twenty-something never met a biscuit or draft beer I didn’t like, never buy anything for full price, pink obsessed blonde. With the goofiness and fun parts of life being the heart of Basically B, my primary focus is to share positive imagery and messaging that uplifts, brings joy, and ultimately inspires to be bold, fearless and fun in your life everyday. I hope you can find something that inspires you here or that, at the very least, leaves you with a smile.

 

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

subscribe

@basicallyb__

basicallyb__

 992    6271


  • 27 countries and counting! ✈️ My goal is to hit 30 countries by the time I’m 30! 3 more years and 3 more countries to go. Just booked my next adventure to…. Ecuador and the Galapagos island!
  • Happy girl summer ✨
  • Sevilla travel guide is on BasicallyB.com Spoiler alert: this was my favorite city that we visited!
  • Quick stop on the bourbon trail
  • Kicking the weekend off at my favorite @wyckwoodhouse for my August picks ✨ Remember BRITT15 gets you 15% off in store and online! Head to my stories to check out all of my picks this month!
  • Madrid travel guide is up on BasicallyB (link in bio) Here are 10 must do’s: 1. Churros y chocolaté at @chocosangines 2. Eat your heart out in tapas - try EVERYTHING! 3. Visit the Palacio de Cristal 4. Take the Tapas, Taverns & History tour with @devour_tours 5. Wander Mercado San Miguel and try a bunch of Spanish dishes. 6. Take a stroll through El Retiro Parque 7. Do as the Spaniards do and check out the nightlife - warning they stay out until the sun comes up! 8. Try gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) at La Casa Del Abuelo
  • Summer nights If you are looking for a great date night or girls night for dinner look no further than @crafturban in Geneva. I had their summertime risotto with asparagus and shrimp and it paired lovely with their Pinot Grigio! Check out their happy hour from 4-6pm too!
  • When someone says they don’t like rosé Who loves free wine!? ‍♀️ #macyswineshop #partner Macy’s delivers wine straight to your door, and right now you can get a FREE 3-bottle box of wine when you pay $14.95 for shipping. NO strings attached and NO subscriptions. Head to the link in my bio to get yours! Inspo from my girl @amanda_navaa
Copyright © 2025 ⸱ Basically B ⸱ Design by Love Riot ♡