Plaid was all over the women's fall ’15 runway shows – so it’s officially a trend, but luckily, one that everyone can participate in. From easy-to-wear shirts to fall-worthy skirts, to coats and even cocktail dresses – it’s a print that’s steeped in tradition, but can feel totally modern and new, depending on how you wear it.
This fall I’m partnering with two amazing stylists – Malia from Style by Malia, and Carol from Evolve Image Consulting – and we’re sharing how we each wear fall styles and trends to express our unique personalities. So check out below to see how I wear my plaid, and also how my stylist friends incorporate this versatile print into their looks.
I would honestly say that I’m mad for plaid. It’s the dominant pattern in my wardrobe, and I wear it every which way. But for the everyday (non wardrobe stylist) guy, here’s how to mix plaid into your wardrobe:
- Plaid shirts – are the most straightforward way to play with this print, and there’s an abundance of options out there. But feel free to break from the norm and go with a larger scale print (like my bold black and white shirt) and break from tradition by wearing it with a suit vest and matching trousers.
- Plaid blazer – a printed blazer should be on your shopping list right behind a solid navy and charcoal. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd, and you can go with subtle tonal variations or more contrasting color options. And wear it everywhere – to work with trousers, to dinner with khakis, and to drinks with jeans.
- Plaid pants – if you’re a little more daring, shift plaid to the bottom half of your outfit. Again – you can go with a subtle print, or a more in-your-face plaid that shows your sartorial side…..
I'm loving Carol's look, and how she takes plaid to a new level with jeans and heels. She says, "Plaid is such a traditional pattern and when I wear it I feel cozy and grounded. I love the versatility of this button down shirt dress because I can wear it alone as a dress, with leggings and boots, or as I did here with gray jeggings and a black pump. Such a simple easy casual styling, and although reminiscent of the 1990s grunge look, it takes it to a sophisticated level."
Malia loves her plaid shirt just as much as Carol, and how many ways she can wear it. "I can't think of anything more fall than plaid. It just makes me happy. I love wearing it into the office with my ponte knit slacks and a faux fur vest - this look also works with jeans or a skirt."
So no matter how you wear it - plaid is a print that's here to stay. And the best news? You probably already have some in your closet - so you're totally on trend, and you don't even have to buy anything new. Feel free to use our looks as inspiration, and play with plaid this season!
