Fresh, Fun Ways to Wear Plaid

By Kristen Peuvion on November 18, 2014

Spend a day on any college campus and you will undoubtedly see multiple people, guys and girls alike, wearing plaid shirts. They’re super comfy, warm and easy to wear regardless of the occasion. But plaid didn’t get popular overnight.

Plaid has always been a popular trend. In fact, when I did a little bit of research, I discovered that plaid has been around since at least the 14th century! This material originated in Scotland where they would wear different colored plaid, or tartan as it was called then, to signify things like social class and to keep warm.

After that, Queen Victoria got word of plaid and the trend truly took off. She took the practical tartan of the Scottish and transformed it into the fashion statement it is today. She began incorporating plaid into her gowns and gave the material a more fashionable look. It only took this one powerful woman to make plaid into a fashion staple that people envied and emulated, and still do to this day.

From that point on, plaid has been worn in just about every way imaginable which is no wonder why it is so popular amongst college kids. But the standard plaid shirt can get kind of played out given how popular it is.

If you’re looking for new, fresh ways to wear plaid, try some of these ideas out.

Tie it around your waist.

image via myramadeleine.com

A simple way to freshen up a plaid shirt is by wearing it in a not so typical way. Try tying your favorite flannel around your waist instead of wearing it in the classic button-down way.

Doing this will give you that 90s grunge look that is so popular right now. It’s also an easy way to accessorize a casual outfit; this look is perfect for class.

Layer it.

image via followpics.co

A cute, preppy look to try with your plaid shirt is to wear it under your favorite sweater or cardigan. This is an easy way to layer and create more depth to your outfit. It also is sure to keep you warm in the colder months to come.

Try it as a dress.

image via stylememaeve.com

The western trend is big right now in fashion, and what better way to incorporate some western vibes into your outfit than by wearing a plaid dress?

You can get a plaid dress in modern silhouette if you’re looking for a subtle western influence. Wear it over a pair of tights and some booties for a casual look or add a pair of heels for something a bit more sophisticated.

Add some faux fur.

image via stylecaster.com

A plaid shirt just sometimes feels a bit too casual or possibly even a bit too manly for some people. If you’re one of those girly girls looking for a way to make plaid feel a little more feminine, try adding a faux fur vest.

This is a great way to make your plaid more glamorous. Adding a faux fur vest is a simple way to transition your plaid from day to night, as well.

Pair it with some leather.

image via jesslyons.com

If you’re looking for a way to make your plaid look edgier, leather is the way to go. Try wearing it tucked into a leather mini skirt or try rocking your favorite plaid with some leather leggings. Either way, both are fun, sexy ways to make denim work for a nighttime look.

Ditch the shirt altogether.

image via luellajune.com

No one said plaid had to be worn as a shirt. In fact, plaid is so popular right now that you can find it in virtually any kind of clothing, particularly on bottoms. So ditch your plaid shirt and try some plaid pants or a skirt.

Plaid skirts can be more casual or fancier depending on the style you get. If you want something more casual, try a skater style or mini skirt, but if the mini skirt is your choice, be careful as to not make yourself look like a Catholic school girl gone wrong. For a fancier look, or even a work appropriate look, try a plaid pencil skirt. You’ll look chic and professional with this look.

Skirts might not be your thing though, so in that case, there’s always plaid pants. This look may have you reminiscent of golfers and pajama pants, but plaid pants can actually be flattering and fashionable.

To ensure that you don’t look like you’re about to hit the course or go to a slumber party, try a cropped, perfectly tailored pair of plaid trousers. They’re super easy to dress up, dress down and wear at your internship! What more could you ask for?

It’s easy to see why the plaid trend is so popular. A plaid shirt is comfortable and casual and when paired with a pair of jeans, it’s a simple, chic look that everyone loves.

But the standard plaid button down isn’t the only way to wear the plaid trend. Try out some of these ideas to spice up your favorite plaid!

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