Do’s and Don’ts to Look Perfect in Plaid
Plaid is everywhere this fall—from coats and pants to skirts and scarves. It’s one of fashion’s most timeless prints, but let’s face it: it’s not always the easiest to wear. Depending on the pattern, the color, and how you style it, plaid can either elevate your outfit or make it feel dated fast. If you love plaid but aren’t sure how to wear it in a modern, flattering way, this guide is for you. I’m sharing some quick dos and don’ts to help you look polished and pulled together in this classic print.
Here are a few Do’s and Dont for Wearing Plaid:
1. Don’t Wear Baggy Plaid
This season, teens are doing plaid in a way reminiscent of the 90’s grunge era: baggy and frumpy “chic.” While this look works for the younger crowd, professional women over 40 should opt for a more sophisticated version of the plaid trend.
Stay away from big and baggy! Instead, try tailored menswear pieces such as structured suits for a more refined look. Checks, herringbone, and houndstooth are all popular at the moment.
2. Don’t Fall Back on Traditional Colors
Traditional plaids come in dark, old-world color combinations, such as dark red, forest green, and navy blue, which can give off a prim and proper “kilt-ish” vibe (or worse – lumberjack!). These days, those color combinations can look pretty drab and dated. Try to turn the dial to now by choosing a scarf that cranks up the color, even just a notch.
For example, a scarf in pink and coral, instead of the traditional dark green and navy or brown and gold, is classic but is turned up a notch. Scarves are also an excellent layering piece and a great way to add a touch of style to a plain sweater.
3. Do Think About Scale
Scale is important. Smaller-scale plaids will work best for more petite women, and larger-scale prints will look best on taller and larger women. Plaid is a definite attention grabber, so make sure you are directing that attention to all the right places by wearing plaid on the parts of your body you want to highlight.
4. Do Try Mixing Plaid Up
Mixing a classic plaid piece with something edgy can yield interesting results. For instance, a classic plaid Chanel-inspired jacket will look chic and modern when paired with an exciting fabric, like leather pants. Alternatively, consider a plaid jacket with leather piping if you prefer a more subtle look.
5. Do Try a Diagonal Plaid
Diagonal lines have an incredibly slimming effect, making diagonal plaid your new best friend this fall! Create an optical illusion by wearing angled plaid prints that draw the eye inward, emphasizing the narrowest part of your figure. This trick works exceptionally well for garments worn on tops, such as jackets and curve-hugging dresses.
Give it a Try!
One of the great things about plaid is its versatility. Plaid can easily translate from classic to casual with the proper styling. You can put a fresh twist on this traditional print by experimenting with new colors and accessory combinations. So, if you’re feeling bold this Fall/Winter season, don’t be shy; give plaid a try!
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