How to Wear Plaid Pants This Fall: 2 Chic Outfit Ideas
Plaid is one of those fall classics that always finds its way back into our closets. And while it’s timeless, it’s also a bit of a chameleon. Depending on how you style them, plaid pants can feel both super chic and a bit old-school. That’s why I love playing with contrast and mixing in modern pieces to give them a fresh spin.
With the right styling tweaks, plaid pants can go from proper to polished in an instant. Here are two plaid pant looks that strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.
Wide Leg Plaid Pants
Now, plaid pants are not new, and the idea of wearing a conservative, busy print on your 40+ bottom may not thrill you at first, but I want you to take a look at these. The plaid pants we’re seeing for fall are vastly different from the boring, uptight plaid pants we wore to work years ago or the funky-colored plaid bell bottoms of the 70s.
Fall’s plaid pants come in fresh new styles and have a more relaxed vibe, which means you’ll look anything but dowdy. They’re the perfect solution when you are trying to figure out what to wear to look classy and contemporary. Here’s what I mean.
Kick up your heels because windowpane checks are hot, and I think you’ll agree they are one of the chicest plaids around. I love these striking black windowpane check pants because of their feminine silhouette. They’re wide and drapey, soft and lightweight. The elastic waistband at the back makes them extremely comfortable to wear, and the front tie gives them an easy-going yet sophisticated look.
I’ve teamed up these pants with a stretchy black tee and this elegant knit cape. The mix of the windowpane print and this houndstooth knit is classy and creative. The reason this pattern mixing works is the prints are the same color, but the size of the prints is very different. The pants feature a large print, and the cape has a very small pattern. They don’t compete with each other.
I’d suggest pairing this style of pants with a chunkier heel. Flats can look dumpy with wide pants unless you are blessed with long legs. A thicker heel is also preferable to a skinny heel because it helps balance out the width of the pants.
These rich, black suede sandals work perfectly with this look and will also complement many other items in your closet.
You may have noticed that red is a key color this season, so adding a red statement necklace and bag gives my outfit a modern punch.
Plaid Leggings
If you prefer skinny-leg to wide-leg pants, then you’ll be happy to know that plaid leggings are also trending. I picked up this perky plaid pair by Liz Claiborne. They have a Glencheck plaid pattern printed onto stretchy, flat-front leggings.
I’ve paired them with this cheery 3/4-length sleeve top featuring pretty wrist ties. I like the way it adds a feminine touch to this menswear-inspired look.
Both of these fab fall plaid outfits are from JCPenney.
Thanks to JCPenney for sponsoring this post. To learn more, please visit my blog monetization and disclosure page.
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So pretty! I like the black window pane pants
I LOVE the leggings!! They are so cute! The red top looks great with them. It is a look I would wear, but I wouldn’t wear shoes. I would wear flats, or closed for booties.
I also admired the pants. I love wide legs; I think they are dressier than other options. Thankfully, I am taller than average, so I can wear them without being overwhelmed.
Thank you for inspiring me to go shopping and sharing such stylish clothes!
Continue to show a mix of price points for your site. I sometimes find clothing at lower price points does not wear well over time. Often details such as not matching plaid lines or fabric quality are sacrificed for a lower cost.
You may not have Uniqlo in your area, but this line is perfect for affordability and quality.
Thank you for your efforts in bringing style at all price points to women 40+.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE plaid! Mind you; I was also a big fan of the Bay City Rollers, so that might have something to do with it! LOL! I am with Sharen; as a Canadian, it would be nice to see some local retailers listed. Maybe once a season, you could do a post with local Canadian retailers? I guess the US ladies could look to these for style inspiration. I do understand that you have to cater to the masses. :)
So glad you discovered JC Penney’s clothes. I love their clothes and always have friends and coworkers asking where I shop when I wear an outfit from there!! If you want on-trend styling and unbelievably great prices, try JCP!
I love this post and will try the entire outfit (wide-leg windowpane pants, etc.) Thanks for posting a more budget-friendly option. Could you keep them coming?
So Glad you liked the outfit, Martha. What I also wanted about it is that all the pieces are very mixed and matchable! They will go with many other things in my wardrobe.
OMG, they are back!!!! I wore those in high school and when I was about 25, and I’m now 70 and want another pair after seeing you in those darling pants! How fun!
Hi Jill, Come to think of it, I probably had a pair too! It’s been a long time, so this trend feels very fresh. They are fun!
The plaid pants are attractive and well-styled. However, the low cost is due to manufacturing shortcuts, as evidenced by the mismatched plaids that are so obvious at the side seams. The center back/front does not match either—a glaring sign of poor construction.
Price and quality are a real tightrope to navigate.
I love how classy you make these look when you put them together. I will be buying some plaid pants this fall. Thank you for all you do to help us 40+ women. I’m 55, and the transition was tough, but you have made it much more manageable. I am enjoying the change now.
Hi Angie, It was so thoughtful of you to write. I’m glad you like my pants. I will be wearing them a lot. They are very comfy, and I can dress them down with a fitted tee for the daytime. Such a nice change from jeans. I’m glad to be of help, and please let me know if you have any trends or topics you would like covered. Cheers, Deborah
I rediscovered Penney’s a few years ago while I was still a professional working woman. Even though I was Talbot’s diehard customer and would purchase investment pieces and sale items from Talbots, I found Penney’s could fill the holes in my wardrobe with trendier elements without breaking the bank. I was thrilled to see a JCPenney in my area when I recently moved. I especially like their dresses, from casual to church-ready travel-ready jerseys. So happy to see you styling their goods!
Hi Linda, This is just wonderful to hear. I like to be trendy as much as the next gal, but I don’t always want to spend a lot on something I am having fun with for a season or two. That’s why I like the selection and prices at JCPenney.
Thanks for dropping by and letting me know you like this retailer. I will link to them more.
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for your lovely blogs and fashions. They are so inspiring!
Since you mentioned you live in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, would it be possible if you also show sales and where
to buy in Ontario, Canada? I’m sure, like me, you have many Canadian women following you like me. I live in Port Credit,
Ontario Canada.
I understand it is not always an easy task, and I appreciate all you show us.
Thanking you kindly,
Sheron Davis
Hi Sheron,
Since the large majority of my audience is the U.S., I have to pretty much stick to U.S.retailers; however, the good news is many of these retailers, like JCPenney, have a Canadian site you can order from. Suppose you are in Canada and go to JCPenney. In that case, it will automatically switch you to the Canadian version of the place where: all prices are in Canadian dollars, Duties and taxes are calculated at checkout, Low international shipping rates, and Guaranteed landed costs (no additional charges at delivery). It’s easy to do and quite worthwhile, given the vast savings.
I love this outfit. Shopping at JC Penney is a great idea!
Thanks, Rhonda,
I will pull from JCPenney more often because they have cute styles, and I can’t believe the prices! You don’t have to spend a ton to look fabulous, which is refreshing.
I like the concept except for the plaids for both pairs that you’re showing are not matched at the side seams. A sure sign of poorly made clothing. It really catches the eye because it’s so disjointed
I don’t understand why the manufacturers fail to match the plaids at the seams. It’s distracting and unflattering! Of course, these aren’t high-end pants at this price point but honestly, as a home seamstress during the wild 70s plaid period, it’s not rocket science to match the plaids.
I really like the black windowpane pants outfit on you, Deborah. This combination adds height, which I like a lot. Nice that the pants have some elastic in the back of the waistband for a perfect fit. Gaping can be a problem for me.
It’s nice that you chose a larger handbag to balance the pattern. I see that it comes in my fave fall color, and at a very good price.
I love this look!
Thanks, Binky, That windowpane plaid is so elegant but also very modern, especially with the waist tie. I didn’t talk a lot about the bag. It’s by Liz Claiborne, and I’m enjoying it. A splash of red, especially with black, looks chic. Cheers, Deborah
Thanks for showcasing more affordable fashion. What I also really like about JCPenney is that it has an extensive petite selection, Being on the short side, I find that petite sizes just fit me better.
Hi Judy, Yes, JCPenney has a tremendous petite selection, too, and I also found the plus-size section good. It’s great that they consider all types and shapes. It makes shopping easy!