One Item, Four Ways: Plaid Shirt
No longer just associated with farmers and punk culture, plaid is a perpetual favorite for fall. From scarves to coats and practically everything in between, this pattern is super popular when the weather gets colder. But in my opinion, the most classic way to wear plaid is to stick to the original plaid shirt.
Plaid shirts aren’t one-size-fits all: they come in tons of different colors and shapes, and stores from Target to J.Crew are all bound to have their own interpretations. It’s easy to throw a plaid shirt on top of a pair of skinny jeans, but there’s a lot more you can do! Read on to see four different looks using the same plaid shirt.
Outfit 1: Glam in Glitter
Shirt, Skirt, Flats, Watch, Tights, Earrings
It might seem strange at first to pair plaid with sequins, but the combo is actually really fresh for fall. The simple shirt and sparkling skirt balance each other out to create the perfect mix of casual and glamorous. Be sure to keep your accessories simple so they don’t compete with the ensemble.
Outfit 2: Sparkles and Stripes
Jeans, Striped Shirt, Necklace, Boots, Bag
Of course, no post of mine would be complete without a dose of stripes! Layering is important in the winter, and plaid shirts are perfect for adding on top of shirts you already have – especially striped ones. (Yes, the old “don’t wear plaid with stripes” rule is just that – old and outdated!) Leave the shirt open or button a few buttons and let the stripes peek out of the top and bottom — it’s totally up to you!
Outfit 3: Accessories Galore
Jeans, Belt, Scarf, Shoes, Bracelet, Coat
A plaid shirt and jeans are anything but simple when you add the right accessories. A bright belt and coat add pops of color to the look, and a chunky bracelet and infinity scarf add a touch of glamour. Leopard loafers finish off the look and add just the right amount of pattern-mixing.
Outfit 4: Hit the Books
Jeggings, Sweatshirt, Earrings, Shoes, Bag
Layered under a cozy sweatshirt, a plaid shirt is perfect for the library! Jeggings and moccasins will keep you comfortable while you hit the books, and bright earrings and this whimsical tote add playful touches.
What Do You Think?
Do you own a plaid shirt? How do you style it? Which look is your favorite? What other items would you like to see covered in “One Item, Four Ways?” I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave a comment!
Posted on on November 22, 2011 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: one item four ways, Outfit Ideas, Outfits, Plaid, Tips
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brittany
I think these outfits would all be fine… without the plaid shirt! That last one makes sense but the rest of them do not.
Samantha
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with you on the plaid and stripes rule being outdated. Mixing prints almost always looks sloppy and in poor taste. J Lo would tell you the same thing.
Leira Zetroc
Samantha: Are you kidding me? Stripes and Plaid combos look great together! Especially if you have a funky, a little bohemian fashion sense. The two fabrics are so opposite yet blend so perfectly together, especially if they both are around the same color scheme, so as to give some connection to the whole outfit. One would just have to make sure that the focus goes to the torso and stick with a muted, neutral bottom.
Lauren
I would go with oufit 2,it is very well combined.
Mai
Aaah love the skirt in outfit 1! I’ve been wanting it forever.
Jenny in Jacquard
I love that there’s a little glitz and glam in each of these looks, showing that you plaid can be dressed up and down. I especially love love love the leopard loafers … except they’re sold out on the link you provided. :(
aish
Love it. The first 2 push the boundaries….. the last 2 are safe but nice. Every onone has different opinions. We can agree to disagree. I like it!
SarahEm
Damn, I’m obsessed with the skirt in look one but it’s $148! I’m going to go cry in a corner now.
Cori
Delias has a similar skirt to the first skirt, it’s not sequins but it mimicks the look of them, and it’s mixed metallics. heres the link if any are interested http://mobile.delias.com/mt/store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=57128&outfitID=2334&categoryID=2610
they also have a sequin skater skirt that comes in black
link:http://mobile.delias.com/mt/store.delias.com/item.do?itemID=57362&outfitID=2373&categoryID=2610
both under $45
C
Ugh I NEED a plaid shirt! I got rid of my summer one because I have small shoulders and it didn’t fit me right BUT that was a good toss, I SHOULD have bought the adorable short sleeved one with ruffles I saw in Forever 21! I will definitely be searching for one like it to add on to my wish-list! Great post!
Ellie
I would totally wear the last one
Denny
I love to layer plaid shirts under a sweater! It looks super adorable. All these outfits look great! Great post as always <3
Kelly
This is an outfit that I came up with last year. I haven’t worn it since, since it hasn’t gotten quite cold enough for this many layers, but I liked putting it underneath a sweater. :)
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5212/5391667216_82c4a4fae7_b.jpg
Niknok
I’d love to try all those looks!!!
Cortney
I’d definitely wear Outfits 2, 3, and 4. But, I’d probably choose a plaid shirt that’s a little bit brighter. :)
Ally
LOVE plaid and LOVE these outfits! Great post. I recently did a plaid shopping guide on my blog :) check it out if you’re interested! http://sunnysweetheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/popular-prints-for-fw-11-12-shopping_30.html