How To Style Plaid Pants For Fall

Plaid pants, sometimes called tartan trousers, are a classic wardrobe staple that every woman should have in their closet. Even though there’s a large price range to choose from, investing in a nice pair of plaid pants is a good idea.

Unlike denim, plaid pants are appropriate for pretty much any occasion. Wear them to work, weekend brunch, happy hour with the girls, or a day of running errands. An outfit with a pair of plaid pants is instantly elevated with minimal effort. They can be found in pretty much every pant style and fabric material. And even though you can wear plaids any time of the year I think they make the perfect fall transition piece. So I’m pulling together some plaid pants outfit inspo for the next time you’re looking for some outfit ideas.

How To Style Plaid Pants

Because plaid is on its own a bold print, keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Pair your pants with a solid top in a coordinating color. If you have wider hips or thicker thighs and want to minimize them, wear a darker plaid pattern with a lighter shade top. To lengthen your legs opt for a high-rise style and pair with heels or ankle boots.

Are Plaid Pants in Style

Plaid pants are timeless. Although they tend to appear more around the holidays in the fall and winter months, they are a classic look that can be worn anytime of the year. They’re always in style, and there are many types of plaid pants to choose from. And with so much versatility, you can make a pair of plaid pants for work any occasion.

Outfits With Plaid Pants

For Work

Are plaid pants professional? Most definitely! Plaid pants are both classic and versatile. They can easily be dressed down for a casual look or dressed up for business attire. I’m not currently working in an office setting. But these are some of the plaid pants outfit ideas that I pull together anytime I need a more professional-looking outfit.

With A Black Blazer

Pairing a blazer with plaid pants will instantly elevate your outfit. If you’re looking to wear plaid for work try and stick to colors like navy, grey, black and white. These neutral shades are more professional and classy than other bright colors.

With A Cable Knit Sweater

Cable knit sweaters are a wardrobe essential that all women should have in their closets. They’re comfortable, feminine, and will keep you warm during cooler months or inside of a cold office. Since cable knit sweaters tend to be on the bulkier side I think your pants should be a slim fit. This will balance out proportions if you’re heavier on the bottom. I wore my favorite white leather Gucci Loafer Mule for an outfit that was both comfortable and warm.

With A Body Suit

Wearing a solid color bodysuit looks clean and minimal. Because there is no extra fabric you don’t have to worry about tucking it in and creating lumps and folds in your pants. Long, high waist pants will create the illusion of longer legs. Especially if you wear high heels. To further enhance your shape, you can cinch your waist with a belt to create an hourglass figure. See my blue plaid pants outfit above for inspo.

For Fun

The end of summer weather is still warm, but nights are starting to cool down. These outfit ideas are perfect for a night out on a date or just hanging with friends.

With A Denim Jacket

A jean jacket is a perfect topper for a summer evening. The solid fabric balances out the busier plaid pattern. Once the nights become colder, trade in the lightweight denim for puffer jackets and heavier coats. If you’re wondering how to style black and white plaid pants, this one is always a stunner.

With A Lace Top Or Cami

Plaid trousers on their own make a statement, but adding a lace top to the outfit will make it effortlessly chic. Add a pair of stilettos and a clutch or evening bag and you’re ready for a night out with the ladies or a nice date.

With A Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are always effortlessly cool. As long as your jacket is black leather it will pair well with any shade of plaid pants. Wear your jacket over a tank top, crop top, long sleeve, or tight-fighting t-shirt. And finish off the outfit with sneakers or boots, depending on how casual you want to be.

For Everyday

The majority of my days are spent working from home, school events, and running errands. Therefore this is how I dress most of the time. It definitely feels more put together than sweatpants and more elevated than jeans.

With A Crop Top

A crop top and plaid pant combo are a casual, fun, and youthful look. Look for high-waisted, wide-leg pants to help balance out the shorter top. Wearing sneakers will keep this look casual. If you want a dressier look, pair a lace crop top with heels.

With A Graphic T-Shirt

Graphic t-shirts are forever popular because they’re bold, comfortable, and easy to wear. Either wear plaid pants that are minimalist or a graphic tee that is on the neutral side. The pairing of pants that are bright and loud like yellow or red plaid, with a super-busy top will make your outfit too chaotic. If you love wearing bright colors match the shade of your shirt with a color that’s also in your pants. This will nicely tie your outfit together and make it look coordinated. Add a black leather jacket to this outfit to make it even more edgy.

With A Baggy Sweater

Pairing a pair of skinny plaid pants with a baggy oversize sweater is an easy way to pull together a casual outfit with a little edge. Wear slim-fit pants with the larger top and finish the outfit with sneakers or boots. To ensure your top-half doesn’t appear too baggy, opt for high waisted plaid pants and tuck the front of your sweatshirt. Check out the outfit above to see this tip in action.

I’d love to hear some of the ways you ladies style your plaid pants!

Xx Monti