Even If You Hate Plaid Shirts, These 5 Outfit Ideas Will Change Your Mind
How to wear checks in 2025.

Plaid is so back. I know—I also didn’t think the dated trend would be returning in the ways that it has this fall. What’s taken me aback is the fact that it’s not just your usual Burberry pops of plaid but rather the focal point of an outfit. Fashion people all across the internet have been wearing the trend in unlikely ways, from plaid trench coats to plaid skirts. Runway collections from Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios, and even collections from The Row have all included plaid in everyday items.
While plaid is such a classic print, it’s surprisingly become an It-girl favorite rather than a popular anti-trend. It’s still a neutral print at the end of the day, but it can be played with in a myriad of ways, from pattern to color. So whether you’re into more muted tones and monochromatic outfits or like warmer tones and colorful looks, plaid is a trend that is malleable to any aesthetic. Don’t be fooled; it took me a minute to get into the trend, but after seeing a couple of stylish girls pull it off, I knew I could too. If you’re still on the fence and want some convincing to try the plaid trend, keep scrolling to see how to style it and shop the looks I discovered.
The Key Piece: Pleated Plaid Skirt
Style Tip: Alyssa Coscarelli opted to keep the color palette warm. If you're hesitant to try plaid, just do the same.
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The Key Piece: Plaid Trench Coat
Style Tip: A trench coat over a pair of loose-fit jeans and sandals is still the perfect outfit combination, even when your coat is plaid.
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The Key Piece: Plaid Midi Skirt
Style Tip: Just keep it simple with a denim jacket, and add a fun pop of color with your shoes.
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Telfar always comes through with the perfect fall bags.
The Key Piece: Plaid Button-Down
Style Tip: If the weather permits, throw a plaid shirt over a plain white T-shirt or tank top with a pair of Bermuda shorts and you're good to go.
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The Key Piece: Plaid Button-Down
Style Tip: Again, if you're not too keen on plaid just yet, keep the tones muted like this look.
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Shop More Plaid Pieces
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.
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