How To Style Plaid Pants For Fall (2023 Style Tips)

September 5, 2023

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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 at any time of the year. They’re always in style, and there are many types of plaid pants to choose from. Because plaid pants are so versatile, no matter your personal style, you can make a pair of plaid pants work for 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 or more formal events. 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 want to wear plaid for work, try and stick to neutral colors like navy, grey, black, and white. These neutral shades are more professional and classy than other bright, bold colors. I love pairing these black and grey plaid pants with a white shirt or white blouse. A pop of color can easily be added to the outfit with shoes and accessories.

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 skinny pants or 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. If you’re into a more preppy look, switch the oversized sweater for a fitted sweater and black loafers like these ones, which are another classic piece to have in your wardrobe.

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 out with friends. A casual day look is the perfect time to play around with different styles and different colors of plaid fabric. As a general rule, in terms of colors and bold patterns, is to keep the rest of the outfit on the neutral side to avoid clashing.

With A Denim Jacket

A jean jacket is a perfect topper for a summer evening. The solid fabric of an oversized denim jacket is a great way to balance out the busier plaid pattern.

Once the nights become colder, trade in the lightweight denim for a puffer jacket, bomber jacket, or other heavier coat. If you’re wondering how to style black and white plaid pants, this one is always a stunner. I think high-waisted plaid pants paired with white sneakers and a plain white t-shirt gives classic, but carefree vibes.

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, turtleneck top, crop top, long sleeve, or tight-fighting t-shirt. 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.

Shoes To Wear With Plaid Pants

Have you ever heard someone say that you can tell a lot about a person based on the shoes they wear? While I don’t think this is true, shoes will definitely change the entire vibe of an outfit.

When it comes to choosing the perfect shoe to pair with plaid pants, there are several factors to consider. For example, the color, pattern, fabric, and fit of the pants are all important aspects to pay attention to when selecting the right shoe. Because plaid pants are already bold and eye-catching, a shoe in a solid color will help avoid overwhelming the look. If your aim is something casual, you could opt for a pair of chic ballet flats or sneakers or lugsole boots for an edgier street-style vibe. Loafers or heels are perfect for a professional-looking outfit or when you want a dressier vibe.

From traditional loafers to the trendiest sneakers, the shoes we pick to wear with our plaid pants can say a lot about our unique style and personal flair.

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

Xx Monti