What’s a girly-girl to do when plaid becomes the must have print for the chilliest of days? Avoid it? Perhaps. I mean, who wants to look like a lumberjack anyway right? Wrong! It’s time to embrace plaid–even the toughest of flannels can be made girlier!
1. Just add lace
Flannel Shirt: Forever 21 | Lace Shift Dress: Topshop | Combat Boots: Steve Madden | Bracelet & Necklace: Jeweliq
Still think plaid is too tough looking? Add a girly flair by pairing a flannel shirt with the sweetest of lace dresses. Add tights, booties, and jewelry to complete your look. Leave your flannel unbuttoned–this will have the added benefit of dressing your party dress down for class. If you’re looking for an cozy, oversized look, opt for a men’s flannel.
2. Layer a sweater over your flannel
Plaid Shirt: Forever 21 | Sweater: Topshop | Jeans: Topshop | Riding Boots: JustFab | Classic Links Necklace: Jeweliq
Not ready to show off your plaid quite yet? Hide it! Well, not completely. Choose a collared shirt with a sweater layered over it. Only your collar will show, making plaid a cute detail to the rest of your outfit. Feeling daring? Pull your sleeves and the bottom of your plaid shirt down so they peak out of the sweater. Complete the look with riding boots and chunky jewelry. Choose a shirt in a thinner fabric, as shown here, for fall or a flannel for winter. This look is perfect for the career-driven fashionista; wear it to your internship!
3. Accessorize!
Knit Sweater: H&M | Skirt: H&M | Booties: Boohoo | Spiked Plaid Bow Clips: Forever 21 | Cross Body Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Plaid Chain Necklace: Forever 21 | Plaid Chain Bracelet: Forever 21 | Patterned Tights: Forever 21
If you’re still all about your solid colored sweaters, add some plaid to your look by accessorizing! Plaid bracelets, plaid necklaces, plaid purses, plaid bows, you can find this print anywhere! When the days get colder, and your outfits get darker, you’ll be begging for a bright colored plaid accessory to brighten up your whole outfit. The best part about accessories is that you don’t have to change how you ordinarily dress: put on your everyday jeans or skirt outfit, then grab your plaid bag and you’re good to go.
4. Try a plaid skirt or dress
Plaid Shift Dress: Forever 21 | Knitted Cardigan: Topshop | Gold Flats: Sam Edelman | Love Bracelet: Jeweliq | Statement Necklace: Jeweliq
This look is all about channeling anything but your inner school girl. Plaid isn’t just for uniforms! It’s definitely possible to look sweet and feminine in a plaid skirt or dress. Pair your plaid with a light colored sweater, tights, ballet flats, and pretty jewelry. You’ll be leaving the schoolgirl stereotype behind in no time!
5. Save it for your shoes
Plaid Flats: Forever 21 | Sweater: Topshop | Dark Denim: American Eagle | Statement Necklace: Jeweliq | Spiked Bracelet: BaubleBar
Remember back when leopard print first became popular? Leopard shoes were everywhere! There’s something about wearing a printed shoe that’s safe, but also completely fashionable. Pair plaid flats with your everyday neutral colored outfit. Or, try adding these shoes to an all black look to really make the print pop. No outfit is complete without a fabulous pair of shoes!
Ready to embrace plaid?! Tweet @HerCampusBU your favorite looks!