I don’t know if you’ve heard about Kelly in the City’s #60DaysofPlaid? Girlfriend posts different plaid looks on her whole family throughout November and December. I’m always very impressed by how she manages to pull it off for a whole two months (and that her family lets her get away with it;) ) Personally, I like a little tartan plaid during the holidays. Maybe not 60 days in a row but this is definitely something that I can get on board with.
So today I wanted to do my own little homage to plaid and share four different ways to style a plaid flannel shirt. My guess is that it’s probably the most common plaid piece we all have in our wardrobes. They always seem to be popular in the autumn with leggings but there is so much more that you can do with your favorite flannel!
Starting off, I wanted to let you know a little bit more about the plaid shirt that I’m wearing here today. It’s the Classic Flannel shirt from Old Navy. It’s under $30 and comes in about six or more different color options plus is available in tall and petite lengths (online). I’m wearing a size small and if I’m completely honest, it just barely fits through the chest. If you are bustier than me, you’ll probably want to size up so it doesn’t pull too much in the chest. That all being said, if you aren’t a plaid or flannel devotee and just want a little something for when you’re feeling festive, this Old Navy flannel isn’t a bad option. Especially since it’s likely to be on sale more often than not this winter.
If you want to invest a little bit more, might I suggest Madewell’s selection of plaid and flannel shirts? They have a bunch of cute options in a variety of styles and cuts from oversized boyfriend shirts to pull-overs to tie fronts, etc. Plus you can find them both at Madewell and at Nordstrom.
Ok, let’s get into the looks and see four ways to wear plaid this winter.
With Dress Pants and a Sweater Blazer
J.Crew Factory Jamie Pant (these are my favorite pants for work and travel. They hold up all day without wrinkling! Read the full review here) // Old Navy Flannel // J.Crew Sweater Blazer (My #1 favorite and most worn piece in my closet. Part cardigan, part blazer, 100% comfortable and necessary for fall and winter. Read the full review here) // Madewell Frances loafers (These are my everyday shoes. Perfect with jeans or dress pants. I sized up half a size. Read the full review here)
This reminds me of something that I might have worn into work at my old office. If you want to mix some holiday plaid into your business casual workweek, this outfit might inspire you. I like that the look is made up of different pieces that hold up well throughout the day without wrinkling. If you want it to be even more business than casual, try swapping out the loafers for a pair of chunky heels.
With Leggings and a Tunic Lenght Sweater
Commando Faux Leather Leggings (size up for a more comfortable fit. I’m wearing a large) // Old Navy Flannel // similar sweater tunic // Chanel ballet flats (more affordable option here)
I actually wore this exact outfit over the weekend for brunch with my girlfriends. It kept me nice and warm with the flannel and sweater layered together. Since it wasn’t raining out, I opted to wear flats but I was planning on swapping those out for my water-resistant knee-high boots if it was raining. This outfit works because the oversized sweater is balanced out with the tight leggings underneath. It also provides visual interest with the mix of different textures.
With an A-Line Skirt and Heels
Old Navy Flannel // similar A-line skirt (my skirt is old J.Crew but this is the version from the summer) // similar heels
Dressed up casual is a dress code here on the west coast and this outfit fits into that category. It’s casual with the plaid flannel but still dressed up with heels and a skirt. This outfit also pairs masculine and feminine themed items. The plaid flannel, while festive and preppy, can fall into the more masculine category while the preppy a-line skirt is in the feminine category.
With Jeans and a Fitted Blazer
Old Navy Flannel // Abercrombie skinny jeans (my favorite $40 postpartum jeans. They come in three inseams, seven or so different washes and are such a great steal. I’m wearing a 27 short for ankle-length jeans no hemming required) // J.Crew Regent Blazer (this fitted blazer is pricy will be the only blazer you ever need. Read the full review here. This schoolboy blazer is a more affordable alternative) // Madewell ankle boots (mine are old and beaten up but these ankle boots a classic. If you live somewhere wet and snowy, you might prefer these waterproof ankle boots instead)
An Ana Luiza staple look – button-up, blazer, ankle boots, and jeans! This look works because the different pieces complement and raise each other up. The plaid flannel and jeans are casual but are elevated by the structured blazer, which transforms this outfit into a more business casual look rather than just plain casual. Switching from a fitted blazer to something more relaxed list the sweater blazer brings this whole outfit down to a more casual vibe.
With Your Favorite Cableknit Sweater
Old Navy Flannel // Abercrombie skinny jeans (my favorite $40 postpartum jeans. They come in three inseams, seven or so different washes and are such a great steal. I’m wearing a 27 short for ankle-length jeans, no hemming required) // similar cable knit sweater // Madewell ankle boots (mine are old and beaten up but these ankle boots a classic. If you live somewhere wet and snowy, you might prefer these waterproof ankle boots instead)
Ok, I’m throwing in a bonus outfit because I threw this sweater on as I finished up taking these photos. This is a fall and winter staple look – button-up underneath a sweater. I love that this pairs two cozy textures into one comfortable outfit. Mixing the plaid and cable knits gives this look an extra preppy vibe in my opinion.
If you want even more ideas on how to wear a flannel this winter, might I suggest a trip down memory lane to this gem of a post. It’s back from when I had just started my blog and was still using a point-and-shoot camera on a tripod because I didn’t want to tell anyone that I’d started a blog. It’s a treat! lolz
