How to Style Plaid Shirts
Plaid shirts are a classic item in a casual wardrobe. But I love to take a casual item and dress it up…and take a dressy item and dress it down (always have to be contrary)! I remember when I was younger we referred to plaid flannel shirts as “cowboy shirts.” Remember the ones with the mother-of-pearl snap buttons? I loved those.
I had a boyfriend who always wore snap-button shirts. I called them kiddie snaps cuz they made it so easy to rip his shirt open out in public – ha ha, he’d get so annoyed. TMI? Sorry. We were all 18 once.
We all wear plaid shirts over jeans but I’m going to show two ways to dress a plaid shirt up a bit.
Y’all know I love to tie a shirt up over a dress! And I love this combo of girly, flowy dress in a ditzy floral print with the more masculine plaid flannel shirt over top. The shirt has a thin line of chestnutty brown in the black and white plaid which ties in nicely with the mustardy gold of the dress.
A blazer over top definitely elevates a plaid shirt and jeans look. With the black loafers this could be a good look for the office.
And lastly, not dressing it up at all; just wearing a plaid shirt as the casual item it is. A column of black jeans and tee with the shirt unbuttoned over top. This is super comfy and casual.
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jodie filogomo
Contrary?? No way…you call that dichotomy or yin/yang now and it’s modern and fresh, LOL!!
As someone who NEVER wore plaid much before blogging (besides tartan plaid), I have begun to love the print. It certainly print mixes well!!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
I think I’ve gone through plaid phases over my lifetime. I didn’t have any for a long time but now I’m loving it.
I prefer being contrary 🙂 HA HA HA HA. In Jr High I had a friend and I remember one afternoon we were out in her little rowboat on the canal and I have no recollection of what we were talking about but she said, “you just like to be difficult, don’t you?” and that has stuck with me all my life. Cuz I guess I kinda do.
Leisha
I love how you styled the plaid shirts to dress them up so cute. Thanks for sharing your beautiful styles.
bettyewp
Aww, thanks, Leisha!
Shirley Horst
I love the third outfit because I could totally copy that idea with what I have in my wardrobe right now! Thanks for the inspiration!
bettyewp
That makes me so happy, Shirley! That’s the whole reason I do these style sessions – in the hopes that someone will be inspired and make a new outfit out of their own wardrobe!
Fran
You look great with your shirt tucked into your black jeans. Love that look!
bettyewp
Thanks, Fran. That’s the hardest styling trend for me. My least favorite body part is my front stomach, and a tucked-in shirt hits me RIGHT THERE, I feel like it just draws attention to it. Which is why you RARELY see me tucking anything in. Now I’m trying to find more cropped length tops so I can have that “longer leg” look without having to tuck. I’ve shied away from cropped length tops in the past because they didn’t cover my droopy lower belly but I’m trying to get over that one. Baby steps 🙂
Fran
I hear you on that!
Iris
Speaking of the ‘cowboy shirts’ with the mother of pearl snaps – I have a couple of Chuck’s old ones in my closet that are my go to shirts to wear around home. They’re pretty ragged and worn but definitely my favorites.
I even have a couple of “my own” plaid shirts, though I haven’t dressed much of anything ‘up’ lately.
Grace & Peace, Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
“I have a couple of Chuck’s old ones in my closet that are my go to shirts to wear around home. They’re pretty ragged and worn but definitely my favorites.”
Those are a wonderful gift to have 🙂
Liz Klebba
Great minds think alike? Love this post! I have a post all lined up for next month with 5 style options for a plaid flannel shirt… Love the first, especially! I’m a sucker for a great pattern mix.
bettyewp
I’m trying to not go crazy and buy ALL THE PLAID FLANNELS this fall! I don’t think I’ve been this plaid-flannely since my 20s, it’s fun 😉