What To Wear With Plaid Pants: How To Style This Cute Trend
Plaid pants are such a cute wardrobe staple that’s over overlooked. If you’re having a hard time styling them, have a look at our guide on what to wear with plaid pants!
Plaid pants are a cute trend not just for the cold season, but also for the warmer months. While plaid is more popular during the fall season, it can also make for a chic look in the summer.
A simple pair of plaid pants can be styled in many different ways and can be worn with a variety of tops. In this article, we will show you how to style plaid pants for different occasions.
Plaid is a pattern that is made up of intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes in different colors. The classic Scottish tartan plaid is one example of this type of pattern.
Plaid fabric has been used throughout history for many different purposes, such as clothing, blankets, curtains, and tablecloths. Today, it’s one of the recognizable patterns in terms of clothing, made iconic by timeless movies such as Clueless.
While plaid skirts are perhaps the more popular option to style this fun pattern, plaid pants are equally fun to add to any wardrobe. Edgy and grungy plaid pants give off a slightly different vibe than preppy plaid skirts, but they too can be dressed up or down, depending on what tops you pair them with.
In this article, we will give you some tips on what to wear with plaid pants to create effortlessly cool new looks.
What To Wear With Plaid Pants
1. Turtlenecks

One of the most popular plaid pants outfits, a turtleneck is a great way to keep your look classy and sophisticated. Pair a beige or black turtleneck with plaid pants for a cute dark academia outfit.
You can also add a blazer, heels, and some statement jewelry to take this look up a notch. It’s a timeless and comfortable outfit that’s perfect for the cold season, and it’s perfect when worn with ankle boots or combat boots!
2. Sweaters
Like the iconic turtleneck, a cozy oversized sweater is the perfect clothing item to wear with your plaid trousers in the cooler months.
Try a dark colored sweater for a sleek and sophisticated look, or, go for a more casual vibe by wearing a light colored sweater with your red plaid pants. Alternatively, if your plaid pants are neutral, you can experiment with colors, too.
Tip: Try wearing a white blazer over top of what you’re already wearing to add some dimension and interest if your sweater isn’t too chunky!
3. Graphic Tees

A graphic tee is a great way to add some personality to your plaid pants. Try pairing a fun graphic t-shirt with a pair of grey plaid pants and black boots for a casual, edgy look.
You can also throw in an oversized denim jacket to bring more dimension to your overall look.
Or, go for a more dressed-up look by wearing a blazer over your graphic tee. This will give you a polished and put-together vibe.
Tip: If you’re going to wear a bright-colored top with your plaid pants, try sticking to neutral colors for your shoes and accessories. This will help tie the outfit together and avoid looking too busy.
4. Tank Tops/Crop Tops

When the weather gets warmer, it’s hard to resist wearing a tank top or a crop top with your plaid pants. Pairing them together will give you an effortlessly stylish look that’s perfect for any occasion!
The key is finding what colors go best together so that they complement each other rather than clash. We suggest going for a white crop top with a pair of black plaid pants.
For a pop of color, you can also wear a pair of yellow plaid pants with a beige tank top. Finish off the entire look with a pair of white sneakers and you’re all set.
5. Blazers
For a professional, business casual outfit, blazers are the way to go. A blazer is the perfect way to keep your look classy and sophisticated.
Pair a black or beige blazer and a white button-down shirt underneath together with plaid pants for a sleek and chic outfit. You can also add some statement jewelry to take this look up a notch!
Tip: Blazers in bright colors will stand out against more muted tones like what’s usually found on plaid patterns. This creates contrast that makes an otherwise basic outfit feel fresh and new again!
6. Leather Jackets
Leather jackets are always a timeless trend. They look great with jeans, but what about plaid pants? Try pairing your favorite leather jacket together with a white blouse underneath for a chic look, or a graphic tee for an edgy and cool vibe!
Leather jackets go well with almost anything, so you’ll never have to worry about what to wear them over again.
Tip: A brown or black leather jacket will look best when paired together with plaid pants that have some darker colors in them too (like reds).
7. Denim Jackets
Get this look on Princess Polly
A denim jacket is another great option for what to wear with plaid pants. They are so versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on what you pair them with.
Try wearing a light wash denim jacket and a black top underneath together with your plaid pants for a cool and casual look that will reflect your personal style.
8. Bralettes
A bralette is a great way to add some interest to what you’re already wearing. You can wear it over your shirt or alone, depending on what look you’re going for.
For a cute look, wear a white bralette over a black sweater to make the details stand out more.
9. Plaid On Plaid

If you’re feeling bold, try wearing your plaid pants with a button-down top in the same pattern! This will give an interesting twist to what might otherwise be boring outfits.
For a cute, preppy look that will put Cher Horowitz’s iconic plaid outfit to shame, wear a pair of gorgeous blush plaid pants with a matching plaid blazer and stiletto heels. Now you’re ready to dominate that business meeting!
Tip: Make sure not to pair too many contrasting colors together when doing this so it doesn’t become overwhelming or too busy looking – stick close within one color family when choosing pieces for what goes on top of what you’ve already got down below.
10 More Plaid Pants Outfit Ideas
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Get these pants on Nasty Gal
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Get this look on Princess Polly
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Get this look on Lulus
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Get this look on Nasty Gal
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Get this look on Lulus
We hope you found your next outfit from this post! Tell us all about it in the comments section. If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.
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