What comes to mind when you think of plaid? Likely, whatever iconic plaid outfit you think of will give serious hints at your age. I am a total Gen X girl who graduated in 1988 and reached legal drinking age in the early 90’s. When I think of plaid, I think of the movie Heathers and their preppy fashion and early 80’s punk rock, Johnny Rotten and 90’s grunge, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Plaid is so ubiquitous that both mainstream and counter culture types claim it for their own.
History of Plaid
The history of plaid is rooted in irreverence and it dates back to the 1500’s even being banned in England for almost a half century in the 1700’s. It rose to popularity in the 1800’s here in the US with the invention of the Buffalo plaid and has remained a staple in our wardrobes ever since.
Is Plaid a Trend?
It is impossible to call plaid a trend. It is a classic which never really goes out of style. But, plaid is definitely having a major, fashion moment! Last year was all about the plaid blazer. Lucky for those of us who invested, the trend is sticking around for fall. In fact, the selection of plaids blazers available is diverse and vast. This year, plaid clothing options expanded to include all types of pieces from blazers to dresses, tops to pants.
This year’s plaid fashions nod toward its grunge past. Classic plaid pieces are being paired with combat boots and band tees. I, for one, am excited by the plaid options this year as my style is definitely more edgy than traditional.
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running. If you would like to know more, visit my disclosure policy page.
A Comfortable Pair of Plaid Pants
All that, and what I really want to tell you is I found a great pair of plaid pants! I have featured other plaid pants here on the blog but these are all sorts of Fall fashion fabulousness! They look stylish but feel like sweats. I mean, who doesn’t love that? Of course, I found them at Anthropologie which has been killin’ it lately.
So much so, that my husband knows the print of their shipping bags now, and announces, Another bag from Anthropologie…. when a new shipment arrives. Please someone tell me why the UPS man can’t deliver just a bit earlier? He constantly delivers between 5:30 to the time when my husband gets home and I have long since given up checking. Back to the pants…..
The Dickens Trousers are perfect for fall! The pants are a black, cream and rust described as a menswear plaid. The pants feature a black side strip with a tie waist and baggy cropped fit. The fabric is poly & cotton and fairly thick. I definitely won’t be wearing these until the weather significantly cools down. I’m wearing a Medium. The website says they run large but I think they are meant to be a bit baggy. Medium is my usual size.
How to Style Plaid Pants
Plaid Pants + Cropped Sweater + Boots
You can definitely wear these pants for work. I paired them with a “vintage” cashmere sweater. Yes, I can say vintage. This Nordstrom Signature cashmere sweater was a gift, the last time cropped button down sweaters were popular. It is more than 20 years old which takes it from “just old” to vintage which has a much better ring. Honestly, I haven’t worn it in years but I couldn’t part with it because they don’t make cashmere like this anymore. Ok! That makes me sound like my mother.
When I got my Everlane Textured Cotton Crop Sweater, I realized the cut is almost identical. So I pulled out my vintage sweater and sure enough, with proper storage (in a cedar chest for years), the cashmere is as good as new (though I do see I could have used a lint roller before taking the shot). ??♀️ The Everlane sweater made my list of my Favorite Things September post.
My fav fall trend is crocodile print leather goods. I bought these boots from M.Gemi. I already have them in black suede but when they introduced the croc print I knew they were exactly what I was looking for. The heel is a bit high for me for everyday but definitely a sturdy, walkable heel. For a bag, I am eyeing the Staud Rey Croc Effect Shoulder Bag. It is stunning and on trend for a structured shoulder bag.
Pants / Sweater (similar) / Boots (similar)
Plaid Pants + Hoodie + Denim Jacket + Sneakers
I know it doesn’t seem like it lately but my go to outfit is almost, always pants. I spend the majority of my time in jeans but I love fun comfortable pants for fall. These plaid pants are comfortable like joggers but more polished. This outfit can take you anywhere you need to go from a simple trip to the grocery store to lunch out with your friends. I am wearing my cropped plaid pants with a hoodie and a Madewell Demin jacket. I am obsessed with the hoodie + jacket combination. You can layer a hoodie under all types of jackets from structured blazers to bomber jackets. Add your fav kicks and you are ready to go!
Pants / Hoodie / Jacket / Sneakers
Plaid Pants + Graphic Tee + Blazer + Loafers
It is so easy to go preppy with plaid! But instead of going all in, I added a graphic tee and an oversized blazer. The blazer is from Madewell and I decided that I am not a huge fan of how it hangs on me. The blazer is better buttoned. It is a great light weight blazer which is perfect for cool fall days. You could easily add a band tee + sneakers instead.
Pants / Shirt / Blazer / Shoes
Graphic Tees
Black Blazers
This season, retailers are mad for plaid! There are options at every price point and in every imaginable plaid. The Dickens Trousers are a fun alternative to jeans. They are Hell-A comfortable and a perfect alternative to your joggers and denim. No discussion of plaid can be complete without giving a nod to Cher. I was a bit too old when Clueless came out to admit how much I liked the movie, but Cher’s iconic yellow plaid suit and “as if” tag line are an indelible part of the 90’s. One thing is for sure, plaid is about making a statement. You might as well be comfortable when making that statement!
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is for fashion-minded women in the prime of their life. We delight in the beauty of everyday and we hope you will join us on our journey. Happy Shopping Dahlias.
