How to Style Plaid Pieces for Fall

We are continuing on with my plaid outfit series with this look book on how to style plaid pieces for fall. By the end you will be inspired to make your own outfits as you shop similar pieces.

Look #1: Off-shoulder dress

I am starting off how to style plaid pieces for fall with one of my favorite dresses! As you know from reading the plaid series, I typically go the punk/attitude route, but you can style this type of dress any way that you want. The off-shoulder neckline gives the perfect opportunity to fill it with a huge statement necklace that screams punk. My handbag is a unique twist on your normal crystal evening bag, but it goes with the black in the dress. For balance, white booties work here. The heel ties into the whole dressed up feeling.

Dress: J for Justify from Gabe’s
Booties: Charlotte Russe
Handbag: Starlet from TJMaxx
Necklace: Gabe’s

Look #2: Plaid leggings

Second is a look that brings attention to beautiful red plaid leggings. I do not know the proper fashion terms to name the shirt, but the top part is a standard black shirt, but then it has a long, sheer panel attached to the front and back hem that goes down nearly to the ground. It gives me such a punk vibe! When the panels billow in the wind, you get that pop of red with the leggings. The solid shirt literally asks to be accessorized with a necklace. I tend to like silver jewelry with attitude outfits for whatever reason. I am finishing the outfit off with combat boots because they always work with this style, and a small leather handbag.

Shirt: Sweet Rain from Ross
Leggings: No Boundaries from Walmart
Booties: Attention from Kmart
Necklaces: rue21
Handbag: No Boundaries from Walmart

Look #3: Plaid skirt

Third, I am styling a plaid skirt. It has a fun wrap detail and is gathered with a large o-ring. I love a tucked in style with skirts so that you can see all the details. A normal shirt works fine here, but this time around I am wearing a bodysuit for something different, plus the neckline is a breath of fresh air from your standard square neckline. If your weather is not warm enough to support short sleeves, sandals, and a skirt, try also wearing leggings or hose, and maybe a long sleeve shirt and booties. Anyway, the layered necklace fills the empty neck space plus adds detail. Leather sandals featuring zippers add a small touch of more attitude. The grommets on the handbag compliment the o-ring on the skirt.

Bodysuit: Shinestar from Ross
Skirt: Joe Boxer from Kmart
Sandals: Attention from Kmart
Necklaces: rue21
Handbag: No Boundaries from Walmart

Look #4: Plaid in layers

Fourth is an outfit that is incredibly similar to look number two. Sometimes when you have a lot of clothing you find that you have similar pieces! The challenge here is to change things up a bit. Again, I am not sure what the technical fashion terms are for the shirt, but the entire thing is made of a mesh fishnet material and it is high low. Since you can see through the shirt, this is the time to layer up.

The red leggings are back, but are paired with a red plaid tank top that tucks right into the leggings for a seamless look. Instead of a black handbag, this time I am going for red to match our layers. A necklace sits perfectly on the layered canvas of black and red. I am wearing the sandals again, weather permitting, but you can easily swap out for booties.

Shirt: Free Kisses from Ross
Leggings: No Boundaries from Walmart
Tank top: No Boundaries from Walmart
Sandals: Attention from Kmart
Handbag: No Boundaries from Walmart
Necklace: Walmart

Look #5: Plaid blazer

It starts with the velvet shorts. I bought them on their own and then built an outfit around them, which is one of the ways I like to craft outfits. They are what I call “potential pieces,” meaning I may not have an idea for them, but a great outfit will be born because of them. Ultimately, I am doing a layered look that comes across as complex and expert, but honestly, it is easy to achieve. Any time that you layer while playing with textures, people will think you know so much about fashion.

First, I am tucking a sheer black tank top into the shorts. Then, I am wearing tights under the shorts. The red blazer is the attention piece! I cannot get over how the antique bronze buttons on the blazer match the statement necklace perfectly, down to the round accents on the necklace. Finish with red booties that match the blazer, and a quilted leather handbag. So, the textures are the sheer polyester, velvet, suede, leather, and flannel.

I always do four pictures per outfit. I am sorry I only have three. When I went to edit the photos I realized the fourth one did not take.

Look #6: Plaid sleeves

The final outfit in how to style plaid pieces for fall features a unique shirt, and it teaches a style hack on what to do when your shirt is a bit too long. I take the excess material and tie a knot in the front center, then I flip the knot up and under the shirt. This leaves an open area at the top of your jeans, so I add details with a double circle belt, as now you will see the belt buckle. Black jeans pull out the black on the plaid sleeves of the shirt, but ripped knees subtly bring back the punk feel. Instead of a necklace this time, I have gorgeous statement earrings featuring star and moons. The studded handbag matching the booties seals the deal.

Shirt: Honeyme from Madison and Mallory
Jeans: No Boundaries from Walmart
Belt: Madison and Mallory
Handbag: Madison and Mallory
Booties: London Rag from Peebles
Earrings: Walmart

FAQ

What are some ways to style plaid pieces for fall?

Plaid pieces can be styled in many ways, including dresses, leggings, skirts, blazers, and layered looks. You can pair plaid with boots, knits, or neutrals for cozy and classic autumn outfits.

How can I style a plaid dress for fall?

An off-shoulder plaid dress can be paired with statement jewelry, a coordinating handbag, and ankle booties for a dressed-up fall look.

What goes well with plaid leggings?

Plaid leggings look great with long shirts or tunics, layered jewelry, and combat boots. A sheer or split-hem top adds an edgy, punk-inspired vibe.

How can I make a plaid skirt outfit fall-appropriate?

Pair a plaid skirt with a tucked-in top or bodysuit, add layered necklaces, and finish with sandals or booties. If it’s colder, wear tights or leggings underneath.

How do I layer plaid pieces for cooler weather?

Mix plaid tanks or shirts with mesh or fishnet tops, matching handbags, and jewelry. Adding red or black accessories ties the outfit together for fall.

How do I style a plaid blazer?

Layer a plaid or red blazer over velvet shorts, tights, and a sheer tank. Match textures like suede and leather for a chic, polished look.

What’s a quick style fix for long plaid tops?

If your plaid top is too long, tie a small front knot and tuck it under. This adds shape and highlights accessories like belts or statement earrings.

What colors and accessories pair best with plaid for fall?

Plaid looks best with fall shades like red, black, beige, and white. Accessories such as leather handbags, booties, statement necklaces, or earrings enhance the outfit’s seasonal vibe.

Plaid is near and dear to my heart, and I probably bleed plaid when cut, so I will buy it on anything. It feeds my need for gothic vibes. What is your favorite way to wear plaid? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

View More of the Plaid Outfit Series: