This look book of 12 summer plaid outfits shows that I mostly like to style my plaid with an attitude, or grungy feel. I have a variety of outfits to show you, which include dresses, skirts, and shirts. You can shop similar items to copy my looks for yourself.
1) The New Student
The first look from my summer plaid outfits is a dress that puts a twist on your old school uniforms. I wish I would have found it a long time ago because it is a nice contender to go with my preppy school girl outfits collection. This dress is highly versatile. I really want to show it layered, which is where the black tee comes into play. You can also go with a long sleeve shirt, or do not layer the dress at all. Since the dress features silver metal buttons, the rest of my accents are silver. The laced up chain choker, zipper shoes, and studded handbag provide all the attitude that I need with my plaid.
Dress- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shirt- 2 B Free from Gabe’s
Handbag- Madison & Mallory
Shoes- Attention from Kmart
Choker- Walmart
2) The Soft Side of Plaid
Second is the most un-grungy plaid outfit you will ever see me do. The red plaid top is more feminine with the ruffled sleeves and lightweight material. You can see that the fringe on the earrings matches the red of the top perfectly. Black everything compliments the striping on the shirt. Going with shoes and a handbag that feature gold accents tie into the earrings.
Shirt- Eyeshadow from Peebles
Shorts- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shoes- rue21 from Gabe’s
Handbag- George from Walmart
Earrings- Walmart
3) Berry Punk
Third is an unusual burgundy shirt. I add the attitude to this ensemble in so many ways, including fringe, distressing, chokers, and leather accents. There is something about silver that seems to go the best with this look.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shorts- Arizona from JCPenney
Shoes- Attention from Kmart
Handbag- No Boundaries from Walmart
Jewelry- Walmart
4) Red-y for the Situation
This is not your ordinary red plaid tank because the back features a wide crochet panel and a triangular hem. It is the perfect opportunity to let things hang loose, or you can tuck or tie the front of your shirt. Somehow the crochet choker mimics the shirt closely enough. The final touches are my classic gladiator sandals and fringe crossbody.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shorts- No Boundaries from Walmart
Crossbody- George from Walmart
Shoes- S&M from Sears
Jewelry- Claire’s
5) Playing With the Classics
The tank top is a bit long so I do recommend a faux tuck of some sort. It also has some crochet on the back. Leather accents are a lovely choice here, and a super thick tattoo choker is the ultimate accessory.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shorts- Arizona from JCPenney
Handbag- Madden Girl from rue21
Shoes- S&M from Sears
Choker- Walmart
6) Clueless
his yellow color is close to mustard, but not quite there, making it a great addition to your wardrobe. I am pairing it with a mini handbag. Do you hate it when something matches color wise in your room, but then you go outside and you can see the contrast? I totally do!
Anyway, I love a tucked-in look with a skirt, and the super soft bodysuit is a winner. Any time that I see an o-ring on something I have to match it with other items. The toggle chain necklace matches that o-ring zipper pull so well that I can simply cry. Those trusty zipper sandals are always there when I need another grunge accent.
Bodysuit- 21 Saints from Gabe’s
Skirt- Popular 21 from Gabe’s
Necklace- Cynthia Rowley from TJMaxx
Handbag- Like Dreams from Madison + Mallory
Shoes- Attention from Kmart
7) Sun Chaser
The lace up detail on the shirt definitely elevates the style. Layering necklaces is fun with these attitude outfits, so do not miss that mini paper clip and tattoo choker. Here come the faux leather accents again to add some texture. I really like how this shirt almost feels like a flannel, but the material is still light enough that you will not melt, and I know this from experience. The overall look is quite the ode to my beloved flannel shirt outfits for fall and winter.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shorts- Arizona from JCPenney
Shoes- S&M from Sears
Handbag: Walmart
Choker: Walmart
8) Sold Out
Here is an outfit that literally comes together on its own. First and foremost, what a great find this ‘sold out’ tank top is! The lettering and holes are so grunge. Since it is too big for me, I prefer to tie it and layer it under another shirt to hide the excess material. The red lettering means red plaid! Also, the shorts have red plaid material that hangs down to mimic long pockets, and somehow that material matches this particular plaid shirt very well. I finish the look with more leather accents, fringe, and a tattoo choker.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Tank top- Adam Levine from Kmart
Shorts- No Boundaries from Walmart
Crossbody- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shoes- S&M from Sears
Tattoo choker- Walmart
9) Love You to Infinity and Beyond
Just in case the yellow look did not satisfy your appetite for summer plaid skirt outfits, I have another option for you. The black denim skirt has so much attitude with the moon and star studs. It is a natural pairing with the strappy red plaid tank. Studded sandals are the obvious option with the skirt. The bull bar look on the handbag also works with the studs in its own happy way.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Skirt- Adam Levine from Kmart
Shoes- Route 66 from Kmart
Handbag- No Boundaries from Walmart
Choker- unknown
10) Bowling at 8
There is something about the stripes on this shirt, when paired with the handbag, that give me major sporty or bowling vibes. Let me know in the comments if you feel them, too. I am having a lot of fun with the black, white, and red that the shirt introduces by cycling all three of those colors throughout the look. We have a black and white color block handbag, black shorts, white shoes, and a red choker. I keep those studded white sneakers for sporty moments like these, and they are so much more fashionable than actual athletic sneakers.
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shorts- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shoes- Bongo from Sears
Handbag- Perfect Image New York from Ross
Choker- Five Below
11) Sporty Vibes
Next is another sporty outfit that takes some queues from look number 10. The goal here is to change it up, so this time I am going with capris and a red handbag. While I can totally do the sneakers again, jelly shoes still close your feet in while giving a pop of the unexpected. You already knew I would wear a choker here!
Shirt- No Boundaries from Walmart
Capris- L.e.i. from Walmart
Choker- Walmart
Handbag- No Boundaries from Walmart
Shoes- Amazon
12) A Vested Interest
The last look in these summer plaid outfits is perfect for a cooler day or transitional weather. It also exemplifies layering and playing with texture. Gray capris match the plaid tank top and they are so much better than boring black or denim. The material of the vest somehow brings its own attitude to the situation, and it is the glue holding it all together. Suede booties give texture, while a distressed leather bag dumps on some more. This outfit 100% calls for silver accents, and the necklace lays perfectly in the space above the chest.
Vest- Time and Tru from Walmart
Tank- No Boundaries from Walmart
Capris- L.e.i. from Walmart
Necklace- Walmart
Shoes- Time and Tru from Walmart
Handbag- No Boundaries from Walmart
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ok to wear plaid in the summer?
Yes, it is perfectly ok to wear plaid in the summer. Instead of opting for hot flannels, keep your eyes out for all of the different formats that plaid comes in. From tank tops, to skirts, and dresses, you can make the pattern work for you all year round.
How do you wear a plaid shirt in the summer?
When it comes to wearing a plaid shirt in the summer, I recommend looking for short sleeves, tank tops, and strapless shirts made of lightweight material instead of flannels. Then, pair them with shorts and skirts and accessorize! A belt and some jewelry will definitely spice your summer plaid up.
Can we wear flannel shirts in summer?
I do not recommend wearing actual flannel material in the summer because you will be very warm. You can definitely find plaid pieces that resemble flannel, but are actually made of a lighter material. Staying away from long sleeves is also a good idea.
We are at the end of this look book of 12 summer plaid outfits. No matter the season, I support layering with plaid and finding ways to incorporate texture. Even though I cannot see past attitude looks with plaid, I challenge you to take these outfits and run with them. Another fun aesthetic you can capture is a southern farm feel because they go great with cowboy boots and large belt buckles. Which outfit do you want to wear the most? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
View More of the Plaid Outfit Series:
| Plaid Pieces for Fall | Plaid Kimono Outfits | Plaid Shirt Ideas |
| Flannel Shirt Outfits for Fall | Preppy School Girl Outfits | Plaid Tunic Outfits |
