STYLE

How To Elegantly Wear Plaid Without Looking Like a Lumberjack

Mad for Plaid!

Where are my plaid print lovers?

I am definitely a fan of plaid. It’s one of those forever ‘on-trend’ classic prints. And right now, it’s EVERYWHERE. SO if you adore the print as much as I do, this is your moment. And, even if you don’t, there are subtle and simple ways to incorporate this print into your wardrobe. But, choosing the right plaid pieces can be tricky. For example, if you grab a buffalo plaid shacket, that may not be the most feminine option.

Below, I’m sharing a recent fab find… a very chic and feminine plaid blouse! I think it’s the perfect piece to keep your look sophisticated and tasteful (no lumberjacks here! ;)

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BLOUSE | SWEATER | PANTS | SIMILAR BOOTS | ANOTHER OPTION | RING 1 | RING 2 | SUNGLASSES | LIPSTICK (202 Insurgent Red)

Perfect Plaid Outfit

Keep scrolling to read even more tips on how to style plaid in a sophisticated way.

my #1 tip is first to find the right plaid piece. They key is the elegance of the print and the style of the garment. Let’s take this gorgeous tie-neck plaid blouse by & Other Stories as an example. The color palette is more muted and neutral so it makes the blouse more subtle and understated than let’s say a bold red and green plaid. The neutral tones also make it easier to style. The tie-neck and balloon sleeves adds femininity to an inherently masculine print.

 

BTW, shot these photos with Gage by the Royal Palace of Madrid. Isn’t it gorgeous??

 

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Bring on the drama!

I love the drama of the sleeves so much that I decided to highlight them by wearing the blouse under a short sleeve sweater (also & Other Stories). The sweater has pretty heart shaped cable knit details and is perfect for women who live in warmer climates!

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Feels Like PJ’s

My cropped, pull-on, comfy pants are another new favorite. The length is perfect (I’m 5’4” for reference), the leg silhouette is flattering, and they’re SO versatile! You could wear these pants everywhere; the office, running errands, traveling, even holiday parties. They are so comfy, they literally feel like PJ’s.

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The Best Booties

If you are a regular here on the blog, you’ve seen these beautiful booties before. Schutz now has a leather version (vs. suede) that I think are even better since they are easier to care for. What I love about these booties is how elegant and gorgeous they are while still being VERY wearable. I have walked blocks and blocks in these in Madrid with no issues.

how to wear plaid, plaid, ways to wear plaid, plaid outfit, plaid over 40, erin busbee, & other stories check tie neck blouse, & other stories bobble and cable knit puff sleeve sweater, black & other stories flare pants, black schutz bette booties, madrid, spain

Black & Brown

I love the black and brown color combo in this look, but you could easily pair this blouse with more brown shades for a chic monochrome look. It would be beautiful with white jeans too!

 

If you’re looking for more tips on how to wear this brown and black color combination, make sure you check out this post! Plus, I share tips on combining white and tan here.

 

how to wear plaid, plaid, ways to wear plaid, plaid outfit, plaid over 40, erin busbee, & other stories check tie neck blouse, & other stories bobble and cable knit puff sleeve sweater, black & other stories flare pants, black schutz bette booties, madrid, spain

Plaid Tips

Okay, now for some KEY styling tips to help you rock your plaid with confidence!

1) Choose the RIGHT piece. When in doubt go, opt for feminine details
2) Select a more muted, lighter, less traditional plaid color scheme to add sophistication.
3) Choose a plaid piece in an unexpected, feminine fabric (think silk, chiffon, etc.)
4) Style plaid with neutrals like black, brown, or white.
5) Think outside the style box like I did. Allow your beautiful print to shine.

Where do you stand? Team Plaid? Or Team No Plaid?? 😉 Let us know in the comments below!

Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. To get my blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, and gain access to our incredible resources to get your style back on track, be sure to sign up for my newsletter here.

Thanks for stopping by and happy holidays!

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8 thoughts on “How To Elegantly Wear Plaid Without Looking Like a Lumberjack

  1. I just love your style. Please do more Walmart or Target collaborations. I never knew I could find stylish and fresh pieces at such affordable prices. I bought everything you suggested from your latest Walmart collaboration. I loved the plaid shirt and the black booties are so comfortable. Thank you!

  2. Hi Erin,

    THANKS FOR YOUR ALL YOUR AMAZINGLY DETAILED AND HELPFUL ADVICE. i HAD A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SHOOT RECENTLY FOR BEING INCLUDED AS ONE OF THE TOP GARDEN DESIGNERS IN A LANDSCAPE DESIGN BOOK THAT IS COMING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS 2018 IN aUSTRALIA. gIVEN THAT i AM NORMALLY WEARING WORK BOOTS i LOOKED TO YOUR VIDEOS FOR INSPIRATION OF WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT. i WAS ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER AN OUTFIT THAT MADE ME LOOK AND FEEL VERY PROFESSIONAL, FEMININE AND CONFIDENT. aLL BECAUSE YOU HAVE EXPLAINED IT WITH YOUR WORDS AND PICTURES SO WELL. tHANKS AGAIN.

  3. Erin, i got the blue plaid jacket with the zip out hoodie from Walmart off your website and it came this morning. I love it! Will go beautifully with my dark navy skinny jeans. Thanks as always for your INSIGHTFUL ideas!

  4. Hi Erin
    I love all the plaid items, especially the coat, BUT each link takes me to Walmar.ca home page and no items to be found. Are these available at Walmart US only?
    Thanks,
    Jackie

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