How to Wear a Plaid Shirt

How to Wear a Plaid Shirt

Why we're Mad for Plaid
bright plaid shirt

By Gabi Meyers | Last Updated: Nov 4 2019 | 3 min read

Anyone who grew up within driving distance of a mall (lol remember malls?!) holds a special place in their hearts for plaid shirts. Something about slipping into a Blackwatch button-up from American Eagle, or a wrapping paper-red flannel from Abercrombie & Fitch around the waist of your best bootcut jeans and Adidas Sambas made you feel ready for anything.

But what about how to wear a plaid shirt as an adult?

Well, it depends on the shirt. A sport shirt in plaid is perfect for the guy with a business casual workplace or a dressed-slightly-better-than-your-friends weekend look.

A plaid shirt in flannel, on the other hand, is inherently more casual. (Remember: plaid is a pattern, flannel is a fabric, so talking about a plaid shirt doesn’t necessarily mean talking about the cozy fuzzy kind of shirt). When it comes to flannel, keep things more casual, like a girl you’ve been dating you’re not quite sure you want to get serious with. You can head here to check out ideas on how to wear flannel in a stylish way. 

// Shop #SGapproved plaid shirts //

In the meantime, we’re sharing outfit inspiration for how to wear a plaid shirt all week long.

How to wear a plaid shirt five ways:

MONDAY
plaid shirt outfit ideas

How to wear a plaid shirt to the office:

SG Says: Keep it traditional for the office with a a sport shirt you can tuck into twill pants and some un-scuffed brown boots. We love this Ledbury casual sport shirt for dressing up or down (check out more on the VA-based brand here).

TUESDAY
how to wear a plaid shirt, scott disick
via Royal Fashionist

How to wear a plaid shirt on your day off:

SG Says: We don’t condone his parenting style, but hot damn can Scott Disick dress. We love this bright blue plaid shirt with shots of red, black, and white. Pair it with chelsea boots and unbutton the top of your shirt, whether you’re accompanied by your supermodel almost-a-sister-in-law or not.

WEDNESDAY
ryan reynolds plaid shirt tie
via Today Show

How to wear a plaid shirt on date night:

SG Says: Roll up your sleeves, like so.

THURSDAY
rami malek plaid
via Tumblr

How to wear a plaid shirt to the bar to meet your buddies

SG Says: Aoff-duty jacket that really makes a statement means you can keep the rest of your outfit (including the color of your plaid shirt) more muted.

FRIDAY
daniel radcliffe plaid
via British GQ

How to wear a plaid shirt to meet your girlfriend’s parents:

SG Says: Show them what a nice young man you are by tucking your shirt in and wearing a belt.

TELL ME:

HOW DO YOU MAKE PLAID WORK YEAR ROUND?

Want to see more ways to wear your favorite pieces for summer? We show you how to style modern cargo shorts, white jeans and boat shoes, 5 ways.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Gabi Meyers went from Team SG's first-ever intern to a trusted fashion editor and stylist. She currently lives in Chicago with a very cute dog.