Forget the changing color of the leaves on the trees, or the sudden appearance of pumpkins on every porch you pass. How do you really know fall has arrived? The return of plaid in men’s wardrobes, and lots of it.
But here’s the thing. It’s easy to default to “sloppy” or put more diplomatically “cozy” outfits when wearing plaid, but don’t box this admittedly boxy pattern in!
Plaid can go with you back to the office, or layered into an uber-stylish date night look. Most important to remember? Plaid doesn’t automatically mean flannel.
The short answer to the question, “Is there a difference between plaid and flannel?” Is Yes.
The slightly longer answer? Flannel is a type of fabric, while plaid is a pattern. Flannel is what a soft plaid shirt is often made of, but not always. A plaid shirt can be cotton, wool, or another material.
Bottom line? Once the temperature hits “light jacket” on the thermometer, it’s time to sport as many iterations of this autumn staple as you can fit in your closet.
Below, check out the best men’s plaid shirts to wear now:
Best casual plaid shirt on a budget: Old Navy, $37
A white button-down plaid poplin shirt with a spread collar (and a hint of stretch!).
Perfect for a business casual office or for looking a little extra nice for date night.
Best plaid shirt splurge – Corridor, $215
This bright, multi-colored plaid shirt from Corridor feels like a welcome burst of sunlight on a dreary day.
The brand is a IYKYK celeb favorite for its custom-designed textiles, so if you splurge on it, don’t be surprised to see yourself twinning with the likes of Brad Pitt or Jake Gyllenhaal.
Best everyday plaid shirt – Flint and Tinder, $118
Combining the ruggedness of the workwear trend with the breeziness of linen, this workshirt is perfect for that weird time of year when it’s getting cold out, but not flannel-cold yet.
Wear it on the mornings before Daylight Savings hit…you know, the ones where you have to leave the house before the sun’s up.
Best plaid dress shirt – Mizzen+Main, $215
The color combination feels work-appropriate, and gives off an ironically normcore vibe, which I love.
Definitely strikes a more stylish tone than your average business casual plaid.
Best plaid shirt jacket (aka shacket): Wax London, $215
Call it a work shirt, overshirt, or shacket. Just be sure to call it up in your wardrobe rotation this fall and winter.
Wear it open over a lighter layer like a t-shirt or cotton sweater. It looks good with everything from jeans and casual khaki pants to a more sturdy carpenter pant and even dress pants.
You can also button it all the way up to let the overshirt be the statement piece of your outfit.
Bottom line?
Plaids don’t just come in itchy, burly lumberjack wool and flannel. A cotton dress shirt or casual poplin button-down in the pattern gives off a crisp appearance and looks right at home in cool and cold weather months.
3 tips for wearing men’s plaid button-down shirts this fall and winter
1) Dress your plaid up or down
I’ve worn my favorite plaid shirts over ripped jeans and dresses and everything in between.
No, I don’t expect you to wear yours the same way…what I’m saying is, plaid is versatile!
Guys have the opportunity to dress plaid up for work, adding some always-appreciated visual interest to an otherwise staid casual corporate uniform. And yes, you can wear plaid with jeans or chinos on the weekend.
Consider plaid to be cold weather’s cousin to gingham.
It’s just such a workhorse—what else in your wardrobe goes from hay rides to the office and onto date night so seamlessly?
2) Consider all the colors in your plaid for pairing
Depending on the plaid shirt or shirt jacket that you’re wearing, you may find three, four, or more distinctive colors to riff off of in your outfit.
Maybe a predominantly green plaid has a stripe of yellow that you can play off of in a sport coat’s pocket square. Or a red/purple/brown shirt that goes perfectly with an orange pin dot knit tie.
How to know you’re getting it right? Just keep it in the same color family.
Cool colors go with cool colors; warm, autumnal colors are happiest with each other—and you’re good to go. Check out how creative—yet totally pulled together—Andy Cohen looks here.
3) Aim for flattering, not frumpy
What I’ve learned in my plaid-ventures (eh?) is to create a look that says “I woke up like this” Beyonce-voice vibe with your plaid.
Opt for shirts that skim your torso, not billow out from it.
When wearing jeans, go with a French tuck, so just the front of the shirt into where the button closes for a look that’s breezy but still figure-conscious.
Remember, you’re going for good-looking, not grunge.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with leaving your flaps flying on the weekends, but to be sure you’re pulling off your plaid properly from Monday to Friday, keep those tails tucked.
