Plaid is the ultimate style chameleon. Spotted on the backs of your favorite '90s grunge bands, a staple of prep schoolers, and most likely lurking in your closet in the form of a flannel that you stole borrowed from your ex, it's not relegated to a single group, aesthetic, or era. It helps that it comes in endless varieties: madras, gingham, windowpane...the checked list goes on. Timeless yet trendy, the print keeps us coming back for more each fall.
Of course, the ways you can wear plaid have multiplied since its Scottish clan-tartan days. For a fresh take, we looked to Target's fall inventory (including a collab with designer Adam Lippes), which is bursting with the versatile fabric. Ahead, find rule-bending ways to pull off the pattern, from mixing and matching without clashing to balancing classic and bohemian vibes. So if you ever thought about relegating that aforementioned borrowed number to the thrift pile, think again (as for your memento concert tickets and "hanging with bae" 'grams, RIP). In sum, long live plaid.
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Go for unique shapes.
Take off-duty plaid to the next level: Mix it up by layering prints that share similar colors, or give it a carefree bohemian vibe with a voluminous poncho.
Take off-duty plaid to the next level: Mix it up by layering prints that share similar colors, or give it a carefree bohemian vibe with a voluminous poncho.
Experiment with unlikely pairings.
Buffalo plaid and windowpane checks might not seem like a natural pairing, but the squares play off one another for a complementary combo.
Buffalo plaid and windowpane checks might not seem like a natural pairing, but the squares play off one another for a complementary combo.
Switch up your outerwear game.
A blanket scarf is an easy and cozy way to bring another plaid layer into the mix. It's also a fun alternative to your lightweight, early-fall jacket — just drape it over your shoulders for an effortless shield of warmth.
A blanket scarf is an easy and cozy way to bring another plaid layer into the mix. It's also a fun alternative to your lightweight, early-fall jacket — just drape it over your shoulders for an effortless shield of warmth.
Bring on the layers.
A neutral base, like a gray turtleneck, is key when you want to play up a variety of plaids. Or you can go for a head-to-toe gray-scale look with a black-and-white grid-print shirtdress paired with a long vest, gray hat, and black boots. If you're worried about losing your shape in all of the fabric, a chic leather belt is your friend.
A neutral base, like a gray turtleneck, is key when you want to play up a variety of plaids. Or you can go for a head-to-toe gray-scale look with a black-and-white grid-print shirtdress paired with a long vest, gray hat, and black boots. If you're worried about losing your shape in all of the fabric, a chic leather belt is your friend.
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