6 Modern Ways to Wear Plaids This Fall and Winter

When it comes time to switch out summer staples and bring in fall fundamentals, we immediately turn to a timeless pattern: plaid. Sure, the checkered print can sometimes lean passé or lumberjack, but there are plenty of ways to breathe some fresh, cool air into the classic look. Whether you're trying to make plaid the focal point of your outfit with an expertly pleated mini dress or just want to take the style out for a spin with a subtle shoe, here's how you can style the pattern for your personal aesthetic this fall and winter.

Ahead, discover six plaid-centric outfits featuring understated and attention-grabbing garments alike.

Pretty in Pink

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

If you're the type to command attention, this tartan mini dress from Molly Goddard is for you. The print can sometimes feel overbearing, but here, the asymmetrical draping and the pleated skirt break it up, making for a more interesting appearance. Plus, who doesn't love a bow embellishment?

<p>Molly Goddard Dimitria Tartan-Print Mini Dress, <s>$980</s> $491, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+U2zzLRn1vm7IftSiW2t45A" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes XXS-L)</p>

Molly Goddard Dimitria Tartan-Print Mini Dress, $980 $491, available here (sizes XXS-L)

View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article

Post-Grad Uniform

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

It's hard not to think of some of the most famous preppy girls in television history when you see a plaid mini. From Mia Thermopolis to Rory Gilmore, all the famous fictional private-school students relied on short skirts to tie their outfits together (even if it's because it was the mandated uniform).  Those short hemlines never really go out of style. The 2023 way to style the look? With a brown leather-look trench and heeled boots, a creamy knit and a sparkly mini bag.

<p>Hill House Home The Inola Skirt, $150, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+bi85QOM7JNE6cWx1i5c0Vg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes XXXS-XXL)</p>

Hill House Home The Inola Skirt, $150, available here (sizes XXXS-XXL)

View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article

Carrie Bradshaw Core

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

"And Just Like That" brought us plenty of modern Carrie Bradshaw fashion but if we had to style a plaid-ified look for the queen of Manhattan ourselves, a corseted bustier with just enough colors to pull from for each accessory sounds about right.

<p>Guizio Paix Corset, $290, <a href="https://danielleguiziony.com/products/paix-corset-1?variant=44116196589818&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&nbt=nb%3Aadwords%3Ag%3A20503525670%3A154368585073%3A671877938844&nb_adtype=pla&nb_kwd=&nb_ti=pla-2177251325663&nb_mi=191725143&nb_pc=online&nb_pi=shopify_US_7941989728506_44116196589818&nb_ppi=2177251325663&nb_placement=&nb_li_ms=&nb_lp_ms=&nb_fii=&nb_ap=&nb_mt=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20503525670&utm_content=671877938844&utm_extension=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy4KqBhD0ARIsAEbCt6gvoDiWnLbgD_fGCLE3DaxPhkpODMs3KSE26GJzH14hQWtFAAxN4LEaArr9EALw_wcB" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes XXS-XXL)</p>

View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article

In My Literal "Red" Era

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

This outfit is giving "Begin Again" vibes — only in New York, as opposed to Paris. (If you know, you know.) Plus, the combination of deep navy, red and white on this plaid skirt makes for a subdued color scheme that still maintains its statement-making abilities.

<p>Banjanan Edna Midi Skirt, <s>$390</s> $273, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+jUBGieGEKikc9GI6zpsjHg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes XS-XXL)</p>

Banjanan Edna Midi Skirt, $390 $273, available here (sizes XS-XXL)

View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article

I'm With the Band

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

Nothing says "rock star" quite like leather and tartan. Don't be afraid to mix fabrics, prints and textures for a chaotically considered look. Then, channel your inner punk with a gold studded accessory.

<p>Betsey Johnson A Real Tart Mini Flap Crossbody, $98, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+m9GduZ52Rk3rB5uiUdXehw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a></p>

Betsey Johnson A Real Tart Mini Flap Crossbody, $98, available here

View the 10 images of this gallery on the original article

Equestrian After Hours

<p>Photos: Courtesy of brands</p>

Photos: Courtesy of brands

These plaid kitten heels from Jimmy Choo are just preppy enough to carry the preppy uniform feel without feeling childish. With an expertly tailored blazer over a mini skirt, accessorized with leather gloves, it feels like what someone would change into after an afternoon of horse riding. Complete the look with a fancy headband.

<p>Jimmy Choo Peacock Tartan Fabric Pointed Pumps, $975, <a href="https://rstyle.me/+O-9TYU8Q4Kf6TZnRkBsSSg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a></p>

Jimmy Choo Peacock Tartan Fabric Pointed Pumps, $975, available here

View the 13 images of this gallery on the original article

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.