The Unexpected Return of Plaid: How to Wear It Now

Plaid has quietly crept back into the fashion conversation—and not in the predictable, preppy way you might expect. What was once dismissed as a tired staple reserved for school uniforms or heritage brands is suddenly at the center of this fall’s style revival. And the twist? It’s not just about a pop of Burberry check on a scarf or lining—it’s about making plaid the star of your outfit.

From runways at Bottega Veneta and ACNE Studios to cool-girl street style across Instagram, plaid is having its renaissance. Designers are reimagining the print in fresh silhouettes—think fluid midi skirts, sharp trench coats, and oversized shirts—while style insiders are pairing it with everything from denim to leather. Even labels known for their minimalist edge, like The Row, are finding ways to weave plaid into everyday pieces.

So why is plaid back in the spotlight? The answer is twofold: it’s timeless and versatile. At its core, plaid is a neutral—it can read classic or edgy depending on how you wear it. And while it feels familiar, this season it’s being styled in ways that feel strikingly modern. Whether you gravitate toward earthy tones and monochromatic palettes or love playing with bolder hues, plaid adapts seamlessly.

Here’s how to wear the trend now, along with inspiration straight from the women proving that plaid is anything but outdated.

The Statement Skirt

There’s something inherently collegiate about a pleated plaid skirt, but this season’s versions are styled with grown-up appeal. Pair a midi-length plaid skirt with a chunky cardigan and boots, or add an oversized blazer for a polished twist. Keeping the palette warm—rich browns, muted reds, and creams—makes the look feel intentional rather than costume-like.

Style Tip: Ground the preppy undertones with modern footwear. Instead of loafers, opt for bold ankle boots or sleek slingbacks. The contrast keeps plaid feeling current.

The Plaid Trench Coat

A trench coat is already a wardrobe hero, but swap your beige staple for a plaid version and suddenly the outer layer becomes the whole look. Over relaxed jeans and simple sandals, a plaid trench feels both effortless and elevated. It’s also one of the easiest ways to dip into the trend without overthinking the rest of your outfit.

Style Tip: Let the coat do the talking. Stick to pared-back basics underneath—denim, a white tee, maybe leather flats. The key is balance.

The Modern Midi

Plaid midi skirts are another quiet hero of the season. Unlike the crisp pleated styles, these skirts often drape or wrap, adding movement and fluidity to the check print. Styled with a denim jacket or structured knit, they’re versatile enough for both day and night.

Style Tip: Play with color in your accessories. A bright shoe or bold handbag injects personality into the neutral pattern and prevents the look from feeling too safe.

The Oversized Plaid Shirt

If there’s one piece everyone can wear, it’s the plaid button-down. But forget fitted silhouettes—this fall is about oversized cuts that double as lightweight jackets. Toss one over a tank and tailored shorts during early fall, or layer it under a leather jacket as temperatures drop.

Style Tip: Choose muted or tonal plaids if you’re easing into the trend. A beige-and-cream check feels softer and easier to style than high-contrast patterns.

A Plaid-for-All Approach

The beauty of plaid lies in its adaptability. You can go bold with head-to-toe checks—layering a blazer over trousers in coordinating patterns—or simply add one plaid piece to refresh your basics. Even small touches, like a plaid slip skirt with a plain turtleneck or a check blouse under a trench, feel instantly chic.

Think of plaid as you would leopard print: it’s a neutral in disguise. Once you stop treating it as intimidating, you’ll realize how much it opens up your styling options.

Why Plaid Works in 2025

Fashion thrives on nostalgia, and plaid comes with decades of references—from punk rebellion to ’90s grunge to prep-school polish. But its current resurgence is less about leaning into any one aesthetic and more about reinterpreting the print in unexpected ways. That’s why you’ll see it on a reversible trench at Zara, a draped skirt at Phillip Lim, or a polished blouse at Vince.

It’s about freedom: plaid no longer belongs to one tribe. Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between, there’s a version of plaid waiting to slip into your rotation.

The Final Word

Plaid may have once been relegated to the back of your closet, but this fall it deserves center stage. From trenches to pleated skirts to oversized shirts, it’s a print that instantly adds depth and personality without overwhelming your outfit.

If you’re not sure where to start, begin with one key piece—a skirt, a coat, or even just a shirt. Style it with the basics you already own, and let the plaid breathe life into your look.

Fashion’s new rule of plaid is simple: wear it how you want, and let it be the statement it was always meant to be.