Plaid pants are a timeless classic. The pattern is appearing in all shapes, from bright Cher Horowitz inspired plaids to bright orange and black striped plaid patterns. And, the vibrant print has even moved indoors to even-heeled shoes and accessories. Plaid pants are the quintessential Americana, and you’ll find them everywhere: in offices, at home, in the schools, and on the streets. And, these days, plaid pants are the perfect key piece to update your wardrobe for this year’s hottest trends.
One of the hottest looks for fall is a pair of cropped plaid pants. Cropped pants look great with a wide belt and a nice bit of beading for a sophisticated but casual look. Cropped plaid pants are also a great way to transition into something a little more dressy. A high-low hemline with a cropped shirt or a blouse in one of your favorite colors is the perfect top to wear with a pair of cropped pants. If you want a little dressier option for your outfit, pair your high-low pair of plaid pants with a pair of stilettos or a gladiator sandals.
You don’t have to be looking for a very formal occasion to wear plaid pants to make a fashion statement. Pairing a pair of denim shorts with a plaid top, especially in a brightly colored pattern, is a fun way to create some color and style in your wardrobe. If you’re wearing a bold, patterned top, pair your bottoms with a pair of black skinny jeans – black is the ‘color’ of the hour-glass shape that most ladies love to conceal with flats or pumps. For a smart but casual look, pair your heels with a fitted cardigan sweater dress. If you’re headed down the street to the club, wear your heels with a pair of skinny jeans – black is the ‘color’ of the night because this is what most women want to wear to catch attention!
One thing to keep in mind when wearing these colorful, patterned plaid pants is that they aren’t always appropriate for all situations. In a business environment, they can really dress down a business suit. Keep that in mind when pairing them with a business suit – you don’t want to team them with a plain, straight-leg Jean either. Instead, opt for a v-neck sweater dress, a cardigan sweater dress or a short tunic dress to give you a sharp, dressed-up look.
Another thing to keep in mind when pairing these popular fabrics is that you don’t have to have a traditional collar-and-top dress shirt with them. For a great summer look, pair your plaid pants with a simple, plain, white or cream shirt. This simple pairing can bring out the clean, casual nature of your linen shirt and add an extra dose of color (and summer heat) to your ensemble. It also gives you a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn for a variety of occasions.
If you’re thinking of going on an outdoors trip in the warmer weather, you’ll definitely want to consider a preppy fabric like linen, chiffon or cotton. Pair your linen shirt with a lightweight cotton tee-shirt in a basic plaid pattern or choose a preppy plaid pants style from a popular label like Diesel, Urban Wear or Tommy Hilfiger. It’s a great way to step outside the boundaries of your normal wardrobe. You can still have that classic, elegant outfit, just stepping it up a notch with a little bright splash of color. Remember to update your accessories to match your new style.
Another easy way to jazz up your basic pair of plaid pants and a matching graphic tee is to wear a unique piece of jewelry. A cute tattoo or a stylish earring set will instantly update any basic tee and provide you with a sexy, edgy look. This is also a great time to invest in some funky shoes: booty-chic pumps or cute flats can be paired with a graphic tee and a plain skirt, or they can be paired with a tank top and a cardigan. Be sure to update your makeup to match your outfit – after all, you’re going for the “edgy” look!
The key to wearing a pair of plaid pants and a white tee that looks polished and coordinated is to keep the accessories simple. A simple belt with basic silver or gold designs will instantly draw attention to your belt and plaid pants. A thin, simple necklace or studded necklace will finish off the look. And for a finishing touch, don’t forget your bright red lipstick and a simple red wine Cologne to complete the look!
