camel coat and plaid pants outfit

What To Wear With Plaid Pants for an Updated Classic Look

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It’s not fall or winter yet until you break out some plaid. True, you can never go wrong with jeans, but consider adding a pair of plaid pants to your outfit rotation these colder months for a fresh yet classic look. More versatile than you think and more stylish than you know, plaid pants are a surefire way to upgrade your timeless wardrobe this season. Here’s what to wear with plaid pants to get you started!

pants | boots (similar) | blazer | coat (similar)

What to wear with plaid pants

Simple tops

If you’re just getting started in styling plaid pants, some of the best choices for tops are a plain white t-shirt or black t-shirt, a black turtleneck, or a simple black sweater or camel sweater.

Grey plaid pants paired with neutral colors are a timeless way to wear this ensemble.

Ankle boots, loafers, or sneakers

Ankle boots are always a great idea. You can never go wrong with those!

For a casual look, look for relaxed plaid pants such as pull-on pants with a tie and pair it with sweaters and white sneakers for a look that says casual chic.

Stylish outerwear

Fall and winter are the perfect times to break out all the layers! From camel coats to leather jackets, you can create a variety of plaid pants outfits by simply switching out your outerwear. The easiest way to make this piece look classic is to wear it with a camel coat. A camel coat is a great way to make anything look classic, really!

A black leather jacket can add a nice edgy contrast to this classic piece. To dress down your pants, you can pair them with a graphic tee and an oversized denim jacket or an oversized sweater.

Plaid pants pair well with basic tees, whether that’s a white or black top. You can also dress them up with a white blouse and a black blazer- should you find yourself needing a professional outfit for the office!

Related: Your Guide to a Chic and Classic Work Capsule Wardrobe

Black plaid pants can come across as a little dressier, working for the office as well. Pair with a cashmere sweater or a white button-down shirt. To look classic, try to keep the plaid pattern pretty simple. Plaid is nice to add interest to a look, but you don’t want want to lose the classic and timelessness of this print by getting anything too loud or busy. Keep the colors neutral. Save the red plaid pants and tartan trousers for the holiday parties!

Related:
Incredibly Cute Christmas Outfit Ideas for Women Under $50
Affordable Yet Elegant Dresses to Wear to a Christmas Party

When shopping for plaid pants, keep your personal style in mind. Do you want skinny pants? Wide leg? Tight? Loose? There are different styles out there that will fit every personality.

To update this staple piece, look for little details that freshen it up without changing it completely. Such as an oversized belt and ring (like mine pictured), a belt tie, or a new silhouette, whether that be cropped or flared.

For a ton of different ways to wear plaid trousers for winter, check out my new winter capsule wardrobe post!

Just like plaid pants, a plaid shirt and a plaid blazer can be another fall and winter staple. For other recommendations on what to add to your fall and winter wardrobe, keep reading!

Up Next:
Capsule Wardrobe Ideas | 10 Pieces of Clothing to Mix and Match

A Winter Capsule Wardrobe That Will Never Go Out of Style

Minimalist French Capsule Wardrobe for Fall/Winter

what to wear with plaid pants

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Founder and editor of My Chic Obsession, Carolyn is your trusted fashion maven. Carolyn's drive to help others achieve a classic and timeless wardrobe fuels her posts, making mychicobsession.com a go-to resource for style seekers worldwide. Beyond the wardrobe, she resides in the heartland of the Midwest, dreaming up new ideas and raising her two lively boys - her biggest fashion critics.