Plaid shirts used to strike me as too tomboyish and style-less, but now I like them a great deal, and am—since I only have one—looking to expand my repertoire. I like how they look all oversized and slouchy, like here, and though they’re a natural with jeans, they get about a hundred times chicer when you pair them with trousers (I especially like how they look with leather pants).
The color really pops against the grey here.
And I adore black and yellow together wherever I find it.
The contrasting pockets and cuffs here are fun.
I like that this one is kind of faded out.
Blue on blue is always a winner in my book.
This silk option is nicely refined.
This is just pretty adorable.
Here is one I might go for: the blue and red together is so strong.
From Frank & Eileen, a shirt brand I really like: blue and white and nicely graphic.
I am mad for the poppy color combination here.
Here’s a sweet, feminine choice.
Red and black always looks great.
And finally: a classic scotch plaid from LL Bean.
More ways to look like everyone else?
A friend who had been a sartorial inspiration in college showed up to a recent reunion wearing skinny jeans and a blue plaid shirt.
Can’t tell you how crestfallen I was.
So boring –
i was struck by the yellow &blue shirt paired with the stripey turtleneck -i will give that a whirl.
karen -it’s all in the styling!
I agree y.k….
I love the layering shown here.
I’d also suggest that the more expensive the fabric, the better the plaid.
Isn’t that always the way?
Yes, the only way I could go there (plaid shirt) is with the striped tee/turtleneck under it, but still it is a bit much. I feel a bit like a vampire exposed to sunlight when I see these bright colors – hissing and retreating into my blackness.
Perhaps, Karen, but I’d reframe it to say “Plaid flannel shirts have become a classic”! Just as I’m not bored with my black pants or my v-neck Cashmere sweaters, I think it really is how we make it our own that counts. 🙂
I have really fond memories of a purple and black plaid shirt I bought in 1991. It was really soft, and slouched in a way that in my mind, was very cool. I still love all of the plaids, though right now I’m having a thing for red and black glen plaid. I also love the Madewell yellow and blue paired with the striped turtleneck!
Are we buying from LLBean again? Wasn’t it the CEO of LLBean who is ultra conservative and female? I remember there was quite a stir during the election, but I could easily be mis-remembering!
Agree with y.k. and Dana D that it’s all in the styling. I have a heavy duty plaid flannel shirt from Patagonia that I have worn to death. Am drawn to the J.Crew and the L.L. Bean and the Rails faded one that says, “I have a breast pocket right here on my breast.”
I don’t know about LL Bean’s politics, but I have a black
watch plaid flannel shirt from them that’s perfect. They offer their tartan flannels in a “slightly fitted” cut too. I’m usually a 2 and ordered the shirt in an xx-small and it’s still big enough to be slouchy. For anyone who likes to play with styling, black watch and some other tartans can be treated as a neutral, i.e. mixed with just about anything. The result is NOT boring. The colors in the blue and pumpkin Madewell shirt are so unusual! Hmmm. Do I need one more plaid flannel shirt?
The Trump supporting L.L. Bean person is a granddaughter of the founder and one of ten board members. She gave her own money and the company declined to get involved in the election. Not exactly a progressive company, but not the worst I guess.
Thanks, Robin, for the clarification. Since I’m the only liberal in my extended family I try not to judge other families too harshly, however now I don’t feel nearly so bad for liking their plaid shirts!
In addition to the Frank and Eileen shirts, which are wonderful (check out all of their plaids this season), another California company with good ethics is Guideboat. Their plaid shirts are really nice.
Patagonia is all over transparency in production these days. (Not to mention how they care about our wild open spaces.) I always feel good when I shop there…
And all of their down products are as cruelty-free as down is going to get.
How about Pendleton plaid shirts. They are wonderful – https://www.pendleton-usa.com/product/womens-board-shirt-48104.html?dwvar_48104_color=8509&cgid=women-featured-new-arrivals#start=10&cgid=women-featured-new-arrivals
I steal my husband’s Pendleton when it’s really cold outside!
I like the more masculine ones. I remember being at brunch a while ago and seeing a young model-something styled a lot like the top photo (though without the underlayer) and thinking hmmm, that could be something. Although I have so far not taken steps to acquire one.
The more feminine frilly ones remind me irresistibly of the Lanz nighties and pjs I got every year for Christmas as a kid.
If I can indulge myself in a minute of back-patting…When I crashed NYFW last year the one new trend I spotted in the street fashion was Big Plaids. If you like them, I can congratulate myself. OK. Done:).
Let’s give credit to the new sartorialist, Lisa! 😉
I love the Rails shirts. I am tall with broad shoulders and a big chest and stiff flannel plaid shirts make me look like a linebacker. The Rails shirts, on the other hand, drape nicely (although I think they are really overpriced).
I blogged about (and purchased) that last one on Monday! It’s really good.
I bought a red plaid shirt a few years – to wear to a Ho-Down costume party. Not for me. Especially when there are so many other amazing shirts/tops/sweaters to wear. However, I’ve become obsessed with glen-plaid recently and found this number that I plan to wear with a white shirt underneath.
https://www.shopbop.com/out-west-corset-free-people/vp/v=1/1551914750.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=SE_froogle_SC_usa&cvosrc=cse.google.FREEP44046&cvo_campaign=SB_Google_USD&ef_id=WGfIqAAAAOzQeUJs:20171101192152:s
Tradlands has some good ones right now, and I think they are a great company.
Thanks Kate for the kinds words! We appreciate it.
Last winter, I bought the flannel Lumberjill shirt from Athleta in all 3 plaids they offered — so, so soft and comfortable. I live in the mountains, and my cold weather “at home” uniform is black Splendid leggings (thanks for that long-ago tip, Kim), a grey t-shirt and a plaid flannel shirt worn like a jacket.
To make sure I don’t look like an old man, I add diamond earrings.
You are awesome.
I got into flannel shirts last year when Pendleton did a collaboration with the Gap. The colors were great and the plaid had this 1970s vibe that pulled me in. It drapes beautifully.
Since then I’ve bought some more fun flannel shirts from Old Navy in bright color combos. This deep pink one is my current fave. https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pcid=5151&vid=1&pid=821002072
These are a great deal, Lorange! Thanks for the tip.