I have 2 plaid shirts as well. One is silky polyster and can be worn anytime of the year...the other flannel.

Look for a cotton blend with rayon....or look for a silky texture. You'll find tons of plaid prints in fabrics of all weight. I have the same problem as you regarding the top button, so I wear my shirt with top 2-3 buttons undone and a cami inside.

My plaids are less classic, but I purchased them because I liked the colors, fabrics, and/or the slightly more abstract print and cut. I know you are talking about shirts here but I have two plaid dresses that have seen much wear this summer so i included them. if you want to wear plaid but not look like all the other plaid shirts around you, this could be a nice option. For fall my dresses will go under jackets or sweaters, etc.

For a long time I found them too casual for my style, in any color. Then, I just added 2 pcs. of them in bl&w last fall and wear them with pencil skirts, to work in an office:-). I just love the graphic integrity of a regular, mid scale chechkered pattern, and the strict bold color combo of them, which to me is dressing them up a bit....Oh wait. maybe the one I am wearing the most it it is not really a flanel (fabric) per se, rather a thick cotton?(I hate button ups, if thin and too stiff). Sorry, I cannot remember...but I was thinking you are asking more about the pattern:-). I will surely wear them this fall, again-as am all in bl&w for the moment:-).

Thanks everyone. Early am and on iPhone so I can't reply to everyone.

It's funny that several mention seeing these tops everywhere. I guess they haven't made it to where I live bc I don't see them in the stores or on people. I will be sourcing these when I go to the USA. So no worry about looking like a teeny bopper or like everyone around me. I just wanna look like a pulled together thirty ahem something year old and like lyn mentioned i like the graphic integrity, bright colors and bold patterns so I am gonna give them a whirl.

Thanks everyone.