This one is for those on Team Plaid Pants who enjoy pattern mixing. You can create a more minimal and quiet combination with subtle patterns, or a more maximal combination with louder patterns. Apart from the first example, these are on the louder side. Feel free to tone them down, and add toppers and Winter accessories for insulation.

1. Neutral Check Plus Graphic Tee

Combine a gentle pair of plaid pants — like a monochromatic glen plaid — with a graphic tee. Wear the tee out or tucked. This one is white with white shoes to match (you don’t need to wear your pant lengths this long.) A black graphic tee with black shoes works equally well. I see a black, navy, tan, grey, white or denim topper. Match the bag with the shoes, or throw in another neutral.

2. Geometric Squared

This is my favourite of the four because I love the dressiness and the colours. Combine a pair of tartan or checked trousers with a regular top or tunic in a clashing but matching geometric pattern. A floral and striped top, sweater or tunic can work too. The patterns clash because they are different, but match because the colour palettes are similar. This gives the eye a rest and pulls the look together. The cognac shoes, that sort of match the orange in the pattern, are unexpected. I’d have thrown in cream, burgundy, chocolate or navy boots.

3. Tartan and Animal Print

Combine a pair of plaid or checked pants with a white or cream top, and boots to match. Throw over an animal print topper in a similar colour palette to the pattern of the bottoms. The larger scale of the one pattern works well with the smaller scale of the other. I would have left off the red scarf for a crisper touch, but it does pick up the red in the tartan. Alternatively, throw in a black top and boots, which would pick up the black in both patterns.

4. Black, Grey and White

And last, something for those who enjoy black and white. Combine a pair of grey plaid pants with a geometric patterned top that picks up the same monochromatic palette. The tan shoes here match the small components of tan in the pullover, and the brass trim of the belt. Black, grey or white footwear and bag are fab additions. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.