I love plaid (or checked) pants, and have several pairs. I’ve worn them since I was a teen and consider them part of my signature style. When it comes to pants, I like bold checks and subtle checks, and every check in between. Bright, neutral, small, big, low contrast, high contrast — I’ve worn them all.
At the moment, I have six pairs of plaid pants (the the exact items in the collection below.) Currently, all the checks are “quiet,” although it wasn’t planned that way. They are mostly micro in size, low contrast, and fairly neutral. Some pairs I wear year round and others are seasonal. Every checked pant in my wardrobe is a workhorse. I wear them as frequently as my jeans, although they are dressier. I remix them with brights, pastels, and neutrals, and pattern mix a lot with them too. They are awfully versatile and function like false plains in my wardrobe.
Here are four easy outfit ideas with quiet checked pants.
1. Moto and Sneakers
This is a great one for Team Untucked Top. Combine a pair of quiet neutral plaid pants with an untucked white pullover, blouse, tee or shirt, and white sneakers. Top things off with a black moto jacket to finish off the look. Here the black and white top layers bookend the white sneakers with the black stripe. Fably matchy-matchy. White sneakers, or black sneakers with white soles would work well too. Or if you insist, a pair of black boots.
2. Dark Pattern Mix
This is for Team Dark Neutrals. Combine dark neutral plaid pants with a solid top to match. Throw in a patterned topper in the same palette, and finish things off with dark footwear that works with the bottoms. Or swap things around by wearing a dark patterned top in the same palette with a solid topper.
3. Glam, Heeled and Pretty
This is the most maximal and dressy of the four renditions and for Team Heels. Combine a pair of quiet grey plaid pants with an earthy top and gold heels. Finish things off with a pastel pink topper. The gold shoes and mustard top are complementary. The pink is unexpected, as are the glitzy dressy pumps. Loving how the hoops mirror the glitz of the pumps.
4. White Support Act
Here’s a simple rendition to end off with, and my favourite because it’s awfully crisp, and I adore white shoes. Generally, you can sandwich most pairs of quiet plaid pants with a white top and white footwear to create a cohesive and pulled together look. Choose a dressy or casual white support act. Wearing a white camisole under a white top makes the white look brighter. Tuck, semi-tuck or untuck the top. Add jewellery, watch and bag as desired.
