Plaids and checks are traditionally thought of as Autumn and Winter patterns, but they work equally well in warm and hot weather. As long as the items are in the right fabric and silhouette, enjoy wearing plaids and checks year round. Remember that checks and plaids can be low or high contrast, small or large scale, bold or subtle, and neutral or non-neutral, so take your pick. Here are some outfit ideas. Choose any colour palette.
1. Casual Plaid Top
Combine a plaid shirt or blouse in any silhouette with a pair of jeans, shorts, chinos, utility pants, or skirt. Finish off the look with comfy Summer footwear and a bag to match. Uncomplicated! Here are some examples.
The model combines a strappy plaid camisole with a pair of white jeans and denim jacket. Leave the top untucked if that’s your preference. Dressy white heeled slides complete the look, but feel free to wear a more casual shoe. Gold, silver, red and blue shoes can work well too. Add a bag to match the outfit.
Layer with a plaid or checked shirt instead of a jacket. Light, breezy, and offers good sun protection. Wearing the shirt over a column of white and with shorts is very Summery. Or you can pattern mix the plaid with stripes, or a graphic tee.
2. Plaid Dress
If you bat for Team Summer Dress, it’s the easiest way to wear the vibe. Pop on a plaid or checked dress in a silhouette and colour that tickles your fancy. Add a pair of sandals, slides, mules, sneakers, Birkenstocks, espadrilles, loafers, oxfords, peep-toe booties, clogs, cowboy boots, and a bag to match, and Bob’s your uncle.
3. Plaid Suit
If you’re into pants and shorts suits, wear one in a quiet and subtle neutral, or a loud and bold colour like the model is wearing here. The pattern-mixed top is optional, and so are the on-trend socks and slides. Add a graphic tee or shell top, and sneakers or loafers to dress down the look. Or keep it dressy with heels, shirt, or blouse. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as decided.
Plaids and checks are amongst my favourite patterns, and I wear them year round in weather-appropriate fabrics. At the moment I have a plaid linen shirt, a plaid cotton dress, a rayon gingham dress, a tan wool-silk trouser suit, navy gingham pants, and wide leg turquoise and orange pants for warm and hot weather. I’d love to have a bright plaid pants suit too.
Who else bats for Team Warm-Weather Plaid and Checks?
