YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you wear checked or plaid shirts? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:02:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php gradfashionista on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1750481 Tue, 15 Nov 2016 06:33:50 +0000 gradfashionista 1750481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have an oversized J. Crew teal plaid shirt that I wear with jeans. It feels too casual for work, so it gets relegated to weekend and summer wear. The other plaid shirt is crisp and a bit dressy, and I enjoy wearing it with fitted jeans or culottes. KikiG on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748082 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 20:35:28 +0000 KikiG 1748082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Softer vs. crisper drape is a excellent addition to this analysis.  A "hard" tight, crisp dress shirt finish is going to be dressier than a more matte, softer twill, and a brushed or flannel finish is going to be inherently more casual, regardless of the pattern.  rachylou on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748077 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 20:28:20 +0000 rachylou 1748077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh back to add that I have a terrible problem with blue and red plaid. It's moth to flame. Am not allowed to look at it...or it will come home with me. Only so many blue and red plaid shirts a person needs :p Chris987 on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748075 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 20:18:55 +0000 Chris987 1748075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks aquamarine, sterling, always trying, muffin, peacechick, rachylou Texstyle I like your suggestions of interesting accessories incluidng bling. . Meredith interesting comments about contrast and colors. Very nice looks! I think red/pink tends to look especially good on blonds (as shown in finds) but they look good with your hair color too. Joy good suggestions on low contrast and small checks. I like those inspiration photos too especially in how colors are combined. Hmm...plaids and checks...that could be really cute! I can see how it would cheer you up after a long winter. Jaileen your styling ideas just might get me to try a striped top. I just never quite want to wear them but I like the idea of wearing one under a plaid shirt and next to a Thanksgiving dinner table chewyspaghetti, hmm, you are the second vote for wearing with a fuzzy vest...I like it Suz, not surprised that you are a plaid/check wearer. I like that your shirts are in neutrals, which I think makes them a little easier to dress up. Loving that LLBean one! Kikig i agree and thanks for stating it so clearly as far as what details are dressier vs. casual. I too have seen looks with a black/white small checked shirt under a black (or white) crewneck with a blingy necklace. Very nice look. Bonnie great suggestions about thsoe tunic styles wi th the open necklines, I can see how they would dress up nicely with blingy necklaces. Maneera nice look, I think plaid shirts with skinny jeans tucked into tall boots is a real classic look, I see it all the time from fall through spring. kkards that photo doesn't seem tow ant to get larger when I open so I assume your comment about compliments applies to the first find. Very nice colors, a little bright for me but I do like them. Hmm..."flannel friday"..that's a new one but sounds like fun Kiwigal/Sally I agree with you on the teenage connotations, since they do tend to wear them a lot. Softer drape is a good suggestion. Sal on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748067 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:40:00 +0000 Sal 1748067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I only have a dress in a large gingham print which I wear with white sneakers or tan sandal boots. I have avoided plaid shirts for a while, although I like them on others. I struggle with teenage connotations, and also with the shape of them on me- I probably need a softer draper fabric. We don't get the range here either, so my choices are limited. I like them best worn casually with a slight twist. rachylou on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748065 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 19:35:00 +0000 rachylou 1748065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear them like your pics # 4 & 5 - a little undone and slouchy. I'm really RATE all the way; look terrible all neat and tucked. If I want to be neat and sharp, I have to wear a tailored dress, I feel... peacechick on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748043 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 18:45:06 +0000 peacechick 1748043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I can only wear low contrast check and I prefer a larger grid for my frame (I think gamine tomboy shapes can wear smaller checks). I do like plaid a lot but have found I prefer in a longer length such as a tunic or dress. You might want to try different lengths as well as prints. The last plaid item I bought was this shirt dress from Old Navy. kkards on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1748020 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 17:49:18 +0000 kkards 1748020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ the 1st find is a silk shirt that fits at tunic length....honestly every time I wear this I get compliments, so, needless to say, happiness factor is a 10...I typically layer a tank or uniqlo heat tech tee under, and wear it with skinny pants or white jeans. the next 2 finds are flannel shirts and I wear them for work on flannel Fridays....they aren't my favorites, but I wear them to be part of the team.....the last find is "linen' (actually a linen cotton blend), that I wear as a layering piece in the spring/summer as kind of a shirt/tunic. Muffin on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747995 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:55:47 +0000 Muffin 1747995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ KikiG just articulated how I feel about plaids and why some work and some don't on me. I have only a few plaid shirts (all J. Crew) and in a smaller pattern in regular shirting fabric (versus flannel). I prefer a dressier version of plaids versus a grunge look (skirts instead of distressed jeans). Chris987 on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747980 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:33:18 +0000 Chris987 1747980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to check back on this later, but Suz it's so sad that you got all excited about that shirt but can't have it. Sounds a bit silly but I know exactly how you feel, has happened to me too! We'll just have to keep a lookout for similar for you... Maneera on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747978 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:29:21 +0000 Maneera 1747978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't worn mine yet this year. Here's how I was wearing it last year though: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-two-easy-fall-outfits" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ll-outfits</a> I'll surely click a photo once I wear it this Fall. Meredith on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747976 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:15:56 +0000 Meredith 1747976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So sad! Suz on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747973 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:07:27 +0000 Suz 1747973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Meredith, thank you.  Alas, all gone in any size that might work for me. Sobbing...checked ebay, too, and nada.  always trying on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747971 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 16:02:55 +0000 always trying 1747971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have 3. One is too long so seldom worn. the other I like best unbottoned over t shirts like a light weight jacket. Love the look of them under a crew neck sweater or sweat shirt, but can't seem to get this look to work for me. Bonnie on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747970 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:41:12 +0000 Bonnie 1747970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Checks and plaids are about the only patterns I wear. I love to throw a plaid flannel shirt over a long sleeve tee for hiking, birding, or lounging. I have three dressier plaids that I wear with crop jeans and boots. I added bling (crystal necklaces) to the dark red and blue tops for casual holiday parties last year. The plaid shirtdress can also be worn as a duster. KikiG on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747969 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:35:26 +0000 KikiG 1747969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think that the smaller the check, the dressier you can style a checked shirt.  A buffalo check starts out more casual than a much smaller check.  A recognizable tartan plaid seems dressier than a non-recognizable plaid.   Muted seems dressier than vivid.  My small (1/4 inch squares) black and white check shirt can be dressed up pretty well; I'm thinking the 3/4 inch squares navy and white check shirt I just  bought won't be a dressy or cross over from work to casual (but it is for a casual capsule, with gray and denim, so that's fine.) Last year, I saw a small black and white check shirt under a black crewneck, with a rhinestone necklace under the collar, on Pinterest.  I couldn't rest until I duplicated the outfit, lol, and it is still one of my very favorite outfits of all time.   Chris987 on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747968 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:33:48 +0000 Chris987 1747968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such great comments, keep them coming! I found this plaid shirt recently while browsing for red items for the holidays. Not sure what I think of the ruffle. Meredith on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747965 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:32:13 +0000 Meredith 1747965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, it's from Land End: <a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-long-sleeve-flannel-shirt/id_281182?sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/produc.....182?sku_0=</a>::JGZ Anonymous on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747963 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:16:48 +0000 Anonymous 1747963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought my first one ever in Winter 2015.  I bought a second one in October 2016.  I am still deciding what I think about style.  I DO NOT wear them to work.  They are weekend wear only.  Suz on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747962 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:14:12 +0000 Suz 1747962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love tartan, and I love checks. So I always have a couple of plaid shirts it seems, in different weights. I like to wear them casually but I also love the dressy juxtaposition with a skirt. (It's just that I rarely get that opportunity.) I do wear them under blazers, though, as well as under pullovers, from time to time. Mostly with denim but sometimes with a dressier pant option.  My current favourite is a gingham shirt in blue and white, but I also have a soft flannel from LL Bean that I pretty much confine to deep winter.  And now, Meredith, I desperately WANT that pink and red one in your custom finds. What, pray tell, is it?????  chewyspaghetti on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747959 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 15:00:09 +0000 chewyspaghetti 1747959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My one plaid shirt gets worn casually. It's not crisp enough for a tucked in, buttoned up look. I wore it with my furry vest and cargo skinnies last week. Yesterday, I tied it around my waist in case I got cold and needed an extra layer over my T-shirt and boyfriend jeans with a beanie (90's grunge all the way!) JAileen on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747947 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 14:17:53 +0000 JAileen 1747947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear plaid shirts casually. With jeans, with a striped tee underneath, and a down or fleece vest on top. Usually for an outdoor activity, such as birding. I may wear that same uniform for Thanksgiving, minus the vest. We're hosting, so nothing dressy. Anonymous on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747943 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 14:07:17 +0000 Anonymous 1747943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ By spring I'm bored enough to wear checks and plaid shirts together, one over the other. Anonymous on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747942 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 14:05:44 +0000 Anonymous 1747942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find checks easy to wear and fun for pattern mixing. I wear plaids casually mostly with jeans, but love the look of combining them with dressy pieces and bling. I just don't have the right pieces. Like Meredith, I go for low contrast plaids and I like checks best in small sizes. Chris your inspiration photos have some great ideas. texstyle on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747938 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:50:30 +0000 texstyle 1747938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And now that fiery checked plaid is on it's way to me. I've been on the fence about it for quite a while but decided today (on special with free shipping) was a good day to try it out. Meredith on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747937 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:49:41 +0000 Meredith 1747937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love plaid shirts. I always keep at least one in my closet for cool weather. Last year I had a white/gray buffalo check. I liked the scale and thought the colors would be versatile, but now I realize the level of contrast was too high. This year I have lower contrast and brighter colored shirts (so I guess tip one is to stick to contrast levels you prefer, tip two is hold out for good colors). I love the first picture you posted, but most of my plaid outfits are very casual-more like 4 & 5. I wouldn't say I try to make them versatile. I'm happy to wear them as casual, more interesting alternatives to tees and sweatshirts. I do sometimes layer a vest over top (I don't own a cardigan, but like the idea of them layered under a chunky knit). Some recent looks: 1) Farm tour. Worn with cuffed straight-leg jeans and slip-on sneakers. Started the day with the oversized sweater as a top layer. 2) Bonfire with teenagers I mentor. Worn with skinny jeans, cowboy boots, and big puffer vest. 3) Work from home. Worn with plush vest, cropped flare jeans, sneakers. All very casual, yet some variety. I'd love to try a dressier look. Might need to play around in the closet. texstyle on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747936 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:44:27 +0000 texstyle 1747936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear plaid quite a lot lately. I wear them mostly with jeans (denim or other) and semi-tucked, sleeves scrunched/rolled, belt, bracelets and interesting shoes if possible. If I had a need to dress up I might pair one with a pencil skirt and low heels and sparkly jewelry. Aquamarine on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747934 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:39:46 +0000 Aquamarine 1747934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the look tucked in, but I am not a tucker so I don't have any plaid shirts. Untucked seems very casual and not polished enough for me. But maybe I haven't found the right plaid shirt. Lands End has some plaid tunics that look interesting, but the reviews are mixed and tunics often feel sloppy to me so I am on the fence about trying one. Chris987 on "How do you wear checked or plaid shirts?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-wear-checked-or-plaid-shirts#post-1747925 Mon, 07 Nov 2016 13:18:09 +0000 Chris987 1747925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve always liked the look of a plaid/checked shirt but have never been happy with my few attempts to style them, so I thought I’d ask for some input. If you wear checked/plaid shirts, what colors, patterns, and scale do you like? How do you style and wear them? Which of your style personas do they represent? How versatile do you find them? And if you don’t wear them, why not?   Here are some sample looks, it seems there are endless ways to wear them. Find -  Angie posted this shirt in an ensemble a few weeks ago and there were great ideas in the responses  <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2016/10/14/ensemble-two-plaid-shirt-combinations">http://youlookfab.com/2016/10/.....mbinations</a>   Photos - 3 from extrapetite.com & 2 from Pinterest    Thanks!