Flannel Shirts - Aye or Nay? - YouLookFab Forum

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Flannel Shirts - Aye or Nay?

Urbanfae

(website)

It was a very chilly day here in Detroit, and it's made me think earnestly about my fall wardrobe options.

I used to own a fabulous flannel shirt that was so warm and cozy! But that was back before I had any interest in fashion or shopping. I am definitely a fashion newbie, so I just have to ask...is it still okay to wear flannel shirts?

Flannel shirts seem to be a trend for my 15 yo DD and her friends, but I wasn't sure if it was suited to my nearly-50-yo self. I didn't see any flannel shirts on the finds section of the YLF site, either.

This is the shirt I'm considering (in the classic navy pattern): http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....nnel-shirt

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from bytiffany

Anonymous

MsMary has worn a plaid shirt from the boys'dept. with style and Goldenpig even paired one with a black lace skirt. You might try it to see how you feel. I feel the look is too young for me, but I'm much older than you are. For awhile I used a plaid soft flannel jacket lined in satin as a more grownup version, but it got purged eventually as too juvenile for an AARP member. It depends on your style and life.

Aida

Veteran

I'm a big yay to flannel shirts, especially in plaid, for casual wear. As you said, very cozy for winter. I have several which get plenty of wear, especially when I'm desperately in need of a break from my sweaters. The one you linked looks promising, but it'll be tough to say without seeing it on. If it fits similarly to how it looks on the model (which is to say, a bit more oversized) AND the fabric is nice and soft (so that it drapes well) then I think you'd be set. That all said, I personally prefer flannels without those pockets, or at the very least a larger and lower-set pocket.

deb

Veteran

I have several flannel shirts that I wore all last winter, so I say Yea!

JAileen

Veteran

I wear them to go hiking and birding. I wouldn't wear them to a meeting though.

Urbanfae

(website)

Thanks everyone. I'm grateful for your comments. I am a very casual dresser as I only go into work twice a week. Mostly, I would want the shirt for running errands or for a casual lunch or breakfast with a friend. I'm glad to know that I'm not too far off base, lol.

Jenny H

Veteran

I have a wonderful Pendleton flannel and I love to wear it in very casual outfits.

crutcher

Veteran

Detroit...yup..that is cold...I have a wonderful Ralph Lauren flannel and let me tell you I wear the tail off that shirt when it is bleeping cold..I layer it and wear it everywhere..My vote is a definite yes and my suggestion is order one in each color, please...I have read from the Farmers Almanac that we are having another bad winter..You will be delighted to have the warmth to layer..

kkards

Veteran

l really like this shirt, and think you can wear this (and other flannel shirts), but i think with all things, its all in the details. as aida said fit is important, but as well, i'd make sure that i was wearing jeans and shoes that looked current.

Glory

Veteran

Yes to the flannel shirt. I purchased this one in the picture last year and got loads of wear out of it. Last year when I was searching one of the YLF members mentioned a straight hem versus a rounder hem and that one can be more flattering fit wise than another. Another aspect is the thickness of the fabric. If it is too thick you may not be able to layer the way you wish.

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Carla

Veteran

I wear my flannel shirt with a pencil skirt! Prefer the comfort of flannel to any other button down.

MuseumGal

Veteran

I wear flannel shirts often, but I wear them as over shirts, like a light jacket (button ups in general do not get a long with the boobs of wrath, so I don't wear them like a blouse). I have a solid navy one that is fine for work (assuming work is relatively casual), and a couple of plaid ones that I use for running around and doing errands kind of thing. They are so deliciously cozy that I can't imagine ever not having one or two to cuddle up in.

Golden

Veteran

Yep, go for it!

viva

Veteran

I got rid of one because I was no longer fond it its fit or color, but I am on the lookout for another. And I'm 50.

Zibbets

Veteran

I lovelovelove plaid. I'm interested to see that LLBean has XS and XXS sizes, as I have always thought their sizing ran very large. This is also "semi fitted" which makes it more appealing. I think it would be great for the uses you've mentioned. If the fit is great, I'd be tempted to wear it under a navy blazer.

Don't miss Goldenpig's recent post with her plaid shirt.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE checked shirts and want more. The best trend to come out of the '90s was the flannel shirt.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a couple and love them. Great for cold weather layering when you don't want to default to a sweater. I like layering mine with a leather jacket to counteract the potential lumberjack vibe.

T

I think flannel shirts are a classic!

Nicole D

Veteran

I am inspired at how well others wear plaid or flannel shirts on this forum but I have not been able to find one that works on me. Although Vince has some cute ones coming out this fall with a leather trimmed mandarin collar and contrasting plaid cuffs....

shedev

Veteran

It,s an Aye for me. I'll be on the lookout for the right one myself.

Windchime

Veteran

Hi, Urbanfae--I just saw this! Great question.
I bought a flannel shirt last winter due to YLF inspiration. I looked a couple months before finding one I loved, but once I had it, I wore it a LOT--under sweaters or a vest or with a blazer layered over. I wore it mostly for casual events although it went to work with me a few times, mostly peaking out from pullover sweaters. I'm looking forward to pulling it out again this fall.
I haven't yet had the courage to pair it with a skirt, but some YLFers do that magnificently.
I say go for it and have fun styling it.

bytiffany

(website)

Member

i love flannels so much!!