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21 Creative Ways to Style Plaid Prints and Flannel Shirts All Year Round

ICYMI, plaid doesn't have an expiration date.

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What do lumberjacks, Cher Horowitz from Clueless, and Rachel Green from Friends all have in common? Answer: a love of one of the most iconic prints out there. Plaid is a look that's been trendy for decades, mainly thanks to the one enduring, timeless plaid clothing item that'll truly never die — flannel shirts. They're comfortable, they come in a ton of different colors, and they've been worn with everything from denim to mini dresses since your mom was in high school. Need we say more?

Flannels aren't just for fall, either — don't sleep on plaid shirts when it comes to your spring and summer wardrobe. Throw one over your swimsuit on a beach day, tie one around your waist at a summer music festival, or make sure you don't freeze in your tank top under the blast of the A.C. in AP Bio with a flannel. They're a go-with-everything staple that can look punk, feminine, or totally (wonderfully) basic depending on how you style it.

Below, you'll find some genius ways to wear plaid clothing, inspired by some of the most stylish celebrities and street style stars on your IG feed.

Shacket Szn

street style february 22nd milan fashion week fallwinter 2020 2021
Claudio Lavenia//Getty Images

Make all of your Evermore album cover dreams come true in a flannel shacket that works year round. It's the easiest way to add a dash of plaid to your fave outfit.

Good American Neutral Plaid Shacket

Neutral Plaid Shacket

Good American Neutral Plaid Shacket

Now 64% Off
$61 at Revolve

A Pop of Plaid

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Think of this outfit formula like making your favorite sandwich, except instead of salami or Swiss cheese, you'll stick a flannel shirt between the layers of your monochrome outfit. Subtle, but effective.

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Lumister Oversized Flannel Plaid Shirt

Oversized Flannel Plaid Shirt

Lumister Oversized Flannel Plaid Shirt

Now 21% Off

Tied Around Your Waist

street style berlin september, 2021
Christian Vierig//Getty Images

This one-second style hack that doubles as a belt will give a simple shirt dress some cool '90s flare. Finish with a bucket hat.

ZAFUL Flannel Plaid Shacket

Flannel Plaid Shacket

ZAFUL Flannel Plaid Shacket

Now 36% Off
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Underneath a Sweater

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Matthew Sperzel//Getty Images

Your usual collared-shirt-and-sweater combo is about to level up, hard. Just swap out the button-up for a flannel and a matching beanie.

Abercrombie & Fitch Relaxed Flannel Shirt

Relaxed Flannel Shirt

Abercrombie & Fitch Relaxed Flannel Shirt

Utilitarian Vibes

street style day six paris fashion week womenswear fw 2022 2023
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Have you ever put on an outfit and thought, "It's almost there, it just needs a little *oomph*"? Reach for an unexpected plaid shirt to fashion-ify your look.

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KevaMolly Plaid Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt in Yellow and Black

Plaid Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt in Yellow and Black

KevaMolly Plaid Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt in Yellow and Black

With Your Favorite Leggings

cologne, germany   march 26 vanessa stanat wearing live fast die young flanell, grey givenchy bag and white sneakers, nike socks and black hm skinny jeans on march 26, 2021 in cologne, germany photo by jeremy moellergetty images
Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

Is there literally anything leggings can't match with?! (The answer is no.) Throw on a boyfriend flannel, a pair of tube socks, and your absolute *freshest* sneakers.

Gap Flannel Big Shirt

Flannel Big Shirt

Gap Flannel Big Shirt

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With Statement Pants

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Plaid shirts are so easy to match, because they've go so many colors worked into their checks. Wear yours flowing over a pair of matching trousers.

CCTOO Plaid Flannel Lapel Button Down

Plaid Flannel Lapel Button Down

CCTOO Plaid Flannel Lapel Button Down

With a Surprisingly Girly Kick

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Powder pink plaid, like Vanessa's, gives her ripped jeans a sweet touch. Sling it around your waist for that extra dose of cool factor.

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NUOREEL Casual Plaid Soft Button Down Top

 Casual Plaid Soft Button Down Top

NUOREEL Casual Plaid Soft Button Down Top

Knotted at the Center

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Turn your coziest flannel into a Going Out Top in two seconds, by tying it up in front. Then roll up the sleeves or, if you're feeling extra crafty, crop them with scissors.

OCHENTA Short Sleeve Plaid Button Down Shirt

Short Sleeve Plaid Button Down Shirt

OCHENTA Short Sleeve Plaid Button Down Shirt

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Mixing Plaids

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If it's too cold for a thin flannel to be your top layer, grab a plaid coat. Don't be afraid to create visual interest with a pair of contrasting plaid pants.

MINKPINK Sloan Coat in Blue

Sloan Coat in Blue

MINKPINK Sloan Coat in Blue

Now 29% Off
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Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor

Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

Lettermark

Ann Wang is a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day. At Seventeen.com, she covers fashion and accessories and is obsessed with finding fabulous steals under $100 for savvy shoppers.

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