I’m on a mission to switch up all my denim in my closet. With the popular trouser trend happening right now, trying a plaid pant or trouser is a good way to do just that. While this is a print we may reach for to wear to the office, I think you can definitely wear these out in a more casual or edgy way. And that’s exactly what I plan on doing. They can look great as part of many outfit ideas and trends. Let’s take a twist on the classic and incorporate some fashion trends to make them feel new.
What To Wear With Plaid Pants
Chunky Sweater
Plaid instantly feels more like a fall print so I like to pair a plaid trouser with a cute chunky sweater.
Leather Jacket
To edge things up a bit, add a leather jacket to balance out a plaid pant that can feel a little more preppy.
Denim Jacket
Another go-to in my closet is my denim jacket. It gets so much use and for good reason. Pair an oversized denim jacket (a cropped but oversized would be great) with plaid trousers. This instantly dresses it all down and makes it feel a bit more casual and more like a fashion trend and not like you’re heading to the office.
Collared Pullover
At the moment, a collared pullover is a huge fashion trend. it’s a touch 70’s, a touch preppy, and when styled right it can feel very cool.
Sweater Tank
When styling a looser pant like a trouser, I like to do a more fitted top. Insert the sweater tank. My favorite piece in my closet for fall and easy layering. Pair this with a chunky sweater thrown over your shoulder or under a leather jacket.
Graphic T-Shirt
The juxtaposition of the preppy plaid pant and a graphic edgy tee is perfection. Use this as a layering piece under a jacket. Or wear as is for warmer days and pair with a sneaker.
Sneakers
A trouser paired with a sneaker is one of the best combinations right now. It helps to dress it down but still be on trend. I like a chunky Dad sneaker style or a sleek Veja. For a more cool girl vibe, try a Converse like a high top especially if it’s a slightly cropped pant!
High Heels
Dress up those plaid pants with a pair of heels. A simple high-heeled sandal or leather pumps work perfectly.
Boots
Try a bootie with your wide leg plaid trouser. Or if you want to try a fun style trend with a straight leg plaid pant, try them with a knee high boot. The slightly baggier pant tucked into a boot is a very cool trend to try. And if you’re doing a slightly cropped plaid trouser, you can do a Dr Marten or lug sole boot of sorts.
Crop Tops
Whether you do a true crop top with a little midriff showing, or a cropped sweater, either are great options! I really love something like this that I’ve worn before and love!
Blazer
Complete your outfit with a third piece like a blazer. Instead of going all matchy matchy, try something different to contrast the outfit. Maybe a leather blazer or a silky one for a nicer outfit at night. You can totally add a matching blazer, but to make it feel less like you’re heading to the office, and more like a fashion statement, try more fashion forward cuts or other accessories to make it feel fresh.
Shop Plaid Pants
Plaid Pants Outfit Ideas
Out For Drinks Or A Show
To dress up a pair of plaid trousers for a drink with a friend, or maybe see a show, this is exactly what I’d do to switch it up. Plaid pants can feel very preppy or conservative. To counteract that, add a leather jacket and a sexy strappy heel. Instantly feels a little sexy and edgy!
A Cool Look For the Office
Plaid on plaid! But mix it up. Instead of matching your plaid, coordinate it instead. This is a fun take on the plaid trend and a really fashion forward way to wear it to the office. This would also be very fun to wear out to dinner with friends.
Lunch With A Friend
This is the perfect casual and put together combination. Fittted sweater tank, sweater over the shoulders and a cool sneaker. I’d wear this out to explore a new city or have lunch with a friend. This combination is also perfect for early fall or spring for an easy breezy look to transition from season to season.
Plaid on Plaid With Boots For Fall or Winter
Another plaid on plaid combo. It’s all about a smaller plaid pattern paired with a more bold one. This look feels very cool for winter with a wool plaid pant and sleek leather pointed toe boots.
Sophisticated And Fashion Forward
Matchy matchy done right. This is a perfect combination of a slightly bootcut plaid pant paired with a more fashion blazer that’s longer than your traditional blazer in your closet.
Plaid Pants With Converse And A Cropped Tee
For that cool effortless weekend vibe, try plaid (or checkered) pants with a high top Converse, cropped tee (or just a regular one!) and a light jacket. Leather jacket, bomber jacket, cropped puffer jacket, you name it, it probably works. This proves to me that you can wear a pair of plaid trousers as casual outfits. Period.
