How To Wear A Plaid Coat – Best Plaid Coats For Fall / Winter

Are plaid coats still in fashion? How should you rock a plaid coat? These are queries that often cross your mind. Within this comprehensive guide to plaid coats, we’ll delve into the art of donning them, dissect the latest plaid trends, and unveil prime destinations to procure the finest plaid coats for the Fall/Winter 2023/24 season. Because one certainty reigns this year: there’s a plaid coat tailored for every individual.

ARE PLAID COATS IN STYLE 2023?

Absolutely! To begin, it’s important to highlight that plaid is a classic pattern that never goes out of style, but specifically in 2023, it’s set to dominate the fashion scene once again.

Beyond their aesthetic charm, plaid coats exude warmth and comfort, effortlessly adding a touch of elegance to any attire, a feat that can often prove somewhat impossible during the colder months. So, when you’re faced with the task of revitalizing a dull fall or winter outfit, the plaid coat steps in as your trusted companion, swiftly taking your style to new levels of grace and allure.

WHAT’S DRIVING THE RESURGENCE OF THE PLAID TREND?

The return of plaid is a symphony of reasons, with the crescendo echoing the resolute resurgence of the ’90s and ’00s fashion trends. While plaid once epitomized the punk and preppy subcultures of bygone eras, today it adorns wardrobes of all styles, breaking barriers and celebrating diversity.

Presently, the plaid pattern is omnipresent, gracing a multitude of garments that span the gamut from blazers to flannel shirts, and from dresses to sweeping long skirts. Naturally, plaid coats follow suit, asserting their prominence within this tapestry of trends.

REDISCOVERING PLAID COATS: YOUR STYLE, YOUR WAY

When the air gets cooler and winter arrives, that’s when plaid usually steals the show. The classic plaid made of wool evokes images of warmth and a sense of seasonal nostalgia. To put it simpler, it’s associated with feeling cozy.

But now, plaid items come in an opulent mosaic of diverse materials and all sorts of fabrics, allowing plaid enthusiasts to embrace this trend across various climates. One can drape themselves in sumptuous, heavy plaid jackets for the chill-laden days or opt for the breezy elegance of lightweight plaid blazers when the sun graces the sky.

To make it more clear-cut, here is the direct question:

CAN YOU WEAR PLAID IN SUMMER?

Absolutely, you can totally rock plaid during the summer months! While plaid might be more associated with fall and winter, it’s all about choosing the right fabrics and colors. Opt for lighter materials like cotton or linen in bright and cheerful plaids. Think about cute plaid sundresses, lightweight plaid shirts tied around the waist, or even plaid shorts paired with a simple tank top. So, go ahead and infuse a touch of plaid into your sunny summer style!

WHERE / WHEN DID PLAID COME OUT?

The plaid pattern as we recognize it today made its debut in 18th-century Scotland. During that era, the Scots employed ‘plaids’ not only as functional blankets but also stylishly draped them over their shoulders. However, the origins of this captivating pattern trace even further back to the ancient Celts, who infused it with deeper meaning as a representation of their clan identity, and woven it in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.

WHERE TO BUY PLAID COATS

Nearly every brand is currently embracing the plaid trend, resulting in a plethora of choices to consider. Among the sea of options, a few have particularly captured my heart.

While the bold and grandiose plaid prints undeniably draw attention, my own quest led me to a different destination. A light grey, elegantly elongated plaid coat claimed my admiration and eventually my wardrobe: A long grey plaid transitional coat.

A long grey plaid trench or coat is not only a testament to refined style but also a companion for many ensembles – corporate or more casual. The neutral gray hue further extends its charm, harmonizing with a spectrum of colors and ensuring its relevance for transcending seasons from fall through spring.

Anyway, without further ado, here are my top picks:

PLAID BLAZERS

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PLAID COATS & TRENCHCOATS

OTHER PLAID TRENDS – SHACKETS, FLANNEL SHIRTS & ACCESSORIES

CAN YOU WEAR PLAID ON PLAID

Absolutely, you can indeed master the art of wearing plaid on plaid. It’s important to be mindful of the size of the lines when combining plaid patterns. Stark variations in line sizes can create an unbalanced appearance. However, if two pieces share the same print but in distinct forms, the result can be visually appealing. The beauty lies in the harmonious blend of patterns & colors. Imagine the striking synergy that these carefully curated items below can create when combined: The jacket with the dress, the scarf with the dress, or all three together.

PS. As an enchanting bonus item to this blog post, it’s impossible to overlook the charm of the above exquisite maxi plaid Norma Kamali dress! This gem effortlessly transcends occasions, promising an ensemble that seamlessly adapts to both elevated soirées and casual outings.

CAN YOU MIX & MATCH PLAID WITH OTHER PATTERNS

Sure. You can successfully and artfully blend plaid with various other patterns and textures – think floral motifs, stripes, checks, fur accents, denim elements, knitted pieces and more. Experiment with layering: Place a white shirt beneath a houndstooth coat, then finalize it with a checkered pattern in matching shades, achieving a striking and incredibly fashionable appearance. This approach adds a touch of street-style flair to your ensemble.

HOW TO WEAR A PLAID COAT – OUTFIT IDEAS

Whether you love a girly vibe, edgy punk fashion, keeping it simple and chic, going all out with your clothes, rocking a preppy style, or staying on-trend, a plaid coat is the perfect thing to add to your look. It’s like a fashion chameleon – it can match any style effortlessly.

So, embrace the plaid trend and make it your own. Let your plaid coat tell your style story. This trend is here to stay and you can invest in it without guilt! Adapt it to your personal wardrobe and keep feeling confident and playful.

1. PLAID COAT WITH SHORTS

A very nice way to wear a long plaid coat involves experimenting with proportions by teaming it with shorts. The plaid pattern seamlessly complements both monochrome ensembles and juxtaposed with other plaid prints. For instance, I effortlessly combined it with an all-black ensemble consisting of a turtleneck sweater, faux leather shorts, and a dash of urban charm in the form of grey chunky sneakers.

Surprisingly, the lace belongs to the leather shorts rather than the tights—a detail I find delightfully ingenious. This gives me comfort and freedom of movement for an active day, all while balancing between the robust aesthetics of chunky sneakers and a touch of feminity. Faux leather keeps undeniably en vogue this fall/winter, offering a myriad of options to enrich your wardrobe.

2. PLAID COAT WITH A SPORTY CHIC OUTFIT

A plaid coat looks extremely good also in a sporty chic outfit. Picture this: pairing it with joggers or sleek leggings, topped by a cozy hoodie (with the hood hanging outside) or a stylish tee, and rounded off with either sneakers for that laid-back vibe or heels for a touch of elegance. In this instance, I effortlessly married it with a sleek Adidas black top, my favorite white Veja V-10 sneakers, and a touch of intrigue in the form of PVC vinyl leggings.

As an aside, I’ve come across a noteworthy observation: in the past, a number of PVC leggings have posed significant concerns, ranging from extreme discomfort to producing rather disconcerting sounds with each step, akin to the friction of rubbing a balloon. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the sole ‘wearable’ vinyl leggings I’ve encountered, backed by highly positive reviews.

3. PLAID COAT WITH A SKIRT

Create an ensemble suitable for a daytime lunch or a night on the town, by combining your preferred mini skirt with a plaid coat or blazer. Enhance the look with a beloved T-shirt or blouse and a charming set of knee-high boots.

4. PLAID COAT WITH A DRESS AND OVERKNEE BOOTS

A snug sweater dress paired with tights and over-the-knee boots forms an impeccable match for a plaid coat. This outfit is suitable for various formal occasions and makes you well-prepared for chilly temperatures and in style.

5. PLAID COAT WITH JEANS AND A GRAPHIC TEE

Plaid coats complement ideally casual ensembles, such as a playful graphic T-shirt paired with jeans. Give a burst of color with your graphic T-shirt to make a statement.

6. PLAID COAT WITH TROUSERS AND A SHIRT

Crafting a flawless office ensemble is effortless with the addition of a plaid blazer. When the weather doesn’t quite warrant a full jacket, a plaid blazer is an excellent choice to infuse that delightful pattern into your attire. Wear a pair of sleek trousers with a chic blouse, and top it off with the plaid blazer for an elegant and refined look.

And that concludes our 2023/24 exploration of the nostalgic world of plaid coats. I trust you’ve relished this read and found what you were seeking.

Are you a fan of the plaid trend? Share your thoughts with me in the comment section!

If you found this post enjoyable, and informative, or know someone who could benefit from it, feel free to share it!

Warm regards,
Jenny