Checkered motif: In the world of fashion, is there any other motif that is so easy to identify than this? Derived from the “tartan” style which was the clothing worn by the Scots in ancient times, this pattern is now very famous all over the world and a favorite of millions of people. In this day and age, plaid is a great addition to fashion for both men and women. Find out how to mix and match these motifs here!
Step
Part 1 of 4: General Style Tips
“There is no single correct way to combine plaid motifs. However, if you're looking for the right start, we have some basic advice that works for both men and women."
Step 1. Wear one type of plaid at a time
There are so many types and colors of plaid motifs, but the overlapping lines is the hallmark of the plaid motif which is very eye-catching. However, combining some plaid clothes will look excessive and heavy.
But there is one exception to this rule. If you have plaid accessories such as scarves, purses, hats, or glasses that match your plaid outfit, you can wear both at the same time
Step 2. If you are in doubt, mix plaid with neutral colors or clothes that have one color
This is the easiest way if you're trying to wear plaid clothes. Clothing that has one color will give a contrasting impression when combined with a plaid motif. The most important thing, neutral colors are very suitable when combined with plaid motifs. For example, not all plaids go well with bright yellow chinos, but most will go well with jeans or khakis.
-
Neutral color:
White, black, light brown, khaki, denim blue, gray, and most shades of brown and beige.
Step 3. Match one color in your plaid outfit with the color of the clothes you're wearing
You don't always have to mix plaid with neutral colors. However, if you want to wear plaid with colored clothes, try to choose a plaid color that matches the color of the other clothes you are wearing.
For example, if you're wearing a light blue jeans, you can wear a plaid outfit that has several stripes of the same color. The colors don't have to be exactly the same, for example, light blue can be combined with dark blue and so on
Step 4. Choose the right color for your event
The fashion industry today offers a wide selection of colors and gradations from plaid motifs. This means you can easily match the plaid pattern to your overall outfit. As long as you follow the recommendations for matching the color of the plaid motif as mentioned above, you can also follow some of the suggestions below.
- Bright colors tends to informal events and warm seasons.
- Dark and shady colors tends to be more suitable for more formal events and cold weather or seasons. For example, you might not want to wear a pink plaid during a job interview, but navy blue would work better.
- Complicated pattern gives a sense of exclusivity and a bit of an intellectual touch, especially when paired with a nice jacket and shoes.
- Simple and bright color gives a strong and rugged impression. For example, Paul Bunyan and the traditional woodcutter are often depicted in red and black plaid shirts.
Step 5. Choose a material that is comfortable for a particular season
“Plaid” is a term for plaid, not a type of material, so you can find plaid in a wide variety of materials. In general, you'll want to wear something that's appropriate for the season, that is, something that's neither too hot nor too cold. Some suggestions for specific seasons can be seen below:
-
Spring:
Light cotton or flannel shirt, umbrella, stockings, hat, shoes.
-
Summer:
Light cotton shirts (can be tied around the waist in hot weather), skirts, shorts, T-shirts.
-
Fall:
Flannel shirts with heavier cottons, boots, coats, hats.
-
Winter:
Flannel shirt in heavy cotton, jacket, boots, scarf.
Step 6. Choose a pattern and size that complements your outfit
Not all plaid motifs are the same, although all of them use a criss-cross motif, there are many variations in color, shape, and size. Some suggested motifs can be seen below:
-
Tartans:
Big and old motif. It usually has a dark green base color with dark blue, yellow, and red stripes. Perfect for scarves and blankets.
-
Tattersal:
Small, tight and square motifs. It has a thin line on the base with a neutral color. Looks clean and very modern. Perfect for semi-casual shirts or dresses.
-
Madras:
Large and colorful motifs. Perfect for dresses and flannel shirts.
-
Gingham:
Chessboard motif that has two colors with thick lines. Perfect for a retro or simple look.
Step 7. Don't forget the plaid accessories
Your clothes are not just tops and bottoms. Wearing plaid accessories is a great way to add color to your outfit, but remember that wearing more than one type of plaid pattern is not a good idea, unless the patterns match each other.
-
Checkered accessories:
Hats, scarves, stockings, wallets, backpacks, glasses, ties, handkerchiefs and more.
Part 2 of 4: Ideas for Women
Step 1. Try a loose or fitted flannel shirt
Women's flannel shirts offer many possibilities depending on how you wear them. Choose a style that displays what you want. You can see some examples below:
- Loose plaid shirt tends to look more casual. Try combining it with a band t-shirt or a tank top for a boy band style. You can also wear men's shirts for a tomboy look.
- Fit plaid shirt and the blouse will look more professional. Perfect for a semi-casual look at home or the office.
Step 2. Tie a flannel shirt around the waist for a touch of color
Love the plaid shirt but confused how to combine it with your outfit? There's no rule that requires you to wear it as a top! Try tying it around the waist to add color to your outfit and draw attention around the waist.
Alternatively, you can tie your shirt in a loop diagonally across your chest or tie the sleeves around your neck like a sweater
Step 3. Pair with Capri pants for a casual look
This display is perfect for use anytime and anywhere. Pair with casual shoes like flats or sneakers for a dashing look.
You may not want to use too many accessories with this look. Some of the accessories may look "collide" with your casual outfit
Step 4. Look more stylish with leggings and accessories
It's easy to wear plaid to give a different impression. Try wearing a plaid tunic or a dress with dark leggings. Then, wrap the waist with a scarf or belt and add some gold accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings for a classy touch. Pair it with a pair of heeled boots. With minimal funds, you will look like a star on the red carpet.
Step 5. Wear a plaid skirt for a schoolgirl look
No one is too old to wear this outfit. Start by choosing a skirt with a dark plaid pattern such as dark blue, green, or a neutral color. Then pair it with a button-up shirt for a simple elegant look. Wear a pair of knee-high socks and flat shoes to complete the look.
Step 6. Make the style more interesting with plaid accessories
Women have a wide variety of attractive options with plaid accessories. Look for a plaid tote, scarf, or belt at your favorite store. For a total impression, add a plaid accessory to a plain shirt. This look will make you the center of attention.
Some world brands such as Burberry offer a very distinctive plaid motif on their accessories. However, you don't have to spend a fortune to get this look. Visual contrast is the key, not the label
Part 3 of 4: Ideas for Men
Step 1. Use the traditional plaid pattern for a fashionable carpenter look
Checkered motifs that are popular for men are rugged and strong. To achieve this impression, opt for a long-sleeved plaid shirt in traditional colors like red and black or gray and black. Wear it with your most comfortable jeans and a pair of hiking boots.
A white or black t-shirt is perfect as an undergarment. You can also show off your chest hair by wearing a tank top. If you want a carpenter look, you can flaunt it
Step 2. Use a light-colored plaid shirt for a jovial look
Bright colors are not just for women. A light-colored plaid shirt goes well with a t-shirt and jeans for a casual look. Alternatively, pair a light plaid shirt with khakis or gray pants for a semi-formal look.
Step 3. Go in style with plaid shorts
Plaid shorts can have a variety of display effects depending on the size. Try choosing loose or fitted shorts depending on the situation. As below:
- Loose shorts usually gives the impression of casual and relaxed. Pair with a fitted t-shirt or shirt for best results.
- Fit shorts usually gives a more classy impression. This look still looks more casual, but is more likely to lead to high-end activities such as golf. Pair with a single color polo shirt.
Step 4. Put on a plaid tie
Ties will give a strong impression, even though they are small in size. If you want a bit of a plaid touch to your outfit, wear a plaid tie when you're wearing a suit. This pattern will make you look more stylish without leaving the impression of being overwhelming. A regular tie or a bow tie both give this impression. However, plaid ties are usually not suitable for formal events.
Make sure you wear a solid color shirt when wearing a plaid tie. A patterned shirt will make you look “busy” when paired with a plaid tie
Step 5. Use a less flashy plaid for a plaid suit
Wearing a plaid coat can look good only if the pattern is not flashy. A suit that has a flashy pattern will look old-fashioned and this look will make you look like a quiz show host on TV. Choose a plaid shirt that has a subtle pattern and a neutral color
As a general rule, if a plaid suit looks like a solid color until you get close to it, it can be worn
Part 4 of 4: Things to Avoid
Step 1. Never wear stacked plaid
One of the worst things you can do is wear too much plaid. The best look is when you wear one type of checkered item. Clothes that use a lot of plaid usually have a matching pattern and use neutral colors to avoid clothes looking too much, but they can still be difficult to wear well.
Combining the two types of gingham is a bad idea. With such a complex and overlapping pattern, it is impossible to make the two patterns compatible. Even if you can do it, the impression it creates can still seem overwhelming
Step 2. Avoid plaid for formal events
Although plaid is not always associated with an informal look, it is usually not recommended for formal occasions. There are much better options for a formal look, unless there's a specific "dresscode". It would be better if you choose a suit, tuxedo, or dress for events such as weddings, funerals, and so on.
The rule is that if you feel the need to wear a suit to the event, don't use plaid, even if it's just part of your suit or dress
Step 3. Don't mix plaid with flashy colors
Mixing plaid with flashy colors is a bad idea, as is wearing too much plaid. For example, combining plaid with neon colors will make your look too over the top. Remember that neutral colors are the best when wearing plaid.
Step 4. Don't feel like you have to buy new plaid clothes all the time
One of the biggest advantages of gingham motifs is that they are very easy to find at flea markets. The older, the plaid motif has an increasingly attractive impression. This means that the plaid shirt that was previously suitable for wearing to work is now suitable for a boy band look. Save money when shopping by visiting flea markets or thrift markets for plaid clothes.
Step 5. Don't wear plaid pants unless you feel very confident
For some reason, plaid pants often look weird and distracting even when shirts with the same pattern look good. The “haute couture” model only looks good when worn by 1% of the world's population! Therefore avoid it.
Tips
- Don't just experiment with patterns. Also try to experiment with textures and materials. For example, shiny flat shoes provide the necessary contrast to a schoolboy-style plaid skirt and a “fierce” leather jacket will give your flannel shirt a cool look.
- Want to turn your winter flannel shirt into a spring outfit? Just roll up your sleeves! One of the best things about plaid shirts is that they can all be casual by rolling up the sleeves.
