How to Style Plaid Skirts: Your Ultimate Guide
Plaid skirts have been a fashion staple for decades and remain popular for fashion-forward individuals. From classic tartan prints to modern interpretations, these skirts have made their mark in fashion.
While plaid has enjoyed popularity for many years, it was in the 21st century that it firmly established itself as a cornerstone of fashion. They make a flexible and adaptable addition to any clothing collection. Plus, they come in various styles, including mini, midi, and maxi lengths.
They also come in various colors, making it easy to find a skirt that complements your style. Let’s dive into the world of plaid skirts and discover how you can rock this iconic fabric, whether you prefer a preppy or edgy look.
Different Types of Plaid Skirts
Pleated skirt
This skirt features pleats, which create a classic and sophisticated look. The pleats can be narrow or wide, and the skirt can be knee-length or shorter.
A-line skirt
This plaid skirt flares out gradually from the waist, creating an A-line, flattering shape on most body types. It can be knee-length or longer and is famous for a casual or playful look.
Midi skirt
This skirt falls between the knee and ankle, making it an excellent option for formal and casual occasions. It is versatile and can be worn dressily or more relaxed.
Maxi skirt
This skirt is floor-length, giving it a dramatic and elegant look. It’s perfect for formal events or those wanting to make a statement.
Consider the occasion, style, and body type when choosing a plaid skirt. Pleated plaid offers a sophisticated look, while A-line skirts are perfect for a casual vibe. Midi skirts work well for formal and informal events, and maxi skirts are ideal for more formal occasions.
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Styling Plaid Skirts for Different Occasions
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Plaid is incredibly versatile clothing in various settings. There’s a plaid skirt for every stage, from casual outings to formal events. This section will explore tips and ideas for styling your skirt for different occasions.
Casual Occasions
Pair a pleated skirt with a graphic blouse and sneakers for a casual day out. Try pairing an A-line skirt with a simple tank top and sandals for running errands.
Pair your plaid skirt with a denim shirt and sneakers for a laid-back and easy look. This style is perfect for a casual day out. Paired with a sweater and boots, your skirt is ideal for a cozy winter or fall look. You can also wear this outfit on a weekend stroll in the park.
Formal Occasions
You can pair a pleated skirt with a silky blouse and high heels. You can pair an A-line with a fitted blazer and pumps for a more sophisticated look. This outfit is perfect for a business conference or a job interview.
Pair your plaid skirt with a sequin top and high heels for a more glamorous look. You’re all set for a New Year’s Eve party or a formal gala!
Work Environments
Classic patterns like black and white or navy and green are timeless and appropriate for professional settings. A solid-colored blouse will go perfectly with your skirt to create a balanced look. Make sure you choose a blouse that complements the colors in your skirt, and keep the neckline modest.
A blazer or cardigan can add more professionalism to your outfit. Choose a neutral-colored blazer or cardigan that complements the colors in your plaid skirt.
Night Out
Try a crop top with your skirt for a bold and daring look. Choose a top with a complementary color to your skirt or a black or white top for something more classic. Statement accessories can take your outfit to the next level. Add a chunky necklace, oversized hoop earrings, or a statement clutch.
Bold shoes can also make a significant impact on your outfit. Wear strappy heels, metallic pumps, or ankle boots with your plaid skirt for something trendy.
Layer your skirt with a leather jacket for a cool and edgy look. A black leather jacket can add a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to your outfit, while a colored leather jacket adds a pop of color.
Choosing the Right Plaid Skirt for Your Body Type
It is imperative to consider your body type. You may have an hourglass, pear, apple, or rectangle shape. Here are a few tips to help you find your style according to your body type:
Plaid Skirts for Hourglass Body Types
Hourglass body types are characterized by a balanced proportion of curves in the hips and bust, with a defined waistline. When styling plaid skirts, hourglass body types should look for styles that accentuate the waist and balance the overall silhouette.
High-Waisted Skirts
High-waisted skirts are a great choice for hourglass body types as they draw attention to the waist and accentuate the curves. Look for styles with a defined waistband or a belt to further emphasize your waist.
A-Line Skirts
A-line skirts are also an excellent choice for hourglass body types as they balance out the curves in the hips and create a flattering silhouette. An A-line skirt fitted at the waist and flaring gently toward the hemline is perfect for your body type.
Wrap Skirts
Wrap skirts are another great choice for hourglass body types. They cinch at the waist and hug the curves. Wrap skirts in plaid prints that tie at the waist should further emphasize your waistline.
Midi Skirts
Midi plaid skirts that fall just below the knee are also ideal for hourglass body types, creating a balanced silhouette. Styles fitted at the waist and flaring out gently towards the hemline are ideal.
Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts are another choice for hourglass body types. These skirts hug the curves and create a flattering silhouette. Look for pencil skirts in plaid prints that are fitted at the waist and fall just below the knee.
A fitted top that highlights the waistline, such as a cropped blouse or a tucked-in sweater, can balance out the volume of a flared plaid skirt.
Plaid Skirts for Pear Body Types
People with pear body types have wider hips and thighs with a smaller waist and upper body. Pear body types should look for plaid skirts that draw attention to the upper body and create a balanced look.
A-Line Skirts
A-line skirts are also another choice for pear body types. The lines balance out wider hips and create a flattering silhouette. A-line skirts that taper at the waist and gradually widen toward the hem are ideal for individuals with pear-shaped bodies.
Skirts with Vertical Stripes
Plaid skirts with vertical stripes can help elongate the legs and draw attention away from wider hips. Look for skirts with thin vertical lines to create a slimming effect.
Skirts with Embellishments
Skirts with embellishments such as ruffles, lace, or embroidery can help draw attention to the upper body and create a balanced look. Look for plaid skirts with embellishments near the waistline or upper body to make a focal point.
Wrap Skirts
Wrap skirts look great on pear body types as they cinch at the waist and draw attention away from wider hips. Look for wrap skirts in plaid prints that tie at the waist, further emphasizing your waistline.
High-Waisted Skirts
High-waisted skirts can help create a balanced look for pear body types by drawing attention to the waistline. Look for high-waisted plaid skirts that flare gently toward the hemline to balance out wider hips.
Peplum tops or A-line blouses are perfect for skirts fitted at the waist and worn toward the hem.
Plaid Skirts for Apple Body Types
Apple body types typically carry weight around the midsection, with narrower hips and legs. When wearing plaid skirts, apple body types should highlight their legs and create the illusion of a more defined waist.
High-Waisted Skirts
High-waisted skirts are a great choice for apple body types as they create the illusion of a defined waistline and draw attention away from the midsection. Look for styles that sit at or above the natural waistline.
Skirts with Vertical Stripes
Vertical stripes can help elongate the legs and create a slimming effect. This effect is ideal for people with apple bodies. Try to get skirts with thin, vertical stripes that run the length of the skirt.
Skirts with a Flared Hem
Skirts with a flared hemline can help balance out the body proportions of apple body types. Look for plaid skirts in A-line or circle skirt styles that flare gently toward the hemline.
Mini Skirts
Mini skirts are also perfect for apple body types as they highlight the legs and draw attention away from the midsection. Get plaid mini skirts at the high waistline and pair them with a top that creates a focal point on the upper body.
Wrap Skirts
Wrap skirts can help create the illusion of a more defined waistline for apple body types. Look for plaid wrap skirts that cinch at the waist and tie on the side.
Vertical lines, such as pleats or stripes, can create illusions of a leaner silhouette. This strategy can effectively shift focus towards the legs, diverting attention from the midriff area.
Plaid Skirts for Rectangle Body Types
Rectangle body types have a straight, athletic silhouette with a minimal waistline and equal hips, waist, and bust measurements. The best styles for rectangle body types are those that add curves and visual interest to the figure.
Skirts with Pleats
Pleated skirts can enhance the hip area by introducing volume and dynamism, thereby creating an appearance of curves for those with a rectangular body shape. Look for skirts that feature pleats at the waistline and down to the hemline.
Skirts with Ruffles
Ruffled skirts can also add volume and create the appearance of curves for rectangle body types. Look for plaid skirts with ruffles at the hemline or cascading down the sides.
Skirts with a Flared Hem
Skirts with a flared hemline can add volume and create the illusion of curves for rectangular body types. A-line or circle skirt styles flare gently close to the hemline and are ideal for people with this body type.
Skirts with a Belted Waist
Skirts with a belted waist create the appearance of a more defined waistline for rectangle body types. Look for skirts with a belt or tie at the waistline that cinches in and creates a focal point.
Midi or Maxi Skirts
Midi or maxi skirts can add visual interest and balance out the proportions of rectangle body types. Look for longer-length plaid skirts that feature details such as pleats, ruffles, or a flared hemline.
A belt can help define the waistline and create curves. Accessories like statement jewelry, scarves, or hats can draw attention and add visual interest to the outfit.
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The Art of Mixing and Matching Patterns with Plaid Skirts
Mixing patterns can add depth and interest to an outfit. Here are some tips for mixing plaid with other patterns:
Stick to a Color Scheme
Choose patterns with at least one common color to create a cohesive look. For example, you can pair a skirt with a striped shirt that matches the plaid color. This will help tie the different patterns together and make them look intentional.
Mix Patterns of Different Scales
Mixing prints of different scales can add interest and create contrast in your outfit. For example, pair a small plaid skirt with a larger floral blouse. The contrast between the two prints can create a dynamic and eye-catching look.
Pair Busy Patterns with Solids
Starting with a neutral base is best to avoid creating an overly busy or chaotic outfit when mixing patterns. Neutral colors such as white, black, gray, or beige provide a solid foundation for your pattern mixing and help balance out the different prints.
Feel Free to Mix Textures
Feel free to try different combinations of patterns until you find a look you love. Try pairing plaid with polka dots, stripes, florals, or animal prints.
Accessorizing Plaid Skirts
Plaid can be challenging to accessorize with its patterns. However, these simple steps can help you find the perfect items to complete your outfit:
Keep It Simple
Plaid is an eye-catching pattern, so we recommend keeping your accessories simple and minimal. Choose a few key pieces that complement the colors in your skirt and add interest to your outfit without overwhelming it.
Choose Complementary Colors for Plaid Skirts
Look for accessories in colors that complement or contrast with your plaid skirt. For example, if your skirt has a lot of red and black, pair it with a simple white or black top and some red earrings or a matching belt.
Pay Attention to the Details
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
The right accessories can elevate your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. Look for unique pieces that add a personal touch, such as a statement necklace, a vintage brooch, or a colorful scarf. Here are some accessory ideas to consider when styling your skirts:
Jewelry: Simple stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a chunky bracelet can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Bags: A structured handbag, a slouchy tote, or a crossbody bag can all complement a plaid skirt, depending on the occasion.
Shoes: Boots, flats, heels, and sneakers can all work with plaid, depending on the style and length of the skirt. Experiment with different shoe styles to find the right balance of comfort and style.
Belts: A belt to your skirt can help define your waist and add extra interest to your outfit. Look for belts in contrasting colors or interesting textures to create a standout look.
How to Care for Your Plaid Skirts
- Read the care label
- Wash in cold water
- Use gentle detergent
- Hang to dry; avoid using a dryer.
- Iron on low heat
Conclusion
Plaid is a versatile and timeless fashion staple that, surprisingly, can suit any occasion. From casual outings to formal events and everything in between, a plaid skirt style suits everyone. They are perfect for any season.
By following the ideas in this guide, you can create endless outfit possibilities and confidently express your style.
You can find various skirts in different styles, lengths, and colors online or in-store. So, what are you waiting for? Shop for your favorite skirts and start experimenting with different styles today!
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