How to Style a Flannel in 6 Steps

Flannel is a warm, comfortable fabric most commonly used to make button-down shirts and blankets for the colder months of the year. This type of fabric is often multi-colored with a plaid pattern. Textile makers weave the naturally warm fabric from cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber and brush the material afterward, giving flannel its signature softness.

A “flannel”—or flannel shirt—is a button-down shirt (usually with long sleeves) made of flannel fabric. It is a wardrobe staple for many due to its versatility, casual style, and warmth.

Here are some styling tips that will enable you to wear flannel outfits all year long.

1. 1. Dress it down. Build an athleisure-inspired outfit around a flannel, marrying trendy street style with activewear comfort. Cover your plaid flannel shirt with a neutral athletic hoodie. Finish the look with sleek joggers, leggings, or sweatpants.
2. 2. Go oversized. An oversized flannel transitions smoothly from outerwear to a styling piece to a trendy shirtdress. Cover a fitted outfit (like a crop top or a fitted turtleneck and skinny jeans) with an oversized flannel for some balance. If your flannel is long enough, wear it as a belted (or unbelted) shirt dress.
3. 3. Knot it up. Turn your oversized flannel into a shapely crop top by unbuttoning the bottom two buttons of the shirt and knotting the two ends together. Pair your knotted flannel with high-waisted blue jeans, straight-leg jeans, or a plaid skirt to mix prints. Finish this casual look with loafers or suede ankle boots to add sophistication.
4. 4. Layer under a blazer. Layer your flannel underneath a blazer to add sophistication, structure, and extra warmth to this casual piece. Opt for a neutral-colored or white flannel to keep the outfit streamlined. Pair the flannel with chinos for a work-appropriate combo.
5. 5. Mix different textures. Flannels have a distinctly soft look and feel that pairs well with contrasting textures. Denim jeans, a cable-knit cardigan, or a leather jacket will bring visual contrast to a flannel shirt outfit. For an unexpected combo, pair your flannel with other prints, like plaid, polka dots, and other flannel pieces. Pair a red flannel shirt with your leather jacket and leather booties for colors that pop.
6. 6. Pair with a T-shirt. A warm flannel works well as outerwear over a neutral T-shirt or vintage band top. Polish off the combo with black jeans and white sneakers. If you get too warm, tie the flannel around your waist for a grunge-inspired look. Accessorize with a beanie and combat boots.

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