Design & Style

Plaid Skirt Outfits: 12 Outfit Ideas for Any Occasion

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jan 27, 2022 • 3 min read

There’s a reason that plaid skirts are classic; they complement a variety of pieces, prints, and colors. Check out this list of plaid skirt outfits that you can put together for any occasion.

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What Is a Plaid Skirt?

A plaid skirt is a type of skirt featuring a woven, checkered plaid pattern formed by overlapping a series of parallel and perpendicular lines. Also known as tartan, this woven fabric traditionally made from wool is now a common pattern for flannel shirts, skirts, and socks.

Multicolored plaid features repeating vertical and horizontal stripes of varying thicknesses.

12 Plaid Skirt Outfits for Any Occasion

There are dozens of different plaid skirt combinations you can curate to make a fashion statement all your own. Here are some plaid skirt outfit ideas to get you started:

  1. 1. Business casual: Pair a plaid midi skirt or pencil skirt with black opaque tights as the foundation of a business casual go-to that doesn’t skimp on personality. Tuck a long-sleeved blouse into the skirt, and cover up with a blazer or structured cardigan. Finish the look with a pair of black loafers or lace-up Oxford shoes.
  2. 2. Casual: For a fashionable yet casual street style–inspired look, tuck a sleeveless graphic tee into a grey plaid pleated skirt. Finish the outfit with white sneakers, a denim jacket, and a mini backpack.
  3. 3. Dinner date: A plaid pleated skirt styled with a smart button-down shirt and some statement jewelry makes for a great date outfit. Pair this look with ankle booties, and finish it off with your favorite leather jacket. Depending on the weather, add a pair of tights or swap the bottoms for a plaid midi skirt.
  4. 4. Edgy: Pair a classic red tartan plaid skirt with a vintage band T-shirt, accessorized with combat boots and a black leather jacket for an edgy, punk-inspired look. Add fishnets or patterned stockings and play with mixing prints for extra character.
  5. 5. Elegant: An A-line plaid pencil skirt that hits right below the knee is perfect to pair with a delicate, lacy top for an elegant vibe. Accent the combination with a gold belt, high-heeled shoes, and a bow headband for some feminine charm.
  6. 6. Everyday casual: Plaid is not a neutral print, but it can work like one because it blends perfectly with any casual outfit. An oversized sweater over a plaid wrap skirt paired with white trainers transitions perfectly from the office to drinks with friends. Tuck a white shirt into a plaid tennis skirt and tie a denim jacket or cardigan around your waist for a casual yet feminine twist.
  7. 7. Fall plaid: Plaid works perfectly to complement many fall ensembles. Tuck a ruffled, tan, or white button-down blouse into a high-waisted, plaid midi skirt with suede ankle boots and a tan trench coat. Drape a cozy cardigan over your shoulders to keep yourself warm in chilly weather, or swap the blouse with a cashmere V-neck sweater for a warmer fall outfit look.
  8. 8. Formal: Plaid skirts complement many formal looks perfectly, whether you’re dressing for a holiday party or an elegant event. Tuck a black turtleneck into a long plaid knee-length skirt. Cover your shoulders with a structured blazer and sensible heels.
  9. 9. Mixed plaid: Bring your preppy look into the summertime with a co-ord plaid crop top and a high-waisted mini skirt set. If you don’t have any matching or complementary plaids, a simple white crop will look great with most plaid skirts.
  10. 10. Preppy: Put together a prep-school-inspired combination with a pair of matching plaid co-ords, consisting of a fitted blazer and a plaid tennis skirt with a bodysuit or white top tucked in. Finish the outfit with a pair of knee-high boots or loafers with knee-high socks.
  11. 11. Spring plaid: Tuck your favorite white T-shirt into a pastel-colored skater skirt or plaid mini skirt. Accessorize the look with a pair of white trainers or strappy sandals and colorful bangles.
  12. 12. Winter plaid: Pair a plaid skirt of any length with a pair of opaque plaid tights and a long-sleeve red or black turtleneck for a cold-weather classic vibe. Add a faux fur vest and matching boots for some extra luxury.

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