How to Wear Checked Trousers? [Women's Fashion]

Are you wondering how to wear checkered pants in style? What shoes should you choose to pair with them? How can you accessorize?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often recommend plaid pants to women looking for an outfit that is simple and chic, yet a little unique.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you why this piece of clothing is incredibly versatile and how to pair it with other items in your wardrobe to achieve a look that suits you perfectly!

Checked pants can be paired with a solid top (crop top, t-shirt, blouse) or with a matching checkered top for a very stylish, high-fashion look. This also applies to coats and jackets that you can wear with checked pants: a matching print will be very trendy, but you can also keep it classic with a simple long coat or go bold with a black leather jacket. When it comes to footwear, mix up the materials with your checked pants: try black leather ankle boots, converse sneakers, or chic tone-on-tone sandals!

Want to know more details? Keep reading to find out:

• How plaid trousers became trendy,
• What to wear them with no matter your style,
• Outfit suggestions suited for every season,
• Shoe examples that pair perfectly with plaid trousers,
• And ideas for accessories to elevate your look!

The Checkered Pattern: A Brief History of a Timeless Print

Like polka dots, plaid patterns are one of those classic designs that you might have seen worn by your parents and grandparents. Their history actually dates back several centuries! Let’s explore together how plaid prints became the international sensation they are today.

Plaid or Tartan?

Check patterns are sometimes referred to as tartan; however, there is a difference between these two fabrics, even though the former has its origins in the latter. Tartan refers to the various types of distinct patterns worn by Scottish clans for many centuries, which allowed them to recognize one another.

Plaid patterns date back to the 16th century when some British manufacturers began to draw inspiration from tartan to create similar designs. Writings from 1538 refer to these prints, which were very popular among the nobility.

The Second Half of the 20th Century: The Rise of Checkered Patterns as a Fashion Trend

After being exported to Europe and the United States, checkered patterns gradually became a classic motif in clothing fabrics. However, the landscape changed in the 1970s, and this print transitioned from being seen as traditional and rustic to becoming trendy and stylish. It made its way into fashion everywhere and was notably worn by Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions.

In the 1980s, the punk movement reclaimed plaid, sporting it in a grunge style, showcased by ripped jeans, for example. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s made plaid patterns one of the hallmarks of grunge fashion culture. It became ubiquitous in the clothing style of iconic groups from that era, such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Breeders.

Today: When and How to Wear Plaid Pants in the 2020s?

Today, checked patterns are still popular and have even experienced a resurgence in interest thanks to the hipster trend, which has brought them back into the spotlight.

Wearing plaid pants instantly adds style to your outfit, while maintaining a slightly unconventional and rebellious edge that allows you to express your personality. They can be a chic detail in a casual ensemble when paired with a laid-back top, or they can be very sophisticated, even haute couture, when styled as a complete look.

What Top to Wear with Plaid Pants?

The choice of top you wear with your checked pants will define your style: to help you find what suits you best, I’ve put together a short list of the different options available to you in the following lines.

A crop top

Wearing a crop top with plaid trousers will give you a youthful and dynamic look. I recommend pairing it with high-waisted pants to create balance with the cropped length of the top. Heels would also be a perfect addition to complete this outfit.

👉 If you have wider hips or thighs and want to draw attention to the upper part of your body with this look, consider choosing a dark plaid print.

A white blouse

This classic piece is versatile, as it works well in most contexts:

🔸 For a professional look, tuck your blouse into your pants.

🔸 For a more casual look, you can untuck your blouse from your pants or open a few buttons to create a neckline.

If you're looking for a more unique and polished look, don't hesitate to pair your blouse with a wide belt, matched to the colour of your shoes, for instance.

A solid t-shirt

Checkered patterns are quite striking on their own and can instantly elevate your style. Worn with a solid-coloured t-shirt, checkered pants will stand out beautifully and become the focal point of your outfit. For a chic look, opt for a neutral colour like black, white, grey, or brown.

👉 The colour of your t-shirt should ideally reflect one of the shades of your pants, preferably the most subtle one.

A matching t-shirt

If you love to wear trendy outfits that make a statement, don't hesitate to pair your plaid pants with a matching patterned t-shirt. To achieve a polished look, it’s important that they feature the exact same print, rather than something that is simply similar, as this could undermine the high-fashion vibe of your outfit.

👉 To avoid the "overalls effect," feel free to cinch your outfit in at the waist with a belt, tuck your top into your pants, or go for a shorter top like a crop top.

A Cable Knit Sweater

Looking for a warm and comfortable outfit that still looks classy? Pair your plaid pants with a cozy, chunky-knit sweater. By creating a colour coordination between your sweater and pants, and opting for a more fitted style, you'll achieve an adorable and stylish look.

A Solid-Coloured Cardigan

No matter what you’re wearing, a cardigan is a reliable choice to give your outfit a classic and cute look that you can wear in any situation. It’s also a great option if you need to stay warm and move freely: by rolling up the sleeves of your cardigan, you won’t risk staining or damaging your outfit.

A Graphic T-Shirt

When referring to a graphic t-shirt, it means any t-shirt with a design on it, which only appears on a part of the garment and in a single instance. Otherwise, it would be considered a pattern or print, such as checks, polka dots, or floral prints…

Wearing this type of t-shirt with your plaid pants is definitely possible, as long as the t-shirt color matches one of the colours in your pants. The design or message on the t-shirt allows you to express your uniqueness, while still looking stylish and trendy with your plaid bottoms.

What Coat or Jacket to Wear with Checked Trousers?

Looking to wear plaid pants this winter? Just like choosing your top, selecting a jacket is also a crucial step in putting together your outfit. Here are some options that will pair perfectly with plaid pants:

• A matching blazer with the same pattern as your pants for a very chic tailored look,
• A leather moto jacket to evoke the grunge vibe of the plaid pants mentioned in the first part of this guide,
• A simple 3/4 length straight coat in a neutral colour for a stylish and elegant look in any situation.

What shoes to wear with plaid pants?

Once you've chosen your outfit, it's time to pick the perfect pair of shoes to elevate your checkered pants. These pants are quite easy to match and go well with most shoe styles: it will be your choice of footwear that helps define your overall look.

• with ballet flats for an adorable preppy look,
• with low-top sneakers for a youthful and modern style,
• grunge style with high-top Converse sneakers,
• chic and sexy with high-heeled pumps,
• elegant with ankle boots.

🛑 The checkered pattern looks great when it's fully visible: I recommend avoiding any tall shoes, as much as possible, that cover the pants and obscure the pattern (over-the-knee boots, knee-high boots, etc.).

👉 While plaid pants can be paired with many types of shoes, they tend to clash with bold colours like bright red, yellow, or teal. For a polished look, opt for neutral colours such as black, leather brown, grey, beige, or white.

What Accessories to Choose to Elevate Your Checkered Pants?

Accessories are the finishing touch to your look! They enhance the rest of your outfit, so it's important to choose them carefully. When wearing plaid pants, mixing materials can be a great solution: smooth leather, for instance, will contrast beautifully with the patterns of your pants and add elegance to your ensemble.

For example, you can wear:

• a wide belt,
• an elegant handbag,
• a beret type hat,
• some sunglasses…

👉 Consider matching your accessories by selecting the same materials (or materials with similar characteristics) or by coordinating your accessories with the colour of your plaid pants to create a pleasing tone-on-tone effect.

I hope this comprehensive guide on plaid pants has helped you incorporate this iconic garment into your wardrobe and, more importantly, into your everyday outfits.

If you're looking for trendy and unique clothing to define your style, don't hesitate to check out our online boutique dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we carefully select chic and one-of-a-kind pieces, such as our collection of tops, where you're sure to find something perfect to pair with your plaid pants!

Tunic and blouse