A plaid skirt is one of the easiest ways to make a simple fall outfit look styled. It brings color and pattern on its own, so everything else can stay plain: a knit, a pair of tights and loafers or boots.
Below are eight plaid skirt outfits for minis, pleated skirts and midis, plus what to wear with them. For more seasonal ideas, see our burgundy outfits and Christmas outfits.
What do you wear with a plaid skirt?
Wear a plaid skirt with a plain top in one of the colors in the plaid, such as a cream, black, camel or burgundy knit. Add opaque tights and loafers, knee-high boots or ankle boots for fall and winter. Keep the rest of the outfit solid so the plaid is the only pattern.
Plaid skirt outfits
1. Pleated mini with a cream knit
A pleated plaid mini with a chunky cream sweater, black tights and loafers. It's the classic fall look and works for weekends and class.
Wear it with: black tights and black loafers.
2. Plaid midi and a black turtleneck
A long plaid midi skirt with a fitted black turtleneck and black boots. It's sleek, warm and easy to wear to the office.
Wear it with: black knee-high boots.
3. Plaid mini and knee-high boots
A plaid mini with a fitted knit and brown knee-high boots. The tall boots make a short skirt work in cold weather.
Wear it with: brown knee-high boots and opaque tights.
4. Plaid skirt and a blazer
A plaid skirt with a plain blazer and a simple top. It's smart enough for work and looks pulled together without trying.
Wear it with: a black or camel blazer and loafers.
5. Red tartan for the holidays
A red tartan skirt with a black or cream knit. It's festive without being a costume, and it works from December dinners to Christmas Day.
Wear it with: a black knit, sheer tights and loafers or heels.
6. Plaid skirt and a collared shirt
A plaid mini with a white collared shirt under a crewneck sweater. It's a preppy look that feels fresh with simple loafers.
Wear it with: knee socks or tights and penny loafers.
7. Brown plaid and camel
A brown or camel plaid skirt with a camel knit and brown boots. Keeping everything in warm browns makes it look soft and expensive.
Wear it with: a camel coat and brown ankle boots.
8. Plaid skirt and a leather jacket
A plaid mini with a black leather jacket and ankle boots. The jacket makes the plaid look a little edgier.
Wear it with: black ankle boots and a plain tee.
How to wear a plaid skirt
Match one color. Pick your top in a color from the plaid so the outfit looks planned.
Keep the rest plain. One pattern is enough. Solid knits, tights and shoes let the plaid stand out.
Add tights in winter. Black or brown opaque tights make minis and midis work in cold weather.
Choose your shoes by length. Minis look best with loafers or knee-high boots, and midis with ankle or knee-high boots.
FAQ
What top goes with a plaid skirt?
A plain knit, turtleneck or collared shirt in one of the colors in the plaid. Cream, black and camel are the easiest.
What shoes go with a plaid skirt?
Loafers, knee-high boots and ankle boots. Loafers look preppy, and boots keep it warm in winter.
How do you wear a plaid skirt in winter?
Add opaque tights, a chunky knit and knee-high boots, with a long coat on top.
Can adults wear plaid skirts?
Yes. A midi length, a plain knit and boots look grown-up and polished.
The bottom line
Pair a plaid skirt with a plain knit in a color from the plaid, add tights, and finish with loafers or boots. Save the outfit you like and browse more outfit ideas.
