How to pull off the plaid fashion trend

Here, we’re just going to say it: We’re mad for plaid! From tartan to gingham, and preppy, pleated skirts to cool-girl, oversized flannels, we can’t get enough of it.

We’re happy to cozy up to the pattern paired with thick, winter fabrics such as wool or flannel for a cold-weather look, and we’re already getting ready for a second-serving of plaid come spring. We spy breezy early arrivals of the small checkered variety that have us saying Oppa Gingham Style!

Here are seven plaid pieces to bring some pattern play into your wardrobe. (And, unlike super-trendy designs, plaid is forever in style, making it a sound investment).

Plaid pageant queen

Don’t let your ruby red lipstick, blotting papers or other winter beauty essentials get lost in the unknown depths of your purse. Instead, give them a stylish home and stash your on-the-go products in a wool mini cosmetic plaid pouch, $19.50, J.Crew.

Borrowed from the boys

Dear Boyfriend Plaid Shirt,

Will you come home with me? Check “yes” or “absolutely.”

An oversized fit makes this plaid flannel boyfriend shirt, $24, Old Navy, a perfect match for leggings, or it can be loosely tucked into your favorite pair of denim. Sweeten it up with a dainty, gold necklace or a bold, pink lip. Now, go ahead, give your boyfriend back his shirt that has been mysteriously MIA.

A shoe-in

Add a pop of plaid in the most unexpected of ways: on your shoes! These felt smoking flats, on sale for $14.99, Old Navy, instantly infuse interest to a jeans and T-shirt outfit. We also think they’d add a little pep to your step with a monochrome outfit—like an all-navy dress-and-tights combo.

Bow-wow-wow!

Loose fishtail braids, tousled hair and messy buns are trending in tresses now. Juxtapose your rebellious locks with a prim and proper, plaid bow barrette, snapped at the bottom of a braid, a la mode on a bun or loosely pinning back some of your locks. Find a red and navy barrette, $2.80, at Forever 21.

Geeked for gingham

We’ve got our bets on gingham being among the most popular pattern come spring. The soft wash gingham boyfriend shirt, $79.50, Banana Republic, will play perfectly with skirts, chinos and jeans when warmer weather arrives, and its small checks make it easy to pattern mix with bolder patterns. For now, layer it under a crewneck sweater.

Say checkmate to this plaid weekender bag

A classic plaid bag with on-trend updates, such as the leather handles on this Highland plaid weekender, $198, Anthropologie, is roomy enough to pack for an overnight stay in the mountains or a trip downtown—but can also be converted into a purse.

Where the buffalo plaid roam

We’d be remiss not to include a classic buffalo plaid number on our list of must-haves. For a look that’s less Paul Bunyan and more cold weather chic, this wool, shirttail skirt in buffalo plaid, Madewell, $98, is a must-have. The checked skirt gets a rounded hem. Mix it with a button-up blouse and heeled boots or wear it with a jeweled sweatshirt.