Fall 2009 Fashion Trend :: The Plaid Flannel
Though it wasn’t on the runways, plaid is still easy to find in stores due to its crazy popularity last Fall.
Unlike last year, this year’s plaid does feature an ‘it’ item. Channel your inner lumberjack/Kurt Cobain/Seattle grunge teen and wear a comfortable plaid flannel. There are two main types of plaid flannel shirts for Fall–the buffalo and the tartan.
Buffalo Plaid Flannel Shirts
Buffalo Plaid is characterized by large squares of two different colors (usually one is black). Remind you of a lumberjack? That’s because red and black buffalo plaid flannel is the stereotypical uniform of loggers. To make this less lumberjack and more stylish, find a fitted shirt and belt it with a wide black belt at the natural waist. Pair with skinny jeans and heels.
Tartan Plaid Flannel Shirts
Tartan plaid refers to any plaid other than Buffalo. This is the plaid seen on kilts and school uniforms. Tartan plaid flannel was made wildly popular by Kurt Cobain in the 90’s. Celebrities and models have resurrected the shirt by wearing plaid flannels in a variety of ways. This Summer, the plaid flannel was seen paired with denim cutoffs. For a casual Fall look, pair a plaid flannel with boyfriend jeans. For a more tailored look, pair a fitted plaid flannel with skinnies or a pencil skirt.
TIP: You can often find plaid flannels in the little boy’s section of discount stores. They’re made just as well as any name brand shirt you’ll find and they’re much cheaper.
Are you a fan?
Will you be wearing a plaid flannel this year? In which variety?
Or, is the look just too rugged for your style?



















August 13th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Fall trend or not, I just cannot get on board with plaid. It’s terrible, but I will always always associate plaid with neon orange ear-muffed caps and moose hunting. I know that’s ridiculous, but I can’t get around that image. Plaid is just not fashion-forward for me.
August 16th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Ha! That’s funny. I’m not a fan of the red and black buffalo plaid because all it reminds me of is a lumberjack.
But, I do like the pink version. And, I’m pretty fond of the fitted, light-colored tartan flannels. They look really rustic, but in a chic way.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
[...] Flare jeans are basically a modern bell-bottom. Fitted through the waist and thighs, they flare out into extra-wide legs. Flare jeans are great to wear with a boho-chic top or tunic. They’re also a nice jean option for plaid shirts. [...]