11 Flannel Outfits for a Stylish and Plaid-Filled Fall

Ah, flannel shirts. They’re comfy, they’re surprisingly stylish and they’re perfect for afternoons spent curled up on the couch. But if you’ve ever wondered what to wear with a flannel if you plan to actually leave the house and venture into society, we’ve got a few ideas. Here, 11 stylish women show off their best flannel outfits, so you can have your most stylish, plaid-filled fall yet.

RELATED: Ready to Buy a Fall Jacket? Here’s What You’re Going to Want This Year

1. Tuck Your Flannel Into a Pair of Cords

Go for full-on ‘70s vibes with a pair of colorful lenses and groovy flares. Then, give your outfit a modern edge by slipping on some pointy-toe flats and toting a mini bag.

Shop similar styles: L.L.Bean flannel shirt ($50; $30); Rolla’s pants ($99); Celine sunglasses ($410); Botkier bag ($248); Everlane flats ($118)

2. Opt for White Denim Over Blue

White, off-white or cream-colored jeans lend a lighter air to a typically heavy fall fabrics. Tie this flannel outfit together with shoes in a darker shade like black ankle boots or navy loafers.

Shop similar styles: Joan Rivers flannel shirt ($64; $44); Ética jeans ($165); Marc Fisher Ltd boots ($180); Sam Edelman loafers ($150)

3. Wear Flannel with Leather

Tuck your cozy top into a sleek leather skirt for an incredibly chic combo that proves opposites attract. If you want a more casual vibe, try some slip-on sneakers and a long anorak. Headed out to a dressier affair? Stick to classics like pointy-toe pumps and a minimalist clutch, instead.

Shop similar styles: Outerknown flannel shirt ($148); L.L.Bean jacket ($159); 4SI3NNA skirt ($80; $20); Topshop clutch ($38); OluKai sneakers ($85)

4. Try an Oversize Flannel

This one goes out to anyone who isn’t a fan of pants. Simply choose a shirt that’s long enough to be worn as a minidress (or a tunic with leggings underneath, if you prefer more coverage) and layer it under a tailored jacket. Finish with a pair of pointy-toe black leather boots. Pro tip: Check out the men’s section at stores like L.L.Bean and American Eagle Outfitters, because they frequently have a larger selection of flannel toppers and are more likely to carry larger sizes, too.

Shop similar styles: Duluth Trading Co flannel shirt ($60); Madewell jacket ($498; $298); Treasure & Bond boots ($100)

5. Mix and Match Your Flannel Plaids

In the same way florals can be worn with florals and stripes with stripes, you can’t go wrong pairing plaid with plaid. To avoid a pattern overload, however, we suggest sticking to solid-hued accessories in neutral tones, like white or brown boots and a simple black handbag.

Shop similar styles: Alex Mill flannel shirt ($125; $75); Remain Birger Christiensen skirt ($335; $101); Sam Edelman boots ($200; $110); Stella McCartney bag ($495)

6. Sport Head-to-Toe Black

Give your multi-colored shirt time to shine with an all-black base of slim-fitting basics, like skinny jeans and a thin turtleneck tee. You could even go super cozy, with leggings and a black T-shirt, and this combo will still look sleek.

Shop similar styles: Madewell flannel shirt ($110; $44); Marine Layer T-shirt ($39); Trave jeans ($238; $69); Rag & Bone bag ($395)

7. Lean Into Flannel’s Woodsy Vibe…Mostly

Chunky hiking-esque boots, loose-fitting denim and a knit beanie cap definitely amp up the outdoorsy nature of classic flannel. If you’d rather not look like you’re preparing for a weekend camping trip next time you hit the grocery store, all you need to add is a silky cami underneath and a structured crossbody, preferably with some hardware details like a chain strap.

Shop similar styles: Fjällräven flannel shirt ($95); Tibi top ($150); American Eagle Outfitters jeans ($); Johnston’s of Elgin hat ($60); Yves Saint Laurent bag ($2,350); Dr. Martens boots ($180)

8. Go Big on Color

How do you make sweatpants and an oversize blanket shirt not look like pajamas? Go all out with bright hues and accessorize with your daintiest structured handbag and some strappy sandals. Roll up your sleeves just above the wrist and consider adding a belt to cinch your waist (either under or on top of your shirt) to help maintain some semblance of a figure under all that cozy knitwear.

Shop similar styles: Acne Studios flannel shirt ($450); X Karla T-shirt ($48); J.Crew Factory pants ($60; $25); Tory Burch bag ($298); Villa Rouge sandals ($135)

9. Dress Up Flannel and Cut-Offs with Strategic Accessories

A flannel shirt layered over an easy tee and denim cut-offs is a timeless look for the skater crowd, but it’s also super easy transitional look for the time between summer and fall. Opt for a slimmer-fit shirt and a plain black T-shirt instead of one with a slogan or graphic and stick to Bermuda shorts and longer silhouettes rather than Daisy Dukes. Finish with a classic chain-strap crossbody, some delicate gold or silver jewelry and pointy-toe ballet flats and you’ll be good to go.

Shop similar styles: L.L.Bean flannel shirt ($60); Re/Done T-shirt ($115); Paige shorts ($169); Loeffler Randall bag ($450); Gorjana necklaces ($108 for set of two); Soko bracelets ($118 for set of four)

10. Use a Flannel as a Jacket

Or a shacket, some might say. Sport your favorite shirt as you would any other piece of outerwear and toss it on over midi dresses, athleisure, tailored separates and even sparkly evening wear. The world is your plaid-covered oyster.

Shop similar styles: Old Navy flannel shirt ($35); Cami NYC top ($194; $97); L.F. Markey pants ($165; $116); Converse sneakers ($50)

11. Try a Draped Flannel Silhouette

If you love the feel of super-soft flannel but you’re not crazy about the classic button-up look, why not try a structured cardigan or draped scarf instead? It will look particularly elegant worn over tailored printed pants and a white blouse and still maintain all those cozy fall vibes.

Shop similar styles: Pinko flannel coat ($795; $318); Victoria Victoria Beckham blouse ($340); The Kooples pants ($250; $100); 27 Edit heels ($140)

RELATED: The 5 Best Fall Trends for Women Over 40

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