Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Digital Cover hfm

Plaid skirt outfits: 11 different ways to wear the look

Incorporate the patterned staple into your wardrobe this season

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

Clare Pennington
Associate Editor
Updated: September 26, 2024
Share this:

What do preppy kids, grunge girlies and stylish Scots have in common? An everlasting love affair with plaid, of course. And now, thanks to appearances at Chanel, Ashley Williams and Loewe - we're excited to get in on the action too. 

Is plaid in style for 2024?

Olivia Palermo in top to toe checks at the Dior show in Paris. © Edward Berthelot
Olivia Palermo in top to toe checks at the Dior show in Paris.

Plaid is nothing new, in fact, it has been around for centuries, with tartan dating back to the 3rd Century AD. Impressive stuff.

In 2024, plaid has been doing the street style rounds, with many fashion insiders rocking up to shows in pleated versions of all lengths, many with dual-buckle detailing and hardware add-ons. Chopova Lowena put the checked kilt front and centre of their entire brand, and cool girls have been clamouring to get their hands on one of their punk-esque plaid skirts.  

What looks good with a plaid skirt?

The beauty of plaid and tartan skirts lies in their versatility, all we suggest is that you swerve dark V-neck jumpers and classic white shirts to avoid getting mistaken for a rebellious truant (unless that's exactly the look you're after, of course.)

Otherwise, the world is your oyster – we love a burst of colour via sweater vest, or 70s inspired pair of trainers. Or make your plaid pop with knee high boots and something a little gothic on top. 

Which tops to wear with plaid skirts?

This Autumn, we're not over our love of the instant outfit-enhancer that is the waistcoat. Style with a pleated mini, or perhaps a knitted vest to ramp up the preppy energy. Or, if something a little more heavy duty is required, we're fans of plush off-the-shoulder knits and a bomber jacket. 

Want to give your wardrobe a little check-up? Read on! 

Hello! Fashion shares our favourite ways to wear a plaid skirt:

With a playful knit 

Emili Sindlev rocks a plaid mini skirt alongside a graphic short-sleeved knit © Getty
Emili Sindlev rocks hers alongside a graphic short-sleeved knit
  • Check Asymmetrical Wrap Mini Skirt

    Ganni

    The Details

    • Composition: 50% Recycled Wool, 40% Recycled Polyester, 5% Nylon, 5% Viscose
    • Sizes: 4-16

    You can always rely on Ganni for wardrobe elevating pieces that all the cool girls want to wear. We'll be pairing ours with a jolly red knit. 

With a utilitarian bomber

Georgia Moot wears a plaid skirt with a green bomber jacket © Getty
Georgia Moot styles hers with a green bomber jacket
  • Montana Pleated Mini Skirt

    Forever New

    The Details

    • Composition: 63% Polyester, 33% Viscose, 4% Elastane
    • Sizes: 8-16

    We're nuts about the perfect pleats on this plaid skirt, and will be teaming it with a rich oxblood coloured bomber jacket and trainers. 

With a jewel toned old open collar top 

A Fashion Week guest a plaid skirt with a vibrant open collar top © Getty
A Fashion Week guest styles hers with a green short-sleeved top
  • Maxi Kilt Skirt in Blue Skater Check

    COLLUSION

    The Details

    • Composition: 76% Polyester, 24% Viscose
    • Sizes: 4-18

    Plaid doesn't have to live in the tried and tested world of reds, greens and yellows. Add a dash of blue to spice up proceedings and pair with an emerald knit. 

With a matching jacket 

Susie Lau wears pink checkered jacket and matching skirt in Paris. ,© Christian Vierig
Susie Lau wears pink checkered jacket and matching skirt in Paris. ,
  • Pink Check Knit Skirt

    Self-Portrait

    The Details

    • Composition: 76% Polyester 24% Acrylic
    • Sizes: 4-16

    Pair this sugarine mini skirt with the matching jacket and march about town with Cher from Clueless energy. 

With sharp tailoring 

A Fashion Week guest wears hers with a slate grey blazer © Getty
A Fashion Week guest wears hers with a slate grey blazer
  • Bronte Button Through Midi Skirt

    Damson Madder

    The Details

    • Composition: 100% Organic Cotton
    • Sizes: 6-20

    Pair with the matching Kylie ruffle shirt (£75), and pop a slick blazer on top. Perfection. There's also a dress version too.

With a cable-knit sweater and a belted coin purse 

A Fashion Week guest a plaid skirt with a puff-sleeve cable knit sweater © Getty
A Fashion Week guest styles hers with a puff-sleeve cable knit sweater
  • Rory Skirt

    Reformation

    The Details

    • Composition: 100% Polyester (Deadstock Fabric)
    • Sizes: 4-16

    Team with a red hot knit, ballet pumps and a utility belt (perfect for stashing lipstick and tic tacs.)

With an asymmetric knit and retro frames 

Julia Comil styles a plaid skirt with an off-the-shoulder knit © Getty
Julia Comil styles hers with an off-the-shoulder knit
  • Asymmetric Check Skirt

    Bershka

    The Details

    • Composition: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane
    • Sizes: XS-L

    An asymmetric split and a big ruffle add a touch of drama to proceedings, and the deep red tones will pair perfectly with an orange knit. 

With loungewear and combat boots 

Yoyo Cao rocks a plaid mini skirt with a black hoodie and lace-up boots © Getty
Yoyo Cao rocks hers with a black hoodie and lace-up boots
  • Pleated Check Skirt

    Mango

    The Details

    • Composition:  71% Viscose, 26% Polyester, 3% Elastane
    • Sizes: XS-XL

    Mango is a great place to shop for transitional pieces that will see you through til Spring. This skirt is no exception. 

With tights and kitten heels 

A Fashion Week guest wears a plaid skirt with a matching frilly jacket and dusty blue tights © Getty
A Fashion Week guest teamed hers with a matching frilly jacket and dusty blue tights
  • Red Hairy Tartan Mini Skirt

    River Island

    The Details

    • Composition: 2% Elastane, 15% Nylon (polyamide), 77% Polyester, 6% Wool
    • Sizes: XS-L

    This sumptuous set paired with a pair of navy tights and a pointed kitten heel would be a cosy yet chic Autumn outfit, perfect for a nice night in the pub. 

With chunky thigh-high boots 

Mara Lafontan wears a plaid skirt with a matching cropped jacket © Getty
Mara Lafontan styles hers with a matching cropped jacket
  • DREAM Eden Check Mini Skirt

    Sister Jane

    The Details

    • Composition:  80% Polyester, 20% Cotton; Lining: 65% Viscose, 35% Polyester
    • Size: XS-L

    The delicate ladylike nature of this checked mini - complete with rosette detail - would be perfectly offset with the unexpected pairing of chunky combat boots. 

With a vintage-style jacket and Mary Janes 

Emmanuelle Koffi teams a plaid skirt with a cream tailored jacket © Getty
Emmanuelle Koffi teams hers with a cream tailored jacket
  • Jesse Pleated Mini Skirt

    BDG

    The Details

    • Composition: 100% Cotton
    • Sizes: XS-XL

    The rebellious nature of this micro-mini would look perfect when teamed with staid vintage-inspired pieces such as a belted jacket and mary-janes (we vote socks too).

How we chose:

  • Style and theme: We've scoured the internet''s top sites for the best plaid skirts that will set you up for Autumn and Winter alike. 
  • Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a piece of floral knitwear in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from affordable-luxe brands to designer labels if you're looking to invest.  

Why you should trust me:

Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

Sign up to HELLO! Fashion for style tips, cultural insights, must-have items, and more

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.  

More Hello! Fashion

See more