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.
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 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 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 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. ,
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
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 styles hers with a puff-sleeve cable knit sweater
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 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 hers with a black hoodie and lace-up boots
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 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 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 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.
