How To Wear A Flannel Shirt: 15 Styling Ideas For Women

If you want to know how to wear a flannel, then you have successfully landed on the right page because this article is meant just for you. Dynamic, simple, and versatile, a flannel shirt is a piece of clothing and wearing it, you will never go wrong. And the best part is that you can style in many different ways, and below, you will find out how. So, without any further delay, go ahead and give this piece a read to learn how to rock these shirts!

Ace The Look

• Occasion: Plaid flannel shirts are great for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, picnics, and can even be worn for casual weekend outings like shopping trips, coffee or movies dates, and holiday gatherings.
• Body Type: For an hourglass figure, tuck in the shirt and cinch it with a belt; for a rectangular body type, tie a knot with at the waist; for an apple shaped body, wear a fitted top and layer with an unbuttoned flannel shirt; for a pear shaped body, opt for a longer length shirt that covers the hips.
• Accessories: Enhance your look with accessories like layered necklaces, statement geometric earrings, and knitted scarves to look stylish.
• Footwear: Opt for footwear like knee high boots and ankle boots for a polished look, or sneakers for a relaxed and comfortable fit.

Cute Ways To Style Your Flannel Shirt

1. Flannel Sweater

Just when you thought that flannels were all about shirts, we have proof that they are not. The flannel-lined plaid style has found its way into fall fashion, and pairing this with ankle booties is only fitting.

Fun Fact

Flannel originated in the 17th century in Wales and was mostly used to make blankets, sleepwear, and bedsheets, as it is warm and soft.

2. Plaid Cardigan

Again, you didn’t see this coming, did you? I fell in love with the idea of a flannel cardigan and was just plain grateful for the novelty of the designer who came up with this. Another trendy way to rope the plaid print into your outfit. According to Paola Farina, Personal Stylist, “You can always customize a cardigan with a polo belt, a cinch belt, a kidney belt, an obi belt, or a sash belt.”

Trivia

Flannel shirt is often used to refer to any shirt with tartan or plaid pattern. However, it refers to the fabric and not the pattern.

3. Plaid Shirt Dress

The best part about checkered or plaid shirt dresses is that they are effortlessly chic and suit just about any body type. There’s nothing to worry about if you are petite, plus or pear-shaped, it takes the shape of your body and sits beautifully on anyone.

Paola says, “Ensure that the size of the checks should suit your body. Large checks don’t look too good if you are petite.

4. With Knee-High Boots

Break the monotonous practice of wearing a red and white plaid shirt and opt for this electric blue one instead. The next time you see a different colored plaid, do not shy away from wearing it because you know it looks great. To pamper yourself and the plaid a little more, sport that skinny denim and pull up a pair of thigh-high booties!

5. With A Camo Jacket In Winter

Raise your hand if you love camo jackets like me (more like borderline obsessed). Come winter, layer your plaid with a flannel shirt. The aesthetic of the shirt and the coat entirely complement each other, so you have got it all sorted. Also, for a cozy and warm look, you can complete the outfit with a pair of gloves along with a thick and chunky knit scarf.

6. With Leather Pants

Leather pants or leather leggings have taken over the clothing lines for the last couple of seasons, and yes, you guessed it right, they go perfectly with flannels, especially if they are black.

7. The Cowboy Style

Are you feeling a little tomboyish, I mean, cowboyish today? Your plaid shirt will go perfectly with your vibe. Plaid shirt, dark washed bootcut or boyfriend jeans, booties, and a sleeveless denim jacket should be your ideal outfit. And not to forget, complete the look with a cowboy hat. You can also choose from a range of hats, like a fedora or a beret, or even a beanie, depending on your personal style. With these tips, you will no longer have to question how to style boyfriend jeans with a flannel; this style is all you need!

8. Distressed Denim And Ankle Booties

Distressed denim or frayed shorts are another opportunity to rock that plaid shirt. You can either wear ankle length boots or converse shoes.

9. Flannel Shirt And A Formal Skirt

Try this fusion look with a formal skirt, button-up plaid shirt, an overcoat, and stockings in winters. Who said you couldn’t do this? Also, why didn’t we think of this before?

10. With Shorts

Because there’s nothing like too much flanneling, and because we want to find a way to incorporate it into our dressing. If we don’t want to wear them, let’s tie it at the waist and act cute (what’s there to act?).

11. Oversized Flannel Shirt And Leggings

If you love both flannels and oversized tops, let’s not settle for anything less than a top that gives you the best of both worlds. Oversized plaid shirts are a relatively latest addition, and have made us all mighty happy.

12. Open Flannel Shirt Style

Can you quickly think of one word that sums up fall? Go on, think about it! If your answer was ‘checkered’, high five sister! Checkered and how! It feels great to cozy up in soft flannel shirts and use them as layers to keep yourself protected from the cold breezes that remind you that winter is right around the corner. So, have fun while it lasts. Wear plain T-shirts, plaid shirts, and chunky accessories, and drink a lot of pumpkin spiced latte.

13. Bikini Cover Up

Let me be a little honest, I’m a little offended with myself that I did not think of this before, but I have used every beach vacation to over-compensate for my guilt. Anyway, the next time you are headed for a holiday, remember that you don’t have to carry a cover-up or worry if you forgot to take one. More power to our flannels!

14. With A Leather Skirt

Leather skirts or shorts can get you party ready in no time, but what if it’s a day party and you don’t want to wear tops that are blingy? Flannel. That is your answer. You can either wear it loose and oversized to make a statement, or do a front or half-tuck to add a little definition. Black ankle length booties will seal the deal.

15. One Piece Flannel Dress

We have seen all kinds of shirts and T-shirt dresses, even the flannel ones, but if you want to be vocal about showing your love for flannels without actually saying anything, then you just got lucky. Next time you find a piece like this, remember what we discussed, there’s nothing like too much flanneling.

Nayonde, a blogger, styled her flannel shirt as a tube top and paired it with bootcut jeans and white shoes. If you love quirky styles and love out-of-the-box fashion, this style is for you. She wrote, “I have always had a soft spot for plaid flannel shirts for as long as I can remember. It might not be trendy trend right now but I believe everyone should have one of these in their closet (i).”

You do not have to stay inside the lines when it comes to fashion. Mixing patterns is a great way to do this. A striped top layered under an open flannel adds a touch of unexpected charm. Floral prints bring a surprising twist too; try a floral scarf or graphic tee under your flannel for a modern, edgy vibe. The trick is balance, choose patterns in complementary colors to keep the look cohesive, and let the flannel’s bold lines and texture be the star while the other patterns add just enough contrast to keep things interesting.

Key Takeaways

• Flannel shirts are dynamic, versatile, and simple.
• They can be paired with jeans, shorts, and skirts, and teamed up with knee-high boots.
• You can wear it with a camo jacket in autumn or winter.
• You can also wear it as a dress and wear matching accessories.

Infographic: Reasons Why Flannels Are Simply The Best

Flannels are timeless and fashionable, and now you know how to style them in cool ways! But you should know that flannels are must-haves in your wardrobe that you absolutely cannot skip. After all, you can never go wrong with them!

Check out the infographic below to know all the cool reasons why flannels are the best!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I style a flannel shirt for a formal occasion?

Start with a sleek, neutral-toned flannel in a more muted pattern like grayscale or dark tones. Button it up and tuck it into high-waisted trousers or a fitted skirt. To this, wear a leather belt and minimal jewelry for added polish. A fitted blazer over your flannel will instantly elevate the look, giving it an air of sophistication while keeping the flannel’s laid-back charm. Pair with ankle boots or loafers, and voila, you look fancy and formal!

Should you wear a flannel open or closed?

You can wear a flannel open or closed depending on how formal you want to appear and whether you are using it as an overlayer or wearing it as a shirt.

Do you wear anything under a flannel?

If you are wearing a flannel as an overshirt, you may wear a sweater or a basic tee-shirt, depending on how warm you need to be.

Should you tuck a flannel in?

Flannels are generally not designed to be tucked in. However, if you have a long enough flannel shirt, you can tuck it in to suit your outfit. How to tuck in a shirt, you may ask. Opt for a half-tuck in, front, or low tuck for a stylish look.

Do flannels work with sweatpants?

Not really. Pairing flannels with sweatpants may take the look from casual and relaxed to sloppy and lazy.

Illustration: How To Wear A Flannel Shirt: 15 Styling Ideas For Women

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Check out this video to learn 7 creative ways to style your flannel shirt. From layering to tying, you are sure to find a look you love.

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Paola FarinaPersonal Stylist

   

Paola Farina is a personal and event stylist and a certified image consultant with 4 years of experience. She collaborates with individuals and companies. After graduating from classical studies, she won a scholarship from Image Fashion & Communication, the first Italian institute for training professional editors and stylists.

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Pratima AtiFashion & Lifestyle Writer

 

Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor

Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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