How Plaid Became Spring’s Most Surprising Style Statement
3 min readPlaid is a pattern that never really goes out of fashion. From traditional tartans and school-uniform checks to the scruffy flannels of lumberjacks and the Kurt Cobain-era grunge scene, it has undergone countless style iterations over the years. More recently, though, the plaid print trend has started to make its way back in a more high-fashion, spring-appropriate form.
The first signs of this latest resurgence came a few years ago. For Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer 2023 collection, Kate Moss stepped out in a blue plaid shirt, causing an immediate stir because the look felt so unexpectedly cool, effortless, and refined. Now, the spring 2026 season is shaping up to be plaid’s biggest moment yet, with brands like Celine, Tod’s, and Acne Studios also pushing the pattern in a more elevated, elegant direction.
Lydia Zacharis, buying manager at Net-A-Porter, says that while plaid is more commonly associated with winter, in lighter fabrics, it “lends itself well to the spring season.” Pointing to the recent runways of Dries Van Noten and Chanel, Zacharis adds, “We have recently seen the print become more prominent and used in a fresh, novel way, often clashed with other prints such as florals, sequins, and stripes.”
This evolution has opened up plaid’s styling potential in a way that feels neither punk nor prep. On the runways, the looks included plaid shirts layered over fine turtlenecks, checked tops peeking out from underneath ladylike wool coats, and tailored plaid pants worn with structured blazers. “I love plaid as a way to give an edge to more feminine summer outfits. For example, a plaid cotton shirt paired with a mini skirt or tied around the waist of a slip dress, or a tweed transitional jacket with jeans and ballerina flats,” says Zacharis.
The best way into the trend now is through a mix of classic and novelty pieces: a soft plaid shirt, relaxed checked trousers, or even plaid accessories for a lighter touch. Ahead, our favorite ways to wear (and shop) the plaid print trend this spring.
Plaid Accessories
For anyone who wants to ease into the trend, plaid accessories are the low-commitment entry point. A checked scarf, shoulder bag, or shoe can add just enough pattern to an outfit without overwhelming the look.
Plaid Blazer
A plaid blazer adds depth to a tailored silhouette, setting it apart from any other neutral spring jacket. Wear it with matching trousers or a skirt for a suiting moment, or throw it over a tank and jeans for a relaxed, modern feel. This season, the best versions are just slightly oversized.
Plaid Dress
A plaid dress gives the print a softer feel and, depending on the cut, can look prim or even feminine. Look for easy slip styles, draped midis, or silhouettes with romantic details that make the pattern feel fresh rather than old school.
Plaid Pants
Plaid pants are this season’s fashion-forward alternative to black trousers. They can look academic when paired with knits, blazers, or shirting, or take on more of a punk edge when styled with a leather jacket or graphic tee. The trend currently comes in every silhouette, though straight-leg and softly slouchy cuts are the most versatile.
Plaid Shirt
The plaid shirt is the foundation of the classic trend (and the most wearable piece of the lot). Despite its grunge roots, today’s styles are much more elevated. Layer a flannel shirt under a coat, wear it buttoned up with a maxi skirt, or leave it open over a tank top for a deliberately rugged look.
Plaid Skirt
A plaid skirt can encompass many aesthetics, which is part of its appeal. A mini feels playful and slightly punk, a midi has a collegiate charm, and a maxi looks elegant and grown-up. This season, longer silhouettes styled with slim knits, pointed-toe boots, or ballet flats make plaid feel contemporary.
Plaid Jacket
Whether it is a cropped jacket, a lightweight overshirt, or a wool layer, plaid instantly adds texture and visual interest to a transitional jacket. These pieces are also ideal for spring layering, especially over everyday dresses, denim, or monochrome separates. The best plaid jackets strike the balance between practicality and statement, making them easy to throw on and go.
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