One of my fall staples is a plaid dress. Year after year, they never go out of style and are incredibly versatile! You can wear them to work, casually to the park with kids, dress them up, and even use them to create trendier looks! Not sure how to get the most out of them for fall and winter? I’m bringing you five plaid dress outfits that will hopefully inspire you to get more out of your wardrobe!

Classic / Work Appropriate

You can never go wrong with a cardigan over your plaid dress. For trendier looks you can go with a chunky knit but for a more classic, work-appropriate outfit, stick to slimmer cut cardigans like this one. Classic, neutral colors also help create a more business-like look. A sweater vest would also work here too.

To make this look office-friendly I went with a pointy toe flat. You could easily transition this look to a more casual one with a boot, bootie, or sneaker!

Dress (medium) | Cardigan (medium) | Flats (10 — size up one whole size) || Alternatives: sneaker, bootie

Edgy

Adding a little leather is always a fun way to add edginess to a look. A suede moto jacket would be another great option! The shoe is also key for this look. Don’t go dainty! A boot with metal details keeps it in line. A knee high or over the knee boot would work here too!

Dress (medium) | Jacket (medium – TTS) | Booties (9 – TTS)

Trendy

This trendier take on plaid is all about the accessories! Take away the hat and over the knee boots, and you would have a classic look! But with them, the outfit is transformed into a more fashion-forward one!

Dress (medium) | Vest ( XS/S – size down) | Boots (9 – TTS) | Hat

Sporty

To make a plaid dress sportier, adding sneakers is the easiest pairing! I went with wedge sneakers but flat sneakers work too! Slip-on styles are my favorite for dresses. Leave your athletic sneaks for the gym!

I also love the addition of a puffer vest! Don’t have one in your closet? Other casual options would be to add a scarf or a cardigan!

Dress (medium) | Vest (medium) | Wedge sneakers (9 – TTS) ||Alternatives: flat sneaker, bootie

Modern

This is probably one of my favorite plaid dress outfits! To execute it properly, it’s all about the sweater! Although mine is crew neck, a v-neck version is a fun way to show more of the dress’s collar. I recommend sticking with a lighter weight sweater to keep the look from getting bulky. The sweater should also be relaxed in fit, so that it doesn’t cause the bottom of your dress to jut out or shorten up.

Dress (medium) | Tunic sweater (M) | Boots (9 – TTS) || Alternative: cable knit sweater

What pieces are included your favorite plaid dress outfits?