How to Wear Plaid After The Holidays (Without Looking Festive)

Plaid has a reputation problem.

Once the holidays are over, many women quietly tuck their plaid pieces away—afraid they feel too festive, too seasonal, or too “December.” But plaid doesn’t belong to one month of the year. In fact, winter is when plaid really shines—if you style it with intention.

Here’s how to wear plaid after the holidays in a way that feels modern, relaxed, and completely appropriate for January and beyond.

How to Wear Plaid After the Holidays

1. Shift the Color Story

Holiday plaid often leans toward red, green, or high-contrast patterns. After the holidays, it’s all about softening the palette.

Look for:

• Black and white plaid

• Gray, camel, navy, or cream tones

• Muted or brushed fabrics

Pair plaid with neutrals like black, ivory, gray, or denim to instantly remove the festive feel.

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2. Keep the Silhouette Simple

The easiest way to modernize plaid is to let it be the statement—without overstyling it.

Try:

• A plaid blazer over a black knit and jeans

• A plaid coat with an all-black base

• A plaid pant paired with a simple sweater

Clean lines and minimal layering keep the look grounded and current.

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3. Texture Over Accessories

Instead of holiday accessories, lean into texture.

Think:

• Cashmere or merino sweaters

• Leather boots or loafers

• Wool coats or knits

Let fabric quality do the work. This instantly elevates plaid and moves it away from anything seasonal or themed.

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4. Casual Styling Feels the Most Current

I purchased this plaid scarf in Williamsburg.

Plaid feels freshest when it’s worn casually after the holidays.

Ideas:

• Plaid shirt worn open over a tee

• Plaid blazer with denim and sneakers

• Plaid scarf with a monochrome outfit

The contrast between classic plaid and relaxed styling is what makes it work.

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5. Black and White Is Always a Yes

This outfit first appeared in this post.

If you’re ever unsure, black-and-white plaid is the answer.

I wore this plaid top when I visited The Read House Hotel in Chattanooga with Sammy.

It’s timeless, chic, and works beautifully in winter—especially in places like Park City, where style is understated and practical. Black-and-white plaid paired with great boots and a cozy knit feels intentional, not festive.

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What to Skip

To keep plaid feeling current, avoid:

• Holiday-themed accessories

• Overly bold red-and-green combinations

• Styling plaid with novelty pieces

After the holidays, less is more.

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Final Thought

Plaid isn’t seasonal—it’s classic.

With the right colors, silhouettes, and styling, plaid becomes a winter neutral you can wear well into February and even early spring. The key is to let it feel effortless, not themed.

Because great style doesn’t stop when the decorations come down—it just gets quieter, more confident, and more intentional.

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Until Next time!

XXOOXX

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