7 Ways To Style Classic Christmas Plaid Outside The Ordinary

Trying to achieve a holiday vibe that marries the traditional with the contemporary? Christmas plaids could be the key. In general, plaid is an incredibly versatile pattern. Depending on how you style it, it can go from wholesome and preppy to edgy, punk-chic. And Christmas plaids are no exception. These iconic patterns can incorporate assorted seasonal shades like red, green, and white, giving you many variants to choose from. And far from being pigeonholed into homey winter pieces like scarves or flannel button-ups, Christmas plaids are perfect for modern, fashion-forward ensembles.

Best of all, you don't have to celebrate Christmas to rock this festive fabric. No matter your personal holiday preferences and traditions, the many versions of Christmas plaid look cute for any wintertime event. From wearing an all-occasion plaid blazer at work to donning a youthful plaid corset top for a December night on the town, all it takes is a little imagination to style your favorite Christmas plaid outside the ordinary expectations.

When you want to look put-together yet jolly over the holidays, you can't go wrong with a blazer in playful Christmas plaid. The sharp tailoring of a blazer provides clean lines and structure to serve as a backdrop to the busyness of plaid, balancing its whimsy with classic elegance. Try a plaid blazer to bring semi-formal cheer to the office, family get-togethers, or your friend's annual holiday bash. It's quick and easy to style your blazer with a camisole and slacks or over a flirty mini-dress.

It's no secret that skirts and plaid go together like peanut butter and jelly. And this holiday season, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to build a fashionable ensemble — you just have to reimagine it. Snag a skirt in your favorite Christmas plaid and preferred length to add instant merriness to your winter 'fits, but pair it with unusual pieces to maintain freshness and novelty. For instance, instead of the typical pairing of a black mock-neck shirt, try styling your skirt with an asymmetrical or cold-shoulder top.

Opting for separates in Christmas plaid gives you so many options. Adaptable pieces like a cute plaid corset top, a plaid cardigan, or a pair of plaid trousers can be matched with neutral basics for a controlled pop of seasonal flair. They can also be juxtaposed against other festive fabrics like party-ready sequins or cozy Fair Isle styles for a dramatic, more-is-more effect. And if you want to double down on your Christmas plaid game, wearing festive separates is also a fantastic opportunity to try mixing and matching different plaids in a single outfit.

Who says plaid isn't for evening wear? We love a little black dress — or even a little red dress if you're trying to be festive — but plaid can be a delightfully unexpected choice for formal dresses and gowns. For a bold look, the abundance of fabric in a floor-length silhouette is ideal for balancing larger, chunkier plaids. With so much of a good thing, though, consider breaking up the pattern with a thick belt and keeping your other accessories simple.

We know that sometimes, co-ords can be a little intimidating, especially if they feature a bold pattern. But we promise you can pull off a matching plaid set without feeling overwhelmed. Try contrasting the sameness of your Christmas plaid co-ords with a solid undershirt in neutral white or black. You can also add an eye-catching accessory like the pearl choker pictured here to create another focal point and soften the visual impact of your sharp plaid ensemble.

If understated isn't your vibe, don't be afraid to go for a louder aesthetic during the holiday season. If anything, this time of love and goodwill invites vibrant, expressive fashion choices, so feel free to pair your favorite Christmas plaid pieces with other bright colors and patterns. A maximalist approach is always fun for parties and gives you a chance to play with other seasonal motifs. Offset your cheery plaid with wintry prints like snowflakes or holly to curate a look that radiates pure, unbridled joy.

Plaid scarves and even handbags are a dime a dozen, but they aren't the end-all-be-all of plaid accessories. To incorporate this pattern in a more exciting way, why not add interest with a pair of Christmas plaid shoes? From plaid clogs and pumps to Mary Jane's booties, vivid plaid shoes are stylish statement-makers. Slip them on over opaque black tights to build contrast and help the fabric shine, or let the toe peep out beneath the hem of long pants for a cheeky peek-a-boo vibe.