Black and white plaid is a timeless pattern that can be incorporated into many different styles. When styling an outfit with black and white plaid, it’s important to consider the scale and colors of the plaid pattern itself as well as the other pieces you’ll be matching with it. Generally, black and white plaid is quite versatile and can be paired with a variety of colors and fabrics. Some key factors to keep in mind are contrast, texture, and balancing the plaid pattern.
Matching Colors
Since black and white plaid already has high contrast with its dark and light pattern, you’ll want to pay attention to finding pieces with colors that complement the graphic print. Some classic color combinations that work well with black and white plaid are:
– Black and white – Sticking to neutral black and white solids is a foolproof way to let the plaid pattern stand out. Black pants or skirt with a white top is a go-to pairing.
– Red – The high contrast of rich red against black and white plaid has a retro diner feel. Red lipstick also pops against the pattern.
– Camel or tan – Earth tones add warmth and subtle contrast. A camel coat dresses up a black and white plaid skirt.
– Light blue – Soft sky blue provides enough contrast without being overpowering. Try a chambray button-down with black and white plaid shorts.
– Olive green – The muted green hue complements both the black and white. An olive green sweater dresses down a plaid blazer.
– Pink – Soft blush pink feminizes the graphic black and white. A pink purse gives a pop of color to a plaid dress.
– Metallics – Shiny gold, silver, or rose gold jewelry and accessories make the plaid pattern feel glamorous and chic.
In general, pair black and white plaid with analogous cool tones like blues, greens, grays, and blacks or go for bold contrast with warm tones like reds, pinks, yellows, or metallics. Monochromatic shades of black, white, and gray allow the plaid print to stand out.
Matching Textures and Patterns
The bold criss-cross lines of black and white plaid mean it already has a lot of visual interest on its own. When coordinating textures and patterns, you’ll want to look for pieces that complement but don’t compete with the graphic plaid.
Some textures that pair well with black and white plaid include:
– Smooth, solid fabrics – Silky satin, leather, ponte knits, and crisp cotton poplin let the plaid pattern pop. Solids also balance out the busy print.
– Denim – Distressed denim with a modern raw hem provides casual contrast to dressed up plaid.
– Cable knit – The organic nubby texture plays off the geometric plaid lines. Pair a cable knit sweater with a plaid skirt.
– Houndstooth – Smaller-scale houndstooth reads as a solid neutral but offers a subtle interplay with black and white plaid when viewed up close.
– Tweed – The fuzzy texture of tweed offsets the smooth lines of plaid. Try a boxy tweed blazer over a cropped plaid top.
– Faux fur – Soft, fluffy faux fur provides cozy contrast to graphic plaid. An ankle-length faux fur coat balances a mini plaid skirt.
As for patterns, small-scale prints like polka dots, graphic stripes, or pinstripes can work well with black and white plaid. Just be sure the patterns aren’t too similar in size or competing for attention. Solid colors are always a foolproof choice.
Achieving Balance
Since plaid is a statement pattern, balance is important when figuring out how much plaid to work into an outfit. Some guidelines for achieving balance:
– Anchor plaid as the focal point of your outfit by pairing it with solid pieces. For example, a plaid button-down shirt as the statement piece with black pants and white sneakers.
– Mix multiple pieces with plaid in different scales from large-scale blanket plaid to mini plaid. Add in solid pieces like a plaid blazer, mini plaid skirt, and black turtleneck.
– Layer plaid over solid bottoms or under solid tops to let the print peak through. A plaid scarf over a black coat or a white tee under a plaid blazer.
– Accessorize with one key plaid statement piece like plaid shoes or a handbag to complement solids.
– Go for plaid details like piping or accent panels mixed into solids instead of head-to-toe plaid.
– Offset fuller plaid bottoms like a skirt with a more fitted solid top. Balance oversized plaid tops with sleek bottoms.
Complete Outfit Ideas
Here are some complete black and white plaid outfit ideas to give you inspiration on how to wear the pattern:
Casual plaid outfits
– Black and white plaid button-down shirt, cuffed jeans, black boots
– Black and white plaid scarf, tan trench coat, black turtleneck, tan boots
– Red sweater, black and white plaid skirt, black tights, black ankle booties
– Olive green utility jacket, black and white plaid dress, black combat boots
– White t-shirt, black and white plaid shorts, white sneakers
Dressed up plaid outfits
– Black blazer, black and white plaid pencil skirt, black heels
– Black turtleneck, A-line black and white plaid skirt, black tights, black heels
– White button-down, black tie, black and white plaid suit set
– Red lipstick, black and white plaid dress, black heels
– Camel coat, black turtleneck, black and white plaid skirt, nude heels
Menswear-inspired plaid
– Oversized black and white plaid blazer, white T-shirt, black jeans, white sneakers
– Black and white plaid button-down shirt open over white tee, black jeans, black boots
– Black peacoat, black turtleneck, black pants with black and white plaid side stripe
Tips for Wearing
Here are some top tips for wearing black and white plaid well:
– Roll up sleeves or cuff hems to show off plaid lining and give a relaxed vibe.
– Pop the collar on a plaid button-down or overshirt.
– Knot a plaid shirt at the waist over leggings or jeans.
– Pair mini or midi plaid skirts with cropped tops to show some skin.
– Layer plaid under jackets or coats and allow it to peek out.
– Use plaid as a bold accent, like a plaid coat with all black outfit.
– Go monochrome with different shades of black and white.
– Add plaid tights under dresses or skirts for an extra hit of pattern.
– Size up for an oversized plaid look with shirts or jackets.
Conclusion
Black and white plaid is a versatile pattern that looks great in both classic and modern styling. The key is to pay attention to the scale and colors of the plaid print itself and balance it out with solids and textures. Stick to analogous cool-toned colors like blues, greens and grays or add a pop of contrast with warm tones like yellows, reds and pinks. Keep silhouettes streamlined and balance oversized plaid pieces with more fitted ones. With the right styling, black and white plaid can be incorporated into casual daytime looks or dressed up for the office or evenings out. Approach black and white plaid with confidence and it will lend any outfit bold graphic appeal.