Are you tired of old monochrome leggings and jeans? Do you want to spice up your wardrobe? Grab a pumpkin spice latte and get ready to fall in love with our fall favorite – plaid leggings!
Plaid patterns can be traced back to Scottish Tartans, which were originally used to distinguish one clan from another. Today, these intricate designs and become a modern fashion trend, that brings an edgy touch to any outfit.
What are Plaid Leggigns?
Plaid leggigns have plaid patterns with a combination of horizontal and vertical stripes or squares, with various colors creating an eye-catching design.
Types of Plaid Patterns
There are about 20 main different plaid patterns, and over 7000 unique tartans on record. Let's dive into main ones.
Tartan Plaid Cool-Girl Comfort Outfit
Tartan is basically another word for plaid, patterned fabric with colorful rectangulars. It is known as tartan in Scotland (Scottish tartan), but outside it “plaid” is well-known alternative.
Up top, there’s an oversized heather-gray hoodie giving it off-duty vibe and red tartan plaid leggings that feel equal parts sporty and punky, turning a basic comfy outfit into something that actually looks styled. Finishing it off are chunky white sneakers.
You throw on in two minutes—but people will still ask where you got your leggings.
Royal Stewart Plaid With A Modern Edge
These two types of plaid both originate from Scotland, with the Royal Stewart Tartan being the most recognizable tartan pattern. It's often seen in red, yellow, blue, and white stripes.
A black turtleneck keeps things sleek, layered under a slightly oversized black leather biker jacket for that cool, dinner and drinks outfit. The star is the red plaid tartan pants, bringing bold, festive energy. Finished with black lace-up ankle boots, a quilted chain-strap bag, and a hint of gold jewelry, it’s polished, sharp, and ready for your fall plans.
Buffalo Plaid Ugly Christmas Leggings
Created by wrapping red and black wool yarn, Buffalo Plaid is known for its simple and bold checkered design. This pattern has become a popular choice for casual and winter apparel, making it a great option for leggings.
A relaxed black tunic top keeps things simple and flattering, letting the real star shine: red-and-black buffalo plaid leggings that instantly say holiday season. Finished with sleek black knee-high boots, it feels put-together while still comfy enough for all-day festive errands (gift shopping, coffee runs).
Black Watch Vibe Outfit
Black Watch Plaid, also known as Black Watch Tartan, is a dark blue and green pattern originating from the Scottish highlands.
The outfit centers on sleek green-and-navy plaid skinny pants, styled with a crisp white button-down and a long, textured black knit cardigan that adds warmth and movement. On the feet, black-and-white oxford shoes give it a chic, menswear-inspired finish, while a structured black tote keeps everything looking sharp.
Perfect for work days (especially business-casual offices) and dinner plans when you want something polished but comfortable.
Bold-Meets-Classic Houndstooth Plaid Outfit
Houndstooth Plaid pattern initially seen in woven wool garments from Scotland. The design involves repeating abstract four-pointed stars.
This look is perfect for fall days when you want to look polished without feeling overdressed.
A rich cobalt-blue V-neck sweater brings the color (and instantly brightens up gray-weather season), while black-and-white houndstooth leggings keep things sharp and graphic. Sleek pointed-toe heels dress it up, and a quilted chain-strap bag adds that little touch of city chic.
Navy-And-White Windowpane Plaid Leggings Outfit
Windowpane Plaid, as its name suggests, features thin, single horizontal and vertical lines creating a grid-like appearance.
A crisp white blouse keeps things fresh under a tailored navy blazer, while the navy-and-white windowpane pants add graphic polish without feeling fussy. Metallic silver pointed-toe heels give it a sleek finish, and that sunny yellow handbag is the perfect pop of color that makes the whole outfit feel intentional (and a little fun).
Fall Minimalism with Glen Plaid Leggings
A chunky cream ribbed turtleneck sweater brings that warm, sweater-weather feel, while the high-waisted micro-plaid leggings keep the silhouette sharp and streamlined. White sneakers make it modern and walkable, and the structured mini top-handle bag adds a polished finish.
Great for coffee runs and weekend errands when you still want to look styled and warm.
Preppy Look with Gingham Plaid
Gingham Plaid, often associated with picnic tablecloths or country-style clothing, is a simple check pattern of even-sized squares in two alternating colors.
A bright hot-pink sweater brings instant joy, paired with pink-and-white gingham pants that feel crisp and classic.
On-The-Go Shepherds Tartan Leggings
A crisp white blouse (with a subtle ruffled collar) is layered under a tailored black blazer, creating that instantly polished, “I mean business” base. Black-and-white micro-check Shepherds Tartan leggings that read classic and sleek, but feel modern and easy. Add oversized sunglasses and a structured black tote, and you’ve got a chic, city-ready uniform.
Plaid Outfit Ideas Tips
You can't go unnoticed in plaid leggings, but does this pattern suit everyone?
- Plaid adds volume, especially in warm tones (cream, beige, green, mustard). That can be a plus if you want a little extra shape through the legs—or if you’re balancing broader shoulders. If not, try to avoid it.
- For the most universally flattering look, choose:
- Cool-toned plaids (black/white, navy, charcoal, icy red)
- Low contrast (no super harsh color clashes)
- Small to medium checks (easier to wear than oversized plaid)
Plaid with plaid… or plaid with another print?
It can look amazing—but it’s a high-fashion move. If the patterns fight for attention, the outfit starts wearing you. If you do want to try it, keep it intentional:
- Match one color across both prints
- Mix textures (knit + leather + denim)
- Let one pattern be the “main character”
The easiest way to style them
Plaid leggings + solid colors = foolproof and still bold.
Pick a top in one of the shades already in the plaid, or lean on classics like black, white, and gray. Your shoes and bag don’t have to match the pattern—just keep the overall palette cohesive.
Accessory cheat sheet
- Bright plaid: keep accessories simple and neutral
- Dark plaid: you can add bolder accessories—just don’t pile them on
What to wear them with
- Tunic or oversized sweater
- Long shirt or shirt-style blouse
- T-shirt + long cardigan
- Blazer or dressy jacket
- Short skirt layered over leggings (for a playful look)
Shoes that always work
- Ballet flats
- Closed-toe flats
- Ankle boots
- Chunky tread boots
- Wedges
Fall styling tip
Plaid leggings love autumn layers—think long coats, trench coats, and cropped jackets in calm, neutral colors so the pattern stays the star. If you’re layering multiple pieces, do one quick mirror check: if the plaid is the first thing you see (and everything else supports it), you nailed it.
