Styling Flannels: Here Are Some Out Of The Box Ideas

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Flannel is the quintessential fall fabric. It’s cozy, it’s comfortable, and it comes in so many different colors and patterns. But how do you style flannels so that you look chic and not sloppy? 

I’ll tell you how, because this was my daily outfit in the 90’s grunge era. Every day I threw on a fitted t-shirt, and, depending on the weather, wore a flannel over my tee or tied that bad boy around my waist. 

Depending on my mood, I paired these staples with baggy or tight jeans, and the pièce de résistance? My trusty Doc Martens in either black, chestnut, or oxblood – whatever went best with the flannel colors. I preferred a blackwatch or tartan print, but that’s just me. Was I trying to look like Chris Cornell from Soundgarden? Yes, I was. And so was everybody else because it’s Chris Cornell, duh. 

But we have come a long way from the grunge-era flannel days, and although I’d still proudly rock this ensemble, there are newer and more innovative tips on how to style flannels.

Here are a few tips: 

Pair Your Flannel Shirt With A Pair Of Leather Pants

Because they have so many different colors incorporated into their patterns, flannel is quite simple to match. Wear yours over a pair of leather pants to elevate the outfit.


With Dark Denim And A Graphic T-Shirt

When worn as outerwear over a graphic t-shirt or vintage band top, a warm flannel works wonders. Dark denim completes the look, and you can always accessorize!


Flannel As Outerwear

The white t-shirts of the cold weather season – aka the shacket – flannel shirts can be worn with anything and can look girly, grungy, or completely simple-chic. Wear your favorite one over dresses, athleisure, or fitted separates, just like you would any other item of outerwear.


Tucking In Your Flannel

Take a plain flannel, tuck it into jeans or trousers and add some accessories – belt it and wear heels for a slightly more put-together-yet-still-casual ensemble.


Pairing It With Overalls

Whether going to a pumpkin patch or an autumn event, overalls and a flannel shirt are the perfect fall ensemble. You can wear this look in two ways: as an outer layering piece or choose a more fitted flannel to go under your overalls.


Knotted

By tying it up at the front, you can transform your coziest flannel into a night out look in under a minute flat.


Tied Around The Waist

Too hot for a flannel during the day but worried about when the sun dips below the horizon? Tie a flannel around your waist. Want to show off a cute tank or fitted crop top? Tie a flannel around your waist. There is no wrong way to do it!


Layered Under A Puffer Vest

During the limbo between autumn and winter, a flannel might be too little but a parka could be too much. Compromise by putting on a puffer vest over your flannel for a cozy look.


Layered Over A Hoodie

This pairing comes with the same sentiment as above but with the benefit of a little more warmth. Plus, we’ve not seen too many people wearing this combo, so be the first one to rock it.


Layered Over A Turtleneck

Never ignore your delicate knits just because the temperature drops! The ideal fall layering piece is a slightly undone flannel that you can simply layer over a turtleneck.

Our Favorite Flannels

We’ve rounded up six of our absolute fav flannels for fall!

Cotton:On
Boyfriend Flannel Shirt
$20
Shop
Abercrombie & Fitch
Oversized Flannel Shirt
$80
Shop
Universal Thread
Relaxed Fit Flannel
$25
Shop
Old Navy
Flannel Boyfriend Tunic Shirt
$39.99
Shop
Lucky Brand
The Plaid Boyfriend
$24.99
Shop
HangNiFang
Oversized Plaid Flannel
$23.99
Shop

Tell us how you’re styling your fav flannel shirts in the comments!


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