Mad for plaid: The new autumn trend
This autumn, everyone’s mad about plaid. Fashion magazines are showcasing everything from plaid blazers to bold dresses and accessories.
In 2018 we told you why everyone was going plaid-mad that autumn: blazers, skirts, scarves, dresses, trousers-everything checked out. Now, in autumn and winter 2025/2026, one thing is clear: that wasn’t a flash in the pan. Plaid is back on the runways of Burberry, Chanel and McQueen, louder, bolder and more mix-and-match than ever. Here’s what’s left of the old hype and how to wear the pattern today without looking like a living-room curtain.
- Plaid is officially the top trend pattern for autumn/winter 2025/2026, from Burberry and Chloé to McQueen.
- Forget classic green-and-red: fresh colourways now dominate-think lilac, butter yellow and electric blue.
- Buffalo check, Glen plaid and houndstooth are the three checks worth investing in.
- One plaid piece per outfit is enough. Keep the rest of the look understated or it’ll tip over the edge.
- Splurge on a blazer or coat; for the rest, seasonal and budget-friendly will do.
Plaid is one of the few patterns that never truly disappears. It sometimes retreats to the back of the wardrobe, only to re-emerge on every second runway. 2018 was one of those years when it was everywhere-and, frankly, not every look worked. Back then, “wearing the trend” often meant layering plaid from scarf to trousers. Today, you-and the designers-know better.
Why plaid is suddenly everywhere again
For autumn/winter 2025/2026, plaid is one of the dominant patterns strutting down the major runways. Burberry showcased tartan-trimmed coats with fur collars in navy and garnet, alongside tartan in almost psychedelic hues. At Chloé, the check runs from button-down shirts to sheer tea dresses, while Thom Browne wove it from silk chiffon. McQueen, with its Scottish roots, naturally returns to its signature tartan time and again.
The difference from 2018? Plaid is no longer just the office-safe grey-brown or the harsh green-red of Christmas markets. On the catwalks, the pattern appears in icy lilac, buttercup yellow and electric blue, often paired with lace, sequins or fur. Today, tartan reads less like tradition and more like a deliberate statement.
Plaid isn’t a pattern you wear because everyone else is. It’s one you wear because it works-once you know how.
Meet the plaid family: which check suits you
Not all plaid is created equal. Three patterns stand out this season, each with its own personality.
Buffalo check is the bold, often two-tone block pattern-classic black-and-red or black-and-white. It feels rustic and warm, perfect for flannel shirts over knits or a chunky overshirt. One piece can anchor an entire outfit.
Glen plaid (also called glencheck) is the refined, muted pattern you know from well-tailored suits. It’s the elegant option and the reason your 2018 plaid blazer still feels wearable today. Glencheck doesn’t date; it simply matures.
Houndstooth is the graphic classic with its tiny, jagged shapes. Black-and-white reads strict and very French; in colour it instantly feels modern. A houndstooth coat is an investment you’ll still reach for in a decade.
From closet to street: how to wear plaid in 2025/2026
The golden rule hasn’t changed since 2018-in fact, it’s even more crucial now: one plaid piece per look. Keep the rest quiet. A plaid blazer with black trousers and a simple tank. A plaid skirt with fine knitwear. A plaid coat over solid tones. Once two or more plaid items collide, you either need a very sure eye or you risk a curtain-effect disaster.
If you still want to mix, stick to one colour family and vary only the scale. A large buffalo check with a fine glencheck in the same tone can work. Two bold tartans in different colours, however, fight for attention.
The quickest route to a modern plaid look is via accessories. A scarf, bag or beanie in check makes the statement without locking you in. This tip held true in 2018-and it still does: plaid doesn’t need to be big to make an impact.
Invest or impulse-buy?
Not every plaid piece deserves your hard-earned cash. The rule of thumb: invest in what you’ll wear for years; save on the rest.
A quality plaid coat or wool glencheck blazer costs more, but it survives trend cycles. Such pieces re-emerge every few years without ever feeling dated. A loud, trend-coloured plaid skirt from a fast-fashion label, on the other hand, can come from a budget line-next autumn’s palette will look entirely different anyway.
To see which tones are setting the tone this season, check out autumn trend colours. And the fact that a supposedly “dead” pattern or cut can roar back to life isn’t unique: flared jeans are back, and fabric trends show the same loop, as our look at linen as a 2026 trend fabric proves. Fashion is a loop, and plaid is running with it.
Quick Answers
▸Is plaid still in style for 2025/2026?
Absolutely, and it’s everywhere on the runways. For autumn/winter 2025/2026, plaid ranks among the dominant patterns, showcased by brands like Burberry, Chloé, Thom Browne, and McQueen. Tartan and check are also confirmed as key motifs for the pre-fall 2026 season.
▸How do I wear plaid without looking outdated?
Stick to one plaid piece per outfit and keep the rest plain and simple. Opt for fresh hues instead of the classic green-red combo-think lilac, butter yellow, or electric blue. Use accessories like scarves or bags if you’re not ready to commit fully.
▸What’s the difference between plaid, tartan, and houndstooth?
Plaid is the umbrella term for all check patterns. Tartan is the traditional Scottish grid with intersecting color stripes. Houndstooth is the small, jagged black-and-white pattern with a more graphic feel. Glen check is the subtle, refined version often seen in suits and blazers.
▸Which plaid pieces are worth investing in?
Go for timeless staples: a plaid coat or a glen-check wool blazer will survive multiple trend cycles without looking out of place. For bold seasonal items like a trendy-colored skirt, a budget-friendly label is fine since the color palette shifts every year.
