Plaid is almost as much of a fall certainty as pumpkin-infused baked goods. And while we’re used to seeing the classic pattern on blazers and skirts, we were pleasantly surprised to see it popping up on slacks and skinnies. Best of all, plaid pants are basically an outfit-maker—and not overwhelming, we promise—when you throw them on with a sweater and boots. Here are ten pairs that prove it.
Plaid Pants Are Trending and They’re More Wearable Than You Think
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![rag and bone simone plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/rag-and-bone-simone-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Cropped Skinnies
A fall-ready jewel-toned palette, at your service.
![mother insider plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/mother-insider-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Side-striped
We’re suddenly feeling very collegiate.
![sea buffalo check plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/sea-buffalo-check-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Buffalo-check Wide Legs
The two-toned print is a seasonal staple, and a flattering high-waisted silhouette is way more surprising than your standard flannel.
![bp plaid crop pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/bp-plaid-crop-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Exposed Zipper
We’re suckers for a little well-placed hardware.
![anine bing cindy plaid flare pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/anine-bing-cindy-plaid-flare-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Flares
Our middle-school selves would be all over these.
![karen kane plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/karen-kane-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Super Skinny
These look great with an oversized button-down… and also wouldn’t be out of place in a ’60s music video.
![michael kors collection plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/michael-kors-collection-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Classic Tartan
Wear with a blazer for school-uniform vibes, or go full Joan Jett with a vintage tee and leather jacket.
Michael Kors Collection ($695)
![moon river tie front plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/moon-river-tie-front-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Tie Waist
You gotta love a piece that does the accessorizing for you. (Also, how good do these look with that white sweater/boots combo?)
![equipment silk plaid pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/equipment-silk-plaid-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Silk Slacks
Think of these as a flowy update on summer’s checked pants trend.
![sejour windowpane plaid crop pants](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/10/sejour-windowpane-plaid-crop-pants.jpg?fit=680%2C860)
Windowpane Crops
Classic, minimalist and office-friendly. What’s not to like?