The shirt style you overlooked has now emerged as the biggest trend for Fall 2025.
Welcome to The Great Try-On—our guide to everything you need for your most stylish season yet. With a chill in the air, we've curated the ultimate fall capsule wardrobe consisting of six practical yet stylish hero items. Several of our editors tried on each of these versatile wardrobe staples so you can see how they look in real life. We've developed individual stories around the six categories we're showcasing, and for each, you’ll find some of your favorite brands, new styling tips, and plenty of outfit ideas. From the denim trend causing people to swap blue jeans to the sweater style of the season, we hope these photos and honest reviews of each item will assist you in shopping for a fall wardrobe filled with essentials and trendy pieces you'll wear this season and beyond.
Plaid shirts are transformative items that can complement a variety of styles. They can be punk, preppy, laid-back, or even formal. The appeal of a plaid shirt is its versatility—it can be whatever you want it to be. This is why everyone should own one this fall. They pair well with virtually everything, from lace slip skirts to leather jackets, and you won’t tire of them, we promise.
Barbour excels in many areas, but one of its specialties is definitely plaid shirts. When envisioning a classic plaid shirt, this is probably what comes to mind—and there's a good reason for that. It's an iconic essential.
Aniyah's perspective on the shirt: "You may recognize Barbour for its classic waxed jackets, but don't overlook its other offerings. Besides outerwear, the brand also excels in sweaters and shirts. This plaid piece is one of them. Although I typically wear solid colors for button-down tops, I'm excited to incorporate plaid into my wardrobe this season. We combined two major fall trends, lace and plaid, to create this unexpectedly stylish look. The only way I could make it work was with a shirt that was as comfortable and relaxed as this one."
Styling tips: Plaid shirts are often seen as casual. However, a piece with a distinct identity can feel fresh and interesting when styled differently. Pair it with a lace dress tucked in at the hip and layered over trousers for a look that balances masculinity and femininity. The unexpected combination of elements works together flawlessly.
Shop the shirt: Barbour Elishaw Relaxed Fit Check Button-Up Shirt ($79). This timeless piece has an undeniable relaxed charm, crafted from brushed soft cotton, featuring a button-up placket and a classic collar.
Barbour
Elishaw Button-Up Shirt
Reformation
Lace Trim Silk Midi Skirt
TOTEME
Strappy Pointed Toe Pumps
We often find ourselves desiring everything that Proenza Schouler produces, and this plaid button-up is no exception. It embodies that effortless yet high-fashion staple New York trendsetters gravitate towards, likely due to its easy wearability. Like all Proenza pieces, it has an inherent cool factor.
Audrey's view on the shirt: "A few months ago, Who What Wear editor Eliza Huber wore a plaid Tory Burch shirt at work, which made me reconsider plaid as just a pattern that an entire generation wore in high school. With its relaxed silhouette and cobalt color, this Proenza Schouler version reinforces the idea that plaid can be chic."
Styling tips: To elevate the top, think about adding oversized sunglasses and dramatic leather gloves, along with a chunky silver bracelet on top. Tuck the shirt into a column skirt, and finish the look with a stylish leather belt featuring gold hardware.
Shop the shirt: Proenza Schouler Bronwen Plaid Hammered Viscose Button-Up Shirt ($1090). This plaid button-up is made from Italian hammered viscose and includes a front button closure, point collar, two-button cuffs, and dropped shoulders. Regular dry cleaning is recommended for maintenance.
Proenza Schouler
Bronwen Button-Up Shirt
Ray-Ban
54mm Wayfarer Sunglasses
Madewell
Suede Column Skirt
What's exciting about a plaid shirt is its ability to add a grungy edge to an otherwise polished or simplistic look. This is particularly true for the ACNE Studios button-up featuring a somewhat blurry plaid that feels truly unique.
Tara's perspective on the shirt: "Plaid shirts are usually preppy, which doesn't align with my personal style. However, this ACNE Studios shirt definitely veers more towards the grunge aesthetic, which I find appealing. Many people forget that plaid is a punk staple as much as it is a preppy essential! The coloring on this ACNE shirt also makes it easier to pair with edgier items like chunky silver jewelry, tall black boots, and slinky silk skirts."
Styling tips: When in doubt, simply tie the plaid shirt around your waist. This adds a punk vibe that can break up a more straightforward silhouette, such as black satin pants and a
Other articles
The shirt style you overlooked has now emerged as the biggest trend for Fall 2025.
The combination of grungy and preppy styles can be styled in various ways.
