Wear A Flannel Shirt, But Make It Fashion

The Updated Flannel Shirt

A flannel shirt is a cold-weather classic. It started out as workwear during the Industrial Revolution, became a grunge rocker favorite in the 90s, and is now a fashion staple. And in recent years, designers have updated it with fun details and new proportions. So if you’re looking for an upgrade to the oversized plaid flannel shirt that you’ve had since college, here are some fresh new styles to try…

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Statement Sleeves

While I was at the mall last weekend, I found this Plaid Flannel Round Collar Shirt at LOFT (also available in sienna color). I was quite smitten with the puff sleeves, mulberry color, and Peter Pan collar. And it’s 100% brushed cotton so it’s soft and cozy. I’m going to wear it with my bootcut jeans, cropped pants, casual skirts, and even dresses.

For the winter, I’ll probably wear it buttoned up which gives it a polished look. In the spring, however, I’ll wear it open with a t-shirt (mine was gifted as a part of this sponsored post).

The full-length bootcut jeans that I’m wearing are no longer available, but the cropped button front bootcut jeans are from J.Crew.

My mini skirt is an old Athleta one, but my combat boots are still available.

If you like more dramatic statement sleeves, take a look at this Organic Cotton Flannel Bishop Sleeve Blouse. It has a banded collar and shorter length making it much different from the average flannel shirt. I wear mine with fitted pants and jeans to balance the volume on top. I bought it in red for the holidays and Valentine’s Day, but if you want something neutral, they have a white plaid and a black plaid.

You could also wear it with a full skirt or wider pants – just a belt to define your waist.

For a very affordable shirt with blouson sleeves, take a look at this Flannel Double Button Top. It comes in 3 pretty colors.

Oversized Shirts

For a laid-back, easy outfit, try an oversized flannel shirt. Everlane’s Organic-Cotton Flannel Popover has a high-low hem which makes it easy to do a half-tuck (tucked in the front, loose in the back). My favorite is the Ice Blue which is similar to one of the colors from Pantone’s 2022 Spring/Summer color palette.

(My 2022 Fashion And Beauty Trends post has more details about trending colors for the year.)

Madewell also has a cute oversized flannel, with unexpected button details along the side. Their Flannel SIde-Button Oversized Shirt has plenty of room for layers and is long enough to cover your assets.

If you have the budget for it, take a look at the Rails Patchwork Flannel Shirt. It’s a statement piece!

Balance your oversized shirt with slim bottoms like leggings, straight-leg jeans, or a fitted skirt. You could also try a fitted knit dress under your shirt. Everlane’s Ribbed Mini Dress with tights and boots would work nicely under an oversized shirt. Add tights and boots for warmth.

Ruffle Details

The plaid flannel originated as men’s workwear, so I love seeing romantic, feminine versions of it now. Everlane’s Organic Cotton Ruffle Flannel Top has sweet ruffle detail at the neck. The cropped length is perfect for a high waist skirt or pants.

For even more ruffles, take a look at Something Navy’s Flannel Plaid Ruffle Shirt in the Purple Combo (they have a red version too). After writing my trends post last week, I’ve been a bit obsessed with periwinkle, lilacs, and dark purples, so this one is very tempting.

Flannel Dresses

Prefer a one-and-done look?

Take a look at the Tie-Waist Flannel Shirt Dress from J.Crew factory. It’s affordable and comes in regular and petite sizes.

Amazon Essentials also has an affordable flannel shirt dress with ruffle trim and a tie-waist belt.

Madewell’s Flannel Mini Dress has plenty of room for layers, so you can wear it in the winter with a turtleneck and leggings or on its own with boots or clogs.

When you’re shopping for flannel online, look out for 100% cotton in the fabric content label. There are a lot of plaid shirts and dresses that are made from rayon and polyester and aren’t likely to have that soft, cozy feel to them.

Let me know in the comments below about your favorite flannels!