Wondering what to wear with a plaid coat? The short answer: keep everything underneath simple and let the plaid do the talking. A long plaid coat looks polished over jeans and a tee, a sweater dress, or a cozy knit, and it works with cowgirl boots just as well as sneakers. Below are five easy plaid coat outfit ideas for women, plus a few quick tips for fit and layering.
All five looks are built around our Double Take Plaid Button Up Lapel Coat ($54.99). It has a classic lapel collar, a button front, pockets and a longer length (about 38–40"), and it comes in sizes S through 3XL.
Before You Style It: 3 Plaid Coat Rules
1. Pick one statement. Plaid is busy in the best way, so pair it with solids. Skip the printed blouse and the patterned leggings and you'll look put-together every time.
2. Pull a color from the plaid. Look at the shades in your coat and repeat one of them in your sweater, beanie or boots. It ties the whole outfit together without any effort.
3. Layer for the weather. This coat is unlined, which makes it perfect for Texas fall days that start cool and warm up by lunch. On colder days, add a chunky sweater underneath and a knit beanie on top.
Outfit 1: Plaid Coat + Straight-Leg Jeans + Cowgirl Boots
This is the easy weekend uniform. Start with a plain white or black tee, add a medium-wash straight-leg jean, and finish with tall Western boots. Throw the coat on open and you're ready for a downtown stroll, a winery visit or brunch with friends.
We love the Judy Blue Mid-Rise Tummy Control Straight Leg Jeans ($64) here. The mid-rise waist sits comfortably under a long coat, the 32" inseam works well with boots, and they come in regular and plus sizes. Pair them with the Roper Tall Stuff Western Cowgirl Boots ($94.99), which have a vintage brown faux leather upper, laser-cut Western detailing, a 13" shaft and a low 1½" heel you can walk in all day.
Styling tip: Tuck your jeans into the boots or let them stack over the top. Either way, the long coat line makes your legs look longer.
Outfit 2: Plaid Coat + Sweater Dress + Tall Boots
If you want one outfit that works for church, a dinner date or a holiday get-together, this is it. A sweater dress under a plaid coat looks dressy but is so easy to throw on.
Try the Ribbed Turtleneck Midi Sweater Dress ($44.99). It's a ribbed knit with a turtleneck, a midi length and side slits so you can move easily. It comes in camel, grey and charcoal (sizes S and M). Camel looks warm and rich next to darker plaids, while grey or charcoal keeps things soft and wintry.
Add the same Roper boots from Outfit 1 and you've got a head-to-toe look that's covered from neck to boot, which is a big plus on breezy days.
Outfit 3: Plaid Coat + Chunky Sweater + Jeans
When the temperature drops, layer a chunky knit sweater under the coat. Because the coat is unlined, there's room for a cozy layer without feeling stuffed.
Keep the sweater a solid color pulled from your plaid: cream, gray or black are the easiest. Finish with your favorite jeans and ankle boots or sneakers. This is the outfit for Saturday errands, the farmers market or an afternoon at the pumpkin patch.
Outfit 4: The Tonal Look
For a quiet, expensive-looking outfit, dress in one color family and let the plaid add the pattern. With a black-and-cream plaid, wear a charcoal or grey sweater dress or a black top and dark jeans. With a green or red plaid, try cream or camel underneath.
The trick is matching tones, not exact shades. Close is good enough, and it always looks intentional.
Outfit 5: Game Day Plaid
Friday night football, a tailgate or a cold outdoor event calls for comfort first. Wear jeans, a long-sleeve tee and your coat buttoned up, then add a beanie in your team color.
The C.C Double Pom Cable Knit Beanie ($24.99) has an all-over cable knit and two pom poms on top, and it comes in lots of colors including red, berry, mustard, deep pine, violet and black. That makes it easy to match your coat, your team or both. It also makes a sweet stocking stuffer.
How Should a Plaid Coat Fit?
A good plaid coat should button comfortably over a sweater, not just a tee. Check that you can lift your arms without the shoulders pulling and that the sleeves reach your wrist bone.
Our plaid coat runs from S (US 6/8) to 3XL (US 22), and the product page has a full size chart with bust, length, shoulder and sleeve measurements. If you're between sizes and plan to layer sweaters underneath, size up for room.
Plaid Coat Outfit FAQs
What color shoes go with a plaid coat? Brown, black and cognac all work. Brown Western boots add a warm, Hill Country feel, while black boots look a little more city.
Can I wear a plaid coat with a dress? Yes. A solid sweater dress or a simple knit midi is the easiest match because it adds texture without competing with the pattern.
Is a plaid coat warm enough for winter? It depends on where you live. An unlined coat like ours is ideal for mild Texas winters and cool fall days. In colder weather, layer a thick sweater and add a beanie.
Ready to build your fall layers? Shop all of our women's jackets and outerwear and find the coat you'll reach for all season.
