How to Wear Plaid, From Just a Little to Fully Committal

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There are a thousand ways to wear plaid; the print comes in a range of styles as well as a variety of shades. Here, a quick tutorial on how to rock the quadrant pattern. Trust us, there is something for everyone, from the plaid novice to the over-the-top plaid wearer. Make this your mood board (or cheat sheet) on how to check yourself.

Just a Touch

Keep it super-simple by adding one statement piece to your outfit. That coat you haven't worn since last winter is the perfect addition to a monochromatic look.

Look 1: Topshop shirt, $300; Coach dress, $595; American Apparel turtleneck, similar at $36; Maison Mère dress, $909; HUE socks, $9; Ganni boots; $476. Look 2: Smythe coat, $1,995; Thakoon dress, $550; Cushnie et Ochs dress; Christian Louboutin boots, $1,595. Look 3: Topshop coat, $190; Topshop leather jacket, $600; Karen Walker turtleneck; Topshop skirt, $70.

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Halfway

Want to revive the '90s grunge look? Go for the not-too little, not-too much, just-the-right-amount of plaid, as seen here. The key is experimenting with unlikely pairings — florals teamed with windowpane checks, or marrying two different plaids like buffalo and tartan for a complimentary combo.

Look 4: Coach jacket; See by Chloé dress, $430; Christian Louboutin boots, $1,295; HUE knee socks, $9; stylist's own tights. Look 5 and 6: Mulberry coat; Coach dress, $595; Topshop turtleneck, $58; HUE socks, $5; Orla Kiely hat, $120; Ganni boots, $476.

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All-In

Wearing all-over plaid is obviously a statement. It's all about making this very bold look — which can go wrong if you don't execute it right — authentically modern. The trick? Keep the grid-like motifs in the same color family and stick to super-feminine silhouettes.

Look 7: Coach coat, $995; stylist's own turtleneck; Topshop skirt, $125; Falke knee socks, $28; Eugenia Kim hat, $225; Sophia Webster shoes, $750. Look 8 and 9: Adam Selman jacket, $1,250; Adam Selman shirtdress; Tanya Taylor turtleneck, $255; Adam Selman pants, $495; Adam Selman gloves; stylist's own hat.

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Lead Image: RHIÉ top, $425; Tanya Taylor turtleneck, $255; RHIÉ bottoms, $550.

Photographer: Shanita Sims, Stylist: Michael Kozak, Creative Direction: Rajni Jacques, Model: Tamara @ Muse, Hair and Makeup: Jezz Hill.