How to Style Flannel

Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: October 16, 2019 References

Flannel is a warm material usually made from wool or cotton that is a closet staple during the cooler months, but styling it correctly can be a little tricky. If you get it wrong, you could be giving off lumberjack vibes in all the wrong ways. Luckily, flannel shirts are extremely versatile, and there are plenty of ways to incorporate them into cool outfits that will keep you warm in any weather.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Picking the Right Flannel

1
Choose from classic flannel colors for a conventional or grungy look. Flannel is a warm fabric that usually features checks or plaid, but it can also be a solid color. The most common colors for flannel are red, green, and black. Choose one of these options if you want to go for a more classic or grungy look.^{[1]
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- Other common colors for flannel include grey, white, and brown.
- These colors are perfect for wearing with jeans and sneakers for a casual weekend outfit.
2
Opt for unusual colors if you want to stand out. If your style tends to be more eye-catching, look for flannel in unconventional colors. This will give your look a little extra edge.^{[2]
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- Look for fashion flannel in purple, yellow, neon, or pastels, then wear it unbuttoned over a T-shirt in a coordinating color for a unique outfit.
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3
Wear your flannel oversized for a slouchy look. If you’re going for a casual, slouchy vibe, pick a flannel that’s 1-2 sizes larger than what you normally wear. This will give off you a cool, grungy look that channels the 90s.^{[3]
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- To keep your outfit from looking too dated, opt for a slimmer silhouette in the rest of your outfit. For instance, you could wear your slouchy flannel with a pair of skinny jeans and ankle boots for a night out.
4
Choose a slimmer fitting flannel to look more put-together. If you’re planning to wear your flannel buttoned-up and tucked in, look for a flannel that fits a little closer to your body. Choose a shirt with a shoulder seam that sits right at the edge of your shoulder. Look at the shirt sleeve, as well, to ensure the cuff doesn’t hang past your wrist.^{[4]
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Method 2

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Going Casual

1
Wear your flannel open over a T-shirt with jeans for a cool feel. An unbuttoned flannel over a T-shirt is one of the most classic fall looks, and it suits almost every personal style. You can opt for a plain white T-shirt, a solid color like grey or black, or a graphic tee. The options are endless!^{[5]
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- For instance, a classic red-and-black checked flannel looks just as great over a white T-shirt as it does over a black graphic tee featuring your favorite band or a cheeky slogan!
- Wear loose-fitting jeans for an ultra-casual weekend look, or opt for sleek boot-cut jeans for a night out!
2
Pair a long flannel with leggings and boots for a casual feminine outfit. If you’re going to be running errands on a cool day, stay warm by wearing an extra-long flannel over a pair of leggings, either in black or in a coordinating color. Then, finish the outfit with a pair of knee-length boots, and you’ll be ready to go!^{[6]
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- Top off this outfit with a chunky scarf, but keep the rest of your accessories simple. For instance, you might add a pendant necklace or a pair of stud earrings.
- Make sure the flannel is long enough to cover your rear, since leggings aren’t typically considered acceptable as pants otherwise.
Tip: Roll up the sleeves to wear your flannel when the weather is warm. You could even knot the bottom of the shirt and wear it with shorts!
3
Pair your flannel with destroyed jeans for a carelessly casual look. Distressed denim will give any look a casual edge, but destroyed jeans take that to the next level. The more shredded and ripped up your jeans are, the edgier your flannel-and-denim look will come across.^{[7]
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- Stick to a slim-fitting T-shirt with this look to balance it out.
- Slouchy sneakers are the perfect shoes to wear with this outfit.
4
Toss on a puffy sleeveless vest to stay extra warm. If the weather has an extra chill, even a flannel shirt might not be enough to keep you from getting cold. If that’s the case, an insulated sleeveless vest will pair perfectly with the outdoorsy style of your favorite flannel.^{[8]
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- You’ll look perfectly at home on a hike if you wear this with a pair of khaki cargo pants and a pair of rugged boots.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Dressing up a Flannel

1
Stick with darker denim if you wear jeans. Light denim tends to look more casual, so if you’re trying to dress up your flannel, it’s best to wear a darker shade of denim. Also, straight-legged, skinny, and boot-cut styles tend to look dressier than relaxed-fit jeans.^{[9]
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- Black denim adds an especially edgy touch to any outfit.
- The exception to this is colored or white denim. A pair of purple skinny jeans with a purple-plaid flannel, for instance, would look great at girls’ night.
Tip: While flannel may not be appropriate for more formal occasions, it can be appropriate for casual-chic events if you style it right.
2
Tuck in a buttoned-up flannel to look more presentable. Instead of wearing your flannel untucked or even unbuttoned over another shirt, button it up all the way to the collar, then tuck it into a pair of straight-legged slacks. This look is perfect for a dinner-and-a-movie date night!^{[10]
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- Chinos and dress shoes look great with a tucked-in flannel.
- For a more feminine take on this outfit, tuck a slim-fitting flannel into a skirt with a narrow waist. Finish the look with tights and ankle boots.
3
Wear your flannel half-buttoned over a crop top for an edgy feminine contrast. If you want to wear your flannel for a night out, but you don’t want to cover up your figure, wear a crop top under your flannel. Fasten the bottom 2-3 buttons, or leave the shirt unbuttoned if you prefer.^{[11]
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- You could also opt for a lace cami or bodysuit under your flannel, if you prefer.
- Depending on your style, you could make this look more tough with boots, or more sophisticated with a sleek pair of heels.
4
Make baggy flannel more stylish by wearing it with skinny jeans. If you want to elevate an oversized flannel shirt, pair it with your favorite skinny jeans. This will balance your silhouette, taking this casual outfit to the next level.^{[12]
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- Give this outfit street-style glam by wearing your cleanest pair of high-top sneakers.
- Add a feminine edge to the look by wearing a pair of stiletto heels.
5
Top with a fur vest for a glam look. A vest is a great way to stay warm, but they’re not always the most fashionable way to finish a look. Get the best of both worlds by topping your flannel shirt with a fur (or faux-fur) vest and skinny jeans.
- Keep the fashionista mood going strong with a pair of oversized sunglasses and a big bag.
6
Wear your flannel under a sweater for a preppy, warm look. Flannel doesn’t always mean grungy or outdoorsy. If your style is more classic and preppy, slip on a flannel, then top it with a rib-knit sweater. Finish the look with chinos and a pair of loafers for an outfit that’s clean, stylish, and cozy. ^{[13]
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- A capelet is another great way to top your flannel while still looking clean-cut!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Accessorizing Flannel

1
Go traditional with a chunky knit scarf and beanie in cold weather. Flannels are all about comfort. If it’s chilly out, bundle up in your warmest flannel, a big chunky scarf, and a knit beanie, and you’ll be ready to take on the day, no matter what the wind chill says!^{[14]
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- Of course, you don’t have to wear both. If you prefer, you can choose just the scarf or the hat!
2
Keep your wristwear simple with a leather cuff bracelet or chunky watch. Flannel is a bold look, and it’s best suited by heavier accessories. A leather bracelet or a big, bold watch will complement your flannel shirt much better than a delicate tennis bracelet.
3
Pair your flannel with a string of pearls for an elegant touch. A string of pearls is the perfect complement to almost any outfit, and flannel is no exception. Whether you’re wearing your flannel with leggings or tucked into a pair of jeans, a simple string of pearls will let everyone know that you might be casual, but you’re still classy!
- If you’re trying to create an edgy vibe, avoid pearls.
4
Stick with sneakers or boots for a casual feel. Flannel is typically considered a casual material, so when you’re picking your shoes, sneakers and boots are usually your best option. Just pick something that’s comfortable!^{[15]
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- If you wear hiking boots, keep in mind that your outfit will look very outdoorsy. If this isn’t the style you’re going for, opt for sneakers instead.
5
Opt for loafers or flats to add a little dash of elegance to your look. If you’re choosing to elevate your flannel, opt for footwear that’s a little nicer. They don’t necessarily have to be dress shoes—your favorite loafers or flats should be just the right touch.^{[16]
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- Ankle boots and heels are also good options if you want to dress up your flannel and you have a feminine style.
6
Tie the flannel around your waist to turn it into an accessory. Give off some serious 90s vibes by tying on your flannel. Just wrap the arms around your waist and knot them in the front for an effortlessly cool look. It’s functional, too—if you get cold, you can just untie your shirt and put it on to get warm!^{[17]
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- You can wear your flannel around your waist with jeans and a T-shirt, or you can tie your flannel around a slip dress for a casual twist on a dressy outfit.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I style a flannel if I'm going for a more rugged appearance?

Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Paul Julch is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist, Speaker, and the founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite, a wardrobe styling business in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Paul works with clients to make getting dressed easier, less time consuming, and more enjoyable. Paul has years of experience in retail visual merchandising - styling windows, displays, and floor sets for Banana Republic, Gap, and Express. He also has experience styling fashion photo shoots and corporate videos. Paul holds a BS Degree in Management from State University of New York at Binghamton, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University. He also studied Interior Design at the University of California, Berkeley.

Paul Julch, MA

Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Pair it with some heavy-soled boots, a casual belt, and maybe a T-shirt or a henley. You could also throw a quilted vest over it. You want to aim for an outdoorsy look.
Question

My parents don't like me wearing ripped jeans or flannels, how do I secretly buy them?

Community Answer

You should probably just respect their decision, since they'd almost certainly catch you if you tried to buy them in secret. Try negotiating with them, like maybe they'd let you buy or wear one of these things if you get excellent grades on your report card, finish all your chores without being asked, etc.