Plaid has long been associated with rustic charm and carefree relaxation in the fashion world. In other words, it evokes feelings of comfort and warmth, and that’s what makes it an ideal motif in your seasonal wardrobe. But did you know that there’s more than one type of plaid? Today, Retro Stage is here to help you navigate this complex world of versatile prints and patterns and get you thinking about how you can incorporate vintage plaid designs of all sorts into your contemporary outfits.

Traditional Plaid & Tartan

At its core, plaid is made up of sets of perpendicular lines and strips in different colors that cross over each other to form a pattern. Within this category, tartan refers to patterns that are associated with a particular clan in accordance with ancient Scottish traditions. It’s unlikely that you’ll see true tartan on the street, but in the US, the terms are interchanged a lot, so don’t stress too much about which is which!

1950s Plaid Hooded Button Dress

We love a good all-in-one garment, and this hooded dress is no exception. Available in three different color combinations, this piece boasts an intriguing asymmetrical design that contrasts plaid with solid color to make a big statement. The hood is excellent for protecting the face from chilling breezes and can be gathered around the shoulders like a built-in cowl when not in use.

Dark Green 1950s Plaid Knit Dress

Juxtaposing a solid bodice with a plaid skirt, this piece takes the charm of a classic school uniform to a whole other level with its sleek, mature design. The curve-hugging belt and delicate collar bow work to add a distinct feminine flair that takes this dress from classroom chic to sophisticated high fashion.

1950s 3/4-Sleeve Plaid Belt Long Top 

This modern take on plaid was practically made to be paired with leggings and boots in a cozy grunge ensemble. The front buttons make it super easy to put on and take off, while the faux leather belt cinches in the waist and adds some punk edge. Ultimately, it’s a very low-stress look that would make a great go-to piece for any retro-loving alt girl. This shirtdress is also available in three different colors, so you can take your pick and keep things in line with your personal style!

Plaid 1950s Buttoned Belted Swing Dress

Employing subtler, more muted shades of blue and green, this dress contrasts wonderfully with the natural colors of fall. It features a smart shirt collar as well as a green belt and matching cuffs for an overall studious, sophisticated look that’s ideal for women returning to school or whose everyday aesthetic is on the preppy side.

Brown 1960s Plaid Patchwork Pencil Dress

This office-ready gem will make a fine addition to your workday wardrobe whether it’s worn by itself or paired with a snappy blazer. The gorgeous earth tones in the button-down bodice culminate in a high-collar bow neckline, which contrasts wonderfully with the relative simplicity of the solid-color pencil skirt. Not only will the thick, sturdy fabric keep you warm, but this piece also has pockets for maximum convenience!

Houndstooth

This iconic pattern consists of identical interlocking units in various colors, usually black and white, positioned on a diagonal for an eye-catching result.

Orange 1940s Houndstooth Doll Collar Dress

This dress is especially cool because it uses houndstooth to create the illusion of a traditional plaid pattern with its distinct lines of color. The palette of black, white, brown, and orange is perfect for the upcoming fall season and makes this preppy piece adaptable to both everyday and Halloween-themed outfits depending on how you accessorize.

Gingham

Gingham is a simplified variation of plaid made up of uniform stripes which create new colors where they cross, like intersecting marker lines on a blank piece of paper. The palette for this pattern is generally limited to one or two colors and a shade of white. You might associate gingham with summertime picnics, but as a type of plaid, it’s got tons of potential as a fall motif.

1950s Plaid Swing Dress 

This deceptively simple dress would make for a fantastic staple garment in anyone’s autumn wardrobe, as it has great potential for layering with outerwear and can be accessorized to your personal tastes. With its flattering off-shoulder wrap neckline and subtly pleated skirt made of alternating panels, this piece says a lot with only a few words, prioritizing elegance and crisp, clean lines over all else. It also comes in two different colors!

Red & White 1950s Pockets Plaid Dress

A creative interpretation of a classic ‘50s look, this dress features two front pockets that each have their own decorative collar! This standout highlight, combined with the large white buttons and unique notchless lapels, results in a piece that’s brimming with personality—perfect for the quirky girl who wants all eyes on her this fall.

Pink 1950s Spaghetti Strap Plaid Swing Dress

You might think you have to stuff all your favorite pink pieces back into the closet come fall, but we’re here to tell you that’s not the case. This gorgeous gingham dress will have you standing out in all the right ways with its fun waist bow, full swing skirt, and tied spaghetti straps. Whenever you get that urge to live your Barbie fantasy, pair this dress with some flats and a cardigan and go have some fun!

Multicolor 1950s Spaghetti Strap Plaid Patchwork Dress

Featuring a range of vibrant colors reminiscent of fresh fruits and vegetables, this dress is a beautiful tribute to the autumn harvest. Its spaghetti straps and straight neckline make it a comfortable choice on its own during warmer weather while also leaving the option open for layering with an undershirt or blouse. On top of all that, the lightweight fabric of the tiered prairie skirt will look especially elegant as it sways in the crisp breeze.

Conclusion

Whether you’re still experiencing some stubborn summery weather in your area or getting geared up for fall, it’s never a bad time to do a little shopping. Now that you can say you’re well-versed in the different kinds of plaid, you’re sure to have a much easier time figuring out what place this timeless pattern has in your fashion choices. We hope you have an amazing time experimenting with your new plaid pieces!

We covered a lot in this article, but really, that’s only the beginning when it comes to plaid! You can explore our full selection of tartan, checks, gingham, and more on the Retro Stage website.