Wear a Flannel T shirt
Flannel shirts bring to mind an image of loggers hard at work, or conversely grunge groupies enjoying their favorite band. These opposing visualizations make proof of just how convertible this classic wardrobe staple can be. Men and women alike can wear flannel shirts for nearly every occasion, with a bit of easy styling. Try these ways of wearing a flannel shirt, and you'll be catching eyes and compliments all over town.
Contents
Steps
Wearing a Flannel as a Guy
- Stick with a utilitarian look. One of the nicest things about flannel shirts is, as a result of their nap, they lock in heat and are incredibly comfortable. This makes them the ideal shirt for fall and winter when temperatures drop and you need warm clothing. Rather than wearing your flannel for the purpose of style, keep it utilitarian; layer a flannel shirt with other long sleeve shirts to keep you warm for work or recreation outdoors. Throw on a jacket over the top for a clean finish.
- Keep it simple. Flannel shirts all have a traditional plaid print, making them easy to wear alone or with other things. Slip on your favorite pair of jeans, add your flannel shirt, and you’re done! Button it up all the way for an easy completed look. For an extra casual look. roll up the sleeves a bit.
- Pull off casual layering. For an effortlessly cool look that will always be classic, layer a flannel shirt under, rather than over, an additional shirt. Choose any of your favorite lightweight t-shirts or henleys to pull on over the top of your flannel. Fold back the flannel sleeves a bit and adjust your collar for a completed look.
- Do a bit of formal layering. So you’ve got a family holiday or a big get together to attend that requires more than just your faux-tux t-shirt. To stay comfortable while being a bit more formal, put on a flannel underneath a nice sweater or sweater vest. Giving just a glimpse of your flannel under these nicer articles of clothing will keep you feeling relaxed while concurrently showing a bit of style over the top.
- Go grunge. Think back to the 90’s grunge scene in Seattle; Nirvana shirts abounded, layered up with dark hued flannels and hair that was long and lustrous. While its been awhile since the 90’s, you can pull off a much more sophisticated version of the ever-popular grunge look. Pair your favorite band t-shirt with a flannel in corresponding colors. Leave the front open or button the bottom few only, and you’re done!
- Keep winter in mind. It’s snowing outside, and you need a solid outfit to wear under your coat. Rather than opting for a flimsy shirt or plain henley, pull on a combination of a flannel and a quilted vest. The combination of warmth and comfort will have you ready for any outdoor adventure.
Dressing in Flannel as a Female
- Start out simple. The most basic of flannel fashions is also the most classic. Rather than getting bogged down with details, wear a plain flannel with your favorite pair of pants. Stick with the flannel’s ‘woodsy’ vibe by wearing lined fur boots or a scarf with your top.
- Add a shirt over the top. Flannels are the absolute perfect layering accessory. If you have any loose-fitting tops that match the color scheme of your flannel, try putting them on over the top. Roll up the sleeves of the flannel and make sure its collar is adjusted to finish the look.
- Go for grunge. That 90’s era we know so well wasn’t, and isn’t, limited to just the men-folk. Show your love for music and fashion eras of the past by leaving your flannel unbuttoned over the top of a band t-shirt. Stick to dark colors for a more classic look, or brighten it a bit to look more sophisticated.
- Do some mega layering. Layers are a girls best friend; they hide unsightly bits while adding detail and drawing positive attention to your outfit. Rather than simply adding a single shirt under or over your flannel, go for gold and take it a step further. Throw on one or two cardigans over the top, and put a scarf on top. All those layers will keep you warm in the chillier months, while keeping your outfit vibrant and intriguing.
- Make your flannel fancy. That’s right, flannel can be fancy if you’re so inclined to allow it to be. Wear your favorite flannel with a dress or skirt for a night out. Keeping it simple with a plain skirt or dress will make your outfit a bit more casual, whereas a patterned or detailed dress or skirt can be paired for a fancier outing.
- Look to the country for inspiration. You don’t have to confess to liking country music or to having baled hay before, but you can certainly use the country for inspiration in wearing your flannel. Wear a plain tank top or camisole under your flannel with you favorite pair of jeans (high waisted or regular). Then, leave your flannel unbuttoned and tie the ends together in a knot in the front. You’ll be ready for a square-dance in no time!
- Go for a sophisticated look. Flannel, sophisticated? Why yes! Grab a high waisted pair of pants or jeans, and tuck your flannel into them all the way around. Then, thread a thin patent leather belt in a pop of color through the belt loops. Button your flannel up all the way to the top, and finish it off with a bold, chunky necklace placed under the collar.
- Mix and match. Flannel can be a great pattern all on its own, but if you’re feeling adventurous try mixing it with another completely different pattern. Florals, polka-dots, and other small geographic prints can make a great combo when paired with a bold flannel. Make sure that the colors are cohesive though; keep one bright and the other dark or light to avoid creating an overwhelming look.
- Stick with its utilitarian side. Flannel, above all else, is an incredibly useful piece of clothing for heading outdoors in the cold autumn and winter months. Wear your flannel shirt with a quilted vest or thick jacket to stay warm as you trek across mountains or head towards snow. Or even if you just don’t want to face mother nature’s wrath on the walk to your car.
Tips
- If you're layering your flannel, match your under or outer wear in a solid shade to a single hue from the plaid pattern. This will keep your look uniform and crisp.
- Flannel comes in single nap (one side is brushed/soft) and double nap (both sides are brushed/soft). For a warmer wear, choose a double nap flannel shirt over a single nap.
- Don't be afraid to shop in the men's department. They sell flannel with just as nice of quality, and you may even get a lower price.
Related Articles
- Wear Plaid
- Mix Prints
- Mix and Match Your Wardrobe
- Match Colors
- Layer Clothes
- Dress for the Cold
- Dress for Winter
