11 Cool Flannel Outfits That Look Nothing Like the Ones You Wore in High School

I have to admit, when I think of flannels, I immediately think of the ones I wore over a pair of skinny jeans and combat boots in the 10th grade or the ones I wore hiking a few times because I wanted to look "outdoorsy". However, when October rolls around, it’s almost hard not to fall for the quintessential cold-weather fabric all over again, just as if nothing has changed since the 10th grade. While flannels have sort of always maintained a spot in the rotation of fall wardrobes everywhere, they haven't always felt the freshest, but today, we're here to tell you that they are back for fall 2020 and they've never looked better. This cozy plaid can actually be quite the fashionable staple so long as you style it correctly. Don’t worry, we come bearing proof and guidance by rounding up some of the coolest ways to wear flannel from our favorite fashion girls on Instagram.

To further convince you of just how cool flannel has become since the last time you thought about it, we included a plethora of flannel items beyond the button-downs you are likely most familiar with. Including plaid prints on collared tops, flowy dresses, and comfortable pants, the flannel outfit ideas and shopping selection ahead will leave you with no excuse to not work the print into your wardrobe this season.

Read on to see all the looks, and shop the flannel pieces you can add to your carts now. 

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(Image credit: @annejohansen)

Style a pastel hued flannel with white boots this winter.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Sweater vests are trending at an all-time high right now, and I think it’s an easy yet cool way to liven up your favorite flannel.

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Keep it simple by pairing your flannel with minimal gold accessories.

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(Image credit: @champagnemami)

Didn’t we say we found the print on dresses for you? Throw a cropped cardigan on top and you’ve got yourself a stylish yet cozy look.

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(Image credit: @hannamw)

Throw an oversized coat on for a laid-back yet luxe vibe.

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(Image credit: @itsmekellieb)

You can never go wrong with a flannel and an all-black ensemble. 

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(Image credit: @noore)

This is the jeans-and-flannel outfit you wore in highschool, but cooler.

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

This outfit is minimal yet classic. Pair a thick shacket with a white top to keep comfortable yet put together.

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(Image credit: @mfass)

Play with proportions by pairing your oversized coat with a simple pair of white sneakers and wide-leg trousers.

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(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

 A shacket with chunky loafers makes an edgy yet trendy ensemble.

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

Suede and plaid, how much of a more cozy combo could you possibly need?

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.