Plaid to the bone: How guys can look fly in flannel

Fall has arrived and with it, the trendiest of the trendy have brought a new fashion favorite along—flannel.

From the runways of Milan to the streets of New York, this bold look has made quite the comeback from its former ‘90s glory days, proving it’s worthy of more than just PJs and lumberjacks.

So, how does one make plaid look posh? David Beckham does it perfectly, pairing it with a button front cardigan, tie, and tailored denim for a cool yet clean-cut finish.  Looking for something with a little more edge? It does that too. Try it with a beanie, a slim fit pair of pants, and classic Vans for an Adam Brody-esque style the ladies will love.

That’s how the celebs are doing it, but guys all over Central’s campus are making flannel look fresh, too. Junior Chad Reuba says he wears his with jeans and a baseball hat (Tigers, of course!) for an easy game day look.

With every “what’s hot” there’s always a “what’s not.” It’s a sad fact even this laid back look can’t shake. Here are a few tips on how to avoid a flannel faux pas:

1. Keep it simple.

A strong plaid will make a bold statement all by itself. Don’t over do it by adding another pattern or adding too many extras. Like most fashion do’s, a little goes a long way.

2. Save a horse, but DON’T look like a cowboy.

Clichés are hardly cute. Fellas, unless you actually run with the rodeo (or you play the guitar, there’s always an exception for a boy with a guitar), stay away from the cowboy boots. Stay. Away.

3. Tailor that baby.

Fit is the MOST important part of any look. Buttons pulling? It’s too small.  Hanging to your knees?  It’s too big.  Don’t skimp on the fit. It matters.

No matter how you rock it, you’re guaranteed to make a statement that will leave the ladies swoonin’ and your boys all kinds of jealous. Flannel is crazy versatile and an absolute must-have this fall. Whether you dress it up or dress it down, you can’t go wrong with this cozy trend.