Don’t be plaid! Comfy flannels are back in the news — and the runways
P.S. Don't forget to buy your ticket to "F#ck Middle Age!"
BeWell | The Midst beauty, style & wellness newsletter
Exclusive for subscribers to The Midst Substack
'90s dad culture is alive and on the campaign trail
By Anne Holub
We’ve talked about how the comfy slouch of long denim shorts made waves this summer and how the ’90s were creeping back into wardrobes. But this fall, get ready to dig that old flannel out of your closet! As if we didn’t need anything else to get us excited for a change of season after record-setting summer heat — this fall will be washed in a sea of plaid.
Setting the trend on the campaign trail
Possibly one of the most photographed casual trendsetters is Democratic VP candidate Governor Tim Walz. Unironic fashion forwardness in effect, Walz wears his beloved flannels and even a very retro '90s barn coat without a hint of cringe.
Tiktok failed to load.Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
Naturally, Walz’ flannels are taken care of and practical. (He has been wearing the same, if not eerily similar, red buffalo check jacket for years). He’s even been known to sew back on a button or two.
They’re great for Minnesota in autumn or spring when you’re choring, or a perfect layer in the winter. Heck, even in summer they’d keep the mosquitoes off your arms.
You can go home again (kinda)
Personally, my barn coat is one of the pieces I regret giving up after high school. I would do anything to find it again — which is probably why I keep buying up vintage ones on eBay and Poshmark. I’m trying to regain that easy “just one coat per season” sense of low consumerism.
The comfy fall trend we’re READY for!
Womens Wear Daily points that plaid is indeed back on the menu this fall, meaning you’ll see it in a million iterations throughout the year.
Even if you didn’t save your favorite flannel from decades ago (or if you had to give it a viking funeral at some point), you can jump right back in and find a new best friend this year. Whether you buy new or find a new fave at the thrift, you can enjoy a big hug from a new flannel friend.
Try styling your flannel in new ways — instead of the default around-your-waist grunge aesthetic we all lived — if you want to wear plaid to a more “adult” setting. Dress it up as a button-down tucked into a pair of sharp pants in the office, or wear heavy flannels or plaid shackets as your fall “guess if this is coffee or Kalua” accessory as you cheer at your nephew’s Saturday-morning soccer game. Not sure if a full flannel is your jam anymore? Try a cropped version! Even a little nod back to the “olden days,” like a flannel reboot of My So-Called Life, is just around the corner.
8 cool shirt options to get you inspired for this trend
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Midst to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.