Plaid has always had a choke hold on my fall-and-winter wardrobe—maybe it’s the British countryside romanticism of it all or simply the fact that the print just works when the temperatures drop. But this season, the plaid trend looks a little different. Instead of the micro minis or stiff pencil skirts we’ve seen in years past, the fashion world has fully pivoted to something far more wearable: the plaid maxi skirt. Picture long, full silhouettes in chocolate, camel, black, and tan, swishing around your boots and instantly making your outfit feel more considered.

Designers clearly got the memo, too. Fashion houses with real history in plaid brought the print back in a big way on their runways. And then there’s the viral COS plaid maxi skirt, which felt like every editor, influencer, and assistant hustling between shows during fashion month was wearing. The broader trend’s appeal is obvious: clean lines, neutral tones, and a silhouette that feels elevated and relaxed without trying too hard.

Plaid Maxi Skirts on the Runway

After popping up on the runway, editors, influencers, and stylists alike began adopting the long plaid maxi-skirt look in their daily outfits and mirror selfies. While most of the runway looks may be paired with other print or statement tops, the majority of the fashion set’s looks revolved around letting the plaid maxi skirt do all the talking—that is, pairing the trend with simple, understated key pieces like suede bombers and leather boots, for all-around chic look.