21 Ways to Refresh the Old Flannel Shirt Hanging In Your Closet

(Image credit: Christian Vierig / Getty Images)

published 26 August 2021

The flannel shirt isn't just a closet staple—it's also my default shirt for fall. I know I'm not alone here. Perhaps you’re like my boyfriend and own about 20 different flannels (that are all somehow from Costco—no judgment, babe). For years, I've been buttoning up my flannels and tucking them into jeans or letting it all hang out and leaving them unbuttoned over a t-shirt. But, truth be told, I’m a little bored with these outfits, and it's time to amp up my fall-back, fall look. So, after some street style scouring, I've uncovered 16 fresh ways to rework and accessorize your flannels. Just pick your favorite, below.

Off-Duty Cool

Pair a boyfriend flannel with your favorite t-shirt and high-rise jeans for an effortless cool-girl fit.

Flannel Suiting

Flannel can be work appropriate when you pair a fitted flannel trouser with a twinning button-down. Accessorize the look with a shoulder bag and sunnies.

Shine On

Add an elevated flannel-esque blouse to your every day wardrobe in unexpected fabrics studded with feminine details.

Layering Pro

For transitional fall weather, use a mid-weight flannel as a layering piece alongside casual-wear or your workout wear, like leggings and a tank top.

Cape Crusades

Elevate a cold weather flannel with a voluminous floor-length cape. Accessorize the look with a belt and your favorite ankle length booties.

Flannel on Flannel

A flannel-on-flannel look is the new denim-on-denim. Pair yours with an equally cozy pencil skirt and leather boots for a fashion-forward fall look.

Pastel Pink

Grab your oversized flannel and add some color to a cloudy fall day with these pastel bootcut jeans and simple sandals.

Just Add Sherpa

With the cold days ahead, your edgy leather jacket may not cut it. Here's your solution—add a sherpa-lined flannel for that effortlessly cool, layered-look you were going for.

Fall Grunge

Go full grunge with a pleated burgundy skirt and chunky Chelsea boots and keep your flannel unbuttoned from the top-section down to show a little more skin.

Around Town

Swap out your white button down this fall for an oversized flannel. Pair with the season's biggest trend of wide-leg denim, a bodysuit for the perfect tuck, and nude mules for perfect lunch date look.

Know Your Basics

Don't underestimate your thin knits. On breezy days, just adding a light turtleneck underneath a slightly undone flannel is the perfect fall layering piece.

City Slicker

Wear your wool flannel as a jacket with platform boots, cropped denim and the perfect chunky beanie to keep you warm in the city.

Pair With A Slip Dress

Style your fall flannel by throwing your favorite slip dress underneath and a oversized plaid blazer on top. It's a sleek, sophisticated and a chic way to wear your summer dresses all year round.

Bike B*tch

Be the chicest biker babe by pairing your flannel with a retro leather jacket and black cargo denim pants for a lived-in cool look.

Pumpkin Spice

We love an autumn color scheme! Give your flannel a quick tuck into a pair of copper corduroys while carrying a pop of yellow and you're all set to grab your nearest PSL.

We Heart Fringe

Go for an edgy look by throwing on an oversized fringe jacket on top of your flannel. Finish off the look with a pair of tall combat boots—they're all the rage this season.

Crisp and Clean

Button your flannel all the way up and keep it untucked while layering a oversized wool coat on top and finish off with a pair of white sneakers. This look has the same relaxed feel as a sweat set, but is so much chicer.