Flannel season is upon us! I have to admit, when I think of flannels, I immediately think of the ones I wore as a teenager in the 90s when grunge became a popular style. Since then, I’ve usually saved flannel shirts for outdoorsy activities like hiking. However, this fall, I’m rethinking this quintessential cold-weather fabric as a fashionable staple. And it’s not just limited to button-downs; this cozy plaid can be a print on collared tops, flowing dresses, and comfortable pants. Here’s a rundown of some flannel outfit ideas and shopping selections.

Flip the switch on seasonal tones by wearing a pastel-hued flannel shirt instead of one in the expected dark colors of green, red, and blue. Kohl’s, Old Navy, and L.L. Bean offer flannel shirts in a variety of hues. I recently discovered Duluth Trading Co. and their flannel shirt options. They carry lined flannel shirt jackets, tunic-length shirts, and hooded shirts in shades of lavender and pink. Pair your pastel button-down with colorful denim, or a matching light-colored chino. Finish this look with a heeled bootie and tailored blazer.

A great way to layer flannel is under a sweater vest. You can wear your go-to flannel with a cable-knit sweater vest and standard jeans. You can find some high-quality sweater vests at stores like Banana Republic and Lands’ End, but I would first look to thrift or vintage stores. Or check out sites like Etsy, Poshmark, and Threadup for secondhand versions, because while sweater vests are trending this season, they may not be that popular in upcoming seasons. It’s always a good rule of thumb to be weary of investing too much in trendy items. Buying secondhand is a smart, budget-friendly way to experiment with trends and new silhouettes. Speaking of experimentation, if you’re feeling very adventurous try pairing a flannel with a printed sweater vest, like argyle, or fair isle print. But be careful, too much pattern can overwhelm an outfit and lean toward more chaotic than eclectic.

If you’re sticking to solid-colored sweater vests, then try switching things up with a flannel shirt dress and knit vest. If you’re looking to invest in a classic shirtdress to wear now and into the holiday season, check out Boden’s Elspeth shirtdress in red and ivory check. It features an elegant bow at the neck, which you can tie over a crew or v-neck sweater vest. If you’re looking for a bargain, then check out Uniqlo’s A-line long-sleeved dress that comes with pockets!

For a more refined, ladylike version of a flannel and knitwear, try a flannel dress with a cropped cardigan. J.Crew Factory’s ruffle-neck peasant dress isn’t technically rendered in flannel, but with its black and red plaid evokes the sense of flannel while having a more polished fit than a standard shirtdress. Whether you go with a loose flannel dress or a more fitted version of any plaid dress, pair it with a cropped cardigan like ModCloth’s dream of the crop cardigan that comes in 6 shades from size XS to 4x. Cropped cardigans are a great way to define the waist and provide you with some coverage without feeling bulky.

If a more ladylike look is just not on your agenda this season, go with a menswear-inspired outfit pairing your flannel shirt with trousers and an oversized coat. Eloquii’s funnel-neck coat in both camel and magenta is fully lined and has a tie waist belt. You can tie that up in the back and leave the coat open to show off your favorite flannel shirt. When winter rolls around, cinch it tight and flip the collar up to keep you cozy, yet chic. For pants, check out H&M’s “Dress Pants” section, which features suiting pants, wide leg paperbag waist pants, and flared legged pants. You can complete your look with loafers, or if you’re looking to push the style envelope, try a pair of white sneakers.

If you’re feeling nostalgic for that 90’s flannel feel, but don’t want to look like an overgrown teenager, style a colorful flannel with an all-black ensemble of a tee-shirt and jeans. Crewneck, short or long-sleeved tee tucked into a pair of high-waist black jeans topped with a flannel shirt, or better yet, shirt jacket with flats is an easy, flattering, yet stylish casual look. And, you probably already have all of these pieces in your closet.

Speaking of shirt jackets, for any outfit consider flannel as your outerwear option. American Eagle has a very cozy-looking oversized button-up jacket in cream plaid that would look great with a minimal white shirt and black pants. Or borrow from the boys with Eddie Bauer’s flannel sherpa-lined shirt jacket over a chambray shirt, leggings, and hiking boots. If you’re in the market for something a bit more dressed-up, check out Nordstrom Rack’s plaid notch collar trench coat. Like the dress mentioned above, it’s not a flannel piece, but the print gives you a visual feel of flannel, while being a bit more formal.

You don’t just have to consign flannel to the top half of your outfit, or as outwear. Flannel also comes in skirt form. Urban Outfitters’ Renewal Vintage collection has original vintage one-of-a-kind pieces in excellent condition online. Their plaid midi skirt has a high-rise silhouette and offers a relaxed fit. You can pair this flannel-esque skirt with a turtleneck layered under a button-down with knee-high boots for a preppy 70’s inspired look. For a more contemporary take, check out DKNY’s pleated midi plaid skirts at Macy’s. They have several versions of plaid pull-on skirts to choose from, all of which can be styled with a classic sweater set and heeled loafer. Or go for a more edgy look, with a graphic tee, leather jacket, and thick-soled boots. Whichever style you choose, steer clear of mini plaid flannel skirts to avoid any “school girl” cliches.

Lastly, one of the most overlooked flannel looks this time of year are a pair of flannel pajamas. Since the holiday season will be fairly mellow, consider PJs for your Christmas, and New Year’s Day outfit. Whether or not you actually sleep in them, a flannel set of loungewear is comfy, cozy, and functional. You can opt for a traditional plaid set or have some fun with novelty prints like pinecones from Target or a cityscape print over at Aerie. You can totally accessorize a pajama with delicate gold jewelry, a fuzzy grandpa cardigan, and fair isle print slippers from TOMS!

While flannels have always maintained a spot in the rotation for fall and winter wardrobes, they haven’t always felt fresh or stylish. Hopefully, the outfit ideas above will help you re-think flannel for this upcoming season and create comfortable and fashionable looks for whatever the rest of the year and next have in store.