Shopping for a Plaid Top

Plaid button-up tops seem to be everywhere. Thankfully, these are a bit of a spin from the grunge-era style that everyone used to wear in the 90s. Plus, a lot of retailers carry fun colors rather than the more drab tones most people associate with plaid.

Here is a list of plaid possibilities that can carry you into spring and still be used come fall and winter as a layer under a jacket or sweater.

Ladylike: This Ellavie cotton voile plaid top is good for spring with its puffy short-sleeves in a black and white plaid. School girl-inspired, this top could be paired with dark denim for a casual look, or worn with slacks for work.

Price: $69

Where: Dillards.com

Traditional: Urban Outfitters "boyfriend buttondown" flannel shirt takes the more classic approach to plaid shirts. Luckily, the cut is a little more fitted than the traditional plaid shirt style with a curvy hem (rather than straight across) and front flap pockets. You can roll up the sleeves to three-quarter length to make the look less stuffy in appearance, or layer it under a motorcycle jacket for an edgier look. Dress up the shirt with dark denim rather than pairing it with the looser-fitting, boy-cut jeans that are starting to creep into some people's wardrobes. After all, you don't want to come across as a slob.

Price: $48

Where: UrbanOutfitters.com

Availability:XS-L; navy, pink, purple

Fun: Delias' "Elisa" plaid shirts have the more updated approach to the plaid trend with bright colors like turquoise, yellow, blue and purple. The shirts have three-quarter sleeves with a roll-tab cuff. What's cool is that the plaid print is larger rather than the finer line design most people are familiar with. This is good for someone that dresses loud and trendy. It's definitely more stand-out than other tops.

Price: $39.50

Where: Delias.com

Availability: XS-XL; blue, yellow, grey, teal, white, purple

Campy: Delias also carries a more watered down plaid shirt, called the "Madison. It's a long sleeve shirt that can rolled up to a shorter length. The plaid print reminds me of something old, and it doesn't have that shadow stripe design that makes you think of the 90s. You can definitely picture yourself wearing this if you were to go camping or hiking and still wanted to do it in style.

Price: $39.50

Where: Delias.com

Availability: XS-XL; blue or ivory

Details: If you are looking for something different, BDG's plaid flannel tunic is definitely that. While, the plaid is the typical plaid in relatively reserved colors, this shirt has a v-neck. It's a tunic style-so it fits almost like a baby-doll style dress or shirt. Additionally, there is pintuck detailing on the front and back for added style. The shirt has short sleeves with a rolled-up hem. Because this shirt is cut longer, what is nice is that it has a tie at the waist so that you can cinch in the shirt rather than looking like you are wearing a blanket you just pulled off the couch.

Price: $58

Where: UrbanOutfitters.com

Availability: XS-M; red/black, green/purple, green/red

Vintage: Want something soft and worn in that is truly vintage? Try sifting through a local thrift shop or goodwill store. You are bound to find something. You might also try Buffalo Exchange, which veers on the trendier side and may have something wearable that doesn't need to be tailored or cut.

Price: Varies

Where: BuffaloExchange.com

Sporty: Vans' plaid top is on the boxier side (for roominess), but what's different is that it has a hood. The long sleeve shirt also has to chest pockets with Velcro closures. This is more of a tomboy look meant to be worn with jeans or Dickies. It's not really something you would wear to work - unless you're lucky enough to work somewhere where there is no dress code.

Price: $38

Where: Vans.com

Spring: In pastel blue, this is definitely a top for spring and summer. This gingham top from Gap is lightweight with flutter sleeves. This would look good with jeans or a denim skirt. For a dressier look, pair with starched khakis.

Price: $48

Where: Gap.com

Availability: XS-XXL; blue, yellow, pink