30 Fall Plaid Finds to Add to Your Closet — Stat!

Hot cocoa. Scarves. Snuggles. Yeah, you could say there are lots of reasons to be excited about the impending fall. But, as much as we love all those things, we’re really REALLY excited for this chilly weather season for another reason — plaid, plaid, oh… and more plaid. Mad for plaid, we are. Yup, we’re head over heels for this fun print. This year though, we figured it was time to take our obsession to a whole new height and stock our wardrobes with the latest and greatest in the fall spectrum — so we did. Here are 30 of our favorite fall fashion finds that make plaid look oh-so good.

1. Suzett Buffalo Plaid Dress ($79): The shirtdress has become a staple of the modern woman’s closet, so why not give it a little fall attitude by rocking an all-plaid style like this one?

2. Lillie Lace Up Flat ($65): With just a small touch of tartan, these fab flats had us at “hello, darlin’.” In addition to sporting our fave print, they’re great for dressing up or dressing down. Win-win, our friends.

3. Digital Plaid Jacket ($168): We don’t know what Marilyn Monroe was talking about. Diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend… blazers are. Chic statement pieces in their own right, blazers like this one effortlessly dress up a down-to-earth-jeans-and-t-shirt combo.

4. Camp Director Tote in Plaid ($60): Think flannel should be relegated for your button downs? Think again. We were pleasantly surprised by this gem, which totally owns the print.

5. Parc Plaid Sheath Dress ($198): Anthrolopologie can do no wrong in our minds. NO WRONG. This stunning dress is no exception.

6. Stepping to the Beat Flat in Plaid ($40): Oxfords are the epitome of the perfect fall shoe. Throw some plaid on them and you’ve got the holy grail of awesomely awesome.

7. Plaid Henley Blouse ($55): If you aren’t quite ready to join us in the world of plaid everything, then going basic with a classic plaid button down is a simplistic and stylish way to ease yourself into this trend.

8. Sophie Plaid Loafers ($138): The colors in this cuter-than-cute loafer remind of the hues that highlight the trees during this upcoming season. That detail alone stole our hearts. The plaid sealed the deal.

9. Somedays Lovin Streamline Plaid Dress ($89): Talk about a perfect summer-to-fall transitional dress!

10. Plaid Flannel Shirt ($38): Add a little “prep” to your step with this masculine-meets-feminine version of flannel done right.

11. Desi Kitten Heel Pump ($70): In case you haven’t heard, kitten heels are a trend that we and our very relieved feet can get behind. Just when we thought we couldn’t love this manageable heel height any more, it went and met up with our best buddy plaid.

12. Plaid Fringe Scarf ($38): If you aren’t all about plaid quite yet, then another great way to flaunt some checkers this fall is to pair your #ootd with a scarf like this one.

13. Plaid Rush Skirt ($58): This plaid pencil gives a whole new meaning to “hot teacher.” No classroom required.

14. Kiel James Patrick Tartan Bow Tie Bracelet ($58): Bow bracelet, meet plaid. Plaid, meet bow bracelet. Who said we aren’t skilled matchmakers?

15. Luck Be a Lady Dress in Scholar ($75): Is it okay to wear the same dress every week? We ask because we’re seriously considering testing it out thanks to this killer dress.

16. ASOS Tube Trousers in Tartar Check ($55): It’s about time the basic trouser got a plaid makeover. Seriously, we can’t wait to rock these around Brit HQ, Gwen Stefani style.

17. Jenn D’Orsay Pump ($70): Have we mentioned that we love plaid high heels? No? Let’s say it loud and proud: We L-O-V-E plaid high heels.

18. Miss Patina Embrace Me Plaid Skirt ($68): Fresh, flirty, feminine and easily dressed up or down… now that’s the makings of a great skirt buy.

19. BB Dakota Rosanna Plaid Jacket ($109): Like a little edge with your plaid? Then this jacket is calling your name.

20. Too Much Fun Dress in Bright Plaid ($90): Yet another gorg transitional piece for the annual hot/cold weather tango that comes to a city near you in mid-September.

21. ASOS Tartan Scarf ($24): We don’t know about you, but we can handle frigid weather as long as we’ve got one of these babies.

22. Herschel Supply Co. Novel Plaid Weekend Bag ($79): Even when you’re headed out of town for the weekend, you can take plaid along in style.

23. Wool Sleeveless Plaid Dress ($148): The equestrians of the world have always known the secret beauties of plaid. Let’s take a moment to thank goodness the rest of the world finally got a clue and are creating riding-inspired pretties like this dress that us non-riders can enjoy, too.

24. Black Soft Plaid Infinity Scarf ($75): Now this is a scarf that’s making a statement!

25. Celia Pointed Toe Loafer ($60): Noticing a trend? Plaid loafers and heels are totally “it” for this upcoming fall.

26. Kimchi Blue Dylan Plaid Shirtdress ($50): This adorable dress proves that you don’t have to be (or look like) a lumberjack to rock plaid. We do love plaid-clad lumberjacks though…

27. LA Hearts Plaid Faux Leather Trim Backpack ($12): Sing it with us now! “Back to schooooool. Back to schoooool. To show everybody that plaid is cooooool.” Yeah, sometimes this print even moves us to pen songs.

28. Empire Record Plaid Dress ($142): If even the maxi is on board with this print-tastic trend, then you better believe it’s a closet must-have.

29. FORAGE Haberdashery Deadstock Blue Plaid Lady Bow ($68): Pair this bow headband with a messy topknot and… boom! Awesome hair day.

30. Melissa Riding Boot ($217): You can’t deny it: Fall is all about the boot. We’ll be prepping for this season by adding these plaid-accented beauties to our collection.

What’s your favorite way to “plaid” your world? Tell us in the comment section below!

The average calf circumference for women is 15 inches – a fact that a lot of brands making trendy tall boots completely ignore.

My calves measure 16 inches around, meaning fitting comfortably into the boots I would give an arm and leg for (ahem, the famed Frye Campus boots and these sleek Sam Edelman steppers, 14 and 15 inches, respectively) will never be a reality.

Meredith Holser

As a gal with a little more meat and muscle on her bones, this has always been a problem for me. It’s infuriating, but it feels even more isolating. I can’t always wear the same styles that smaller women do, and even if I do find similar boot designs fashioned for wide calves, they look noticeably cheap or simply don’t check all the boxes in terms of my desired look.

I grew tired of saving all the “perfect” tall boot outfit inspo pics to my Pinterest board only to find that the boots in question had way too small of calf sizes, so I did what I always do when I shop for size-specific pieces: I took to Reddit.

Meredith Holser

I primarily consulted r/femalefashionadvice, r/plussize, and r/ausfemalefashion to see what people like me are saying about wide calf boots. The frustrations with finding good-looking, comfy tall boots was pretty similar across all three subreddits. As one passionate user put it:

“Even at a size 6, I have never been able to just buy any old pair of boots and have them fit. It is interesting to me how we've made great progress the past several years in regards to body inclusivity, yet somehow there seems to be a huge lack of sizing in regards to tall boots… It makes me so sad to see these beautiful boots everyone else gets to wear, slouchy, over the knee, western inspired, leopard/snake print, etc. Nothing like that comes in wide calf.”

Luckily, Redditors across all three threads suggested a handful of brands that actually offer cute wide calf boots with extended sizing. I had never heard of a few of them, but after scrolling through their sites, it felt like I struck gold.

The top-recommended brands for wide calf boots:

  • Penningtons
  • Børn
  • DuoBoots
  • Franco Sarto
  • Sam Edelman
  • Billini
If you, like me, have been searching endlessly for stylish tall boots (but have larger-than-average calves), consider your search over. Scroll on for the best wide calf boots that will fit like a dream.

Franco Sarto

Franco Sarto Bowman Wide Calf Knee High Boots

You're meaning to tell me these chic boots can really accomodate my calves?! The deep red color already had me sold, but that 15.75-inch calf circumference made this style so much better. They also come in a smooth brown color and a foxy faux-snake pattern, if those speak to your personal style more.

Børn

Børn Hayden Extended Calf Boots

The suede leather construction of these boots honestly rivals that of the beloved Campus boot, but their fit is much more roomy, boasting a 16.5-inch calf circumference. These zippered boots also have a playful lace-up detail on the back that's utterly unique.

Penningtons

Penningtons Extra Wide Width Black Tall Heeled Boots with Harness Straps

The calf circumference on these bad boys starts at around 17 inches for shoe size 6, and tops out around 19 inches for shoe size 12. I can't get enough of these moto-style boots and I love that they have the signature harness with silver hardware around the base that other similar boots do.

DuoBoots

DuoBoots Saffron Knee High Boots

The fact that you can choose the calf sizing yourself when purchasing these Western-esque boots is ahh-mazing. The options start at 13 inches and go up to 20 inches to hold your beautiful legs without any fuss.

Billini

Billini Granger Extended Curve Boots

From all the wide calf boot brands suggested on the Reddit threads I scrolled through, Billini has to be my favorite. They state that these adorable camel-colored boots can fit calf sizes from about 18.11 to 21.42 inches, and while they do have an elastic panel on the sides to stretch even further, I think it's discreet enough that it doesn't distract from the overall look. Score!

DSW

Baretraps Thalia Wide Calf Boots

A very similar style to my wishlist Sam Edelman boots, this black pair actually has a 16.5-inch calf circumference that'll fit my legs to a tee. The block heel is the perfect shape and height, plus the toe isn't overly pointed (I don't necessarily care for pointy toes).

Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman James Wide Calf Western Boots

Finding cowboy boots with wide calves can be a big challenge – but no more! These reddish-brown boots have a 16-inch calf circumference so you can confidently rock any and all Western looks.

Billini

Billini Oshea Curve Boots

Immediately yes. These broader-fit boots are everything you need to make a statement with your shoes. They're definitely going on my wishlist! The calf circumferences for this style start at 16 inches and go up to 19 inches based on your shoe size.

DSW

Vince Camuto Seshon Extra Wide Calf Boots

With a 18-inch calf circumference, you won't have to worry about squeezing into these tall boots. I adore the timeless squared toe and wide block heel on these!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Keep reading For The Latest News On Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

November 11, 2024

Benny Blanco's been featured in People's'Sexiest Man Alive' issue and we're kind of feeling it! What started off as an unlikely choice for Selena has turned into a deep understanding of why she loves him so much. The man is an excellent host, cook, and gentleman which makes him an off-the-charts lover. And when it comes to date night, he believes in making sure every time is special. "I [still] go all out for every date. It doesn't mean spending your entire bank account. It means being attentive and listening," he said.

His most memorable dates with Selena involve the times she "rented out a whole botanical garden" and he "got her Taco Bell" before proceeding to make her "movie-theater nachos" and deep-frying her "favorite pickles from Texas" for Valentine's Day.

He also gushed about his favorite time of the day. "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up." Not only that, but the music producer is thrilled he has "a true best friend" he gets to spend his life with.

What do you think about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship?Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity news!

This post has been updated.

Call us crazy, but we're already thinking about all the best Target winter shoes we can find. It's not that we're being hasty, but it feels like fall isn't ready to commit yet, and we just LOVE a cold weather outfit! We can always count on the months of December-March to give us the chilly temps we're looking for though! We can also rely on Target to give us affordable fashion that makes our outfits look as good as our Pinterest boards! Lucky for you, we've found 17 stylish shoes to shop right now — including mules, boots, and Mary Janes because we know you need options. 😘

Target

Stemon Three Tone Block Heel Boots

Post-fall shoe haul, it's likely you already have some classic black booties — and that's where these babies come in! I absolutely love this tri-toned pair of block heels to add a dash of fun to any look. The metallic accents are super on-trend right now, and the shiny vibes are perfect for these more twinkly months. They also come in a black variation, if you're looking for something different!

Target

Wheedle Croc High Heeled Calf Boots

We've made it explicitly known that red is our color, through and through. So obviously I had to add these tall boots to the roundup! This pair is sexy and chic, elevating your style to the next level with the croc-embossed faux leather. Not feeling the red? You can choose from two other colors — plus, they're on sale for $59!

Target

Women's Shelby Slingback Ballet Flats with Memory Foam Insole

Now these? These are absolutely darling! Ballet flats are back and truly better than ever right now — as exhibited by this bow-embellished pair from Target. The slight shimmer adds just enough sparkle without being too much, and the bow could go with everything from a pair of jeans and a sweater to your fave holiday look! These $35 shoes also come in red if you're feeling bold!

Target

Women's Taylor Jet Studded Kitten Heel Ankle Boots with Memory Foam Insole

IDK how to explain it, but I just know Emily would slay these in Paris. She'd likely dress them in an unexpected way — I'm envisioning sweats and a beret? IDK? — and I'd immediately try to recreate the look. And while studs can make a statement, these are also just neutral enough that you can get away with a more subdued style as well. At $43, these are a total steal!

Target

Struter Embroidered Platform Fur Classic Slip-On

Uggs duuuupe! These platform slip-ons are perfect for those days when you're out and about with your Starbucks in one hand, pushing the Target cart with the other. These also come in three other colors, and they're currently on sale for $42

Target

Harness Buckle Ankle Boots

Some days require an edgier look that's even...dare I say, borderline grunge? It's our favorite way to dress when we're in a mellow mood, so if this sounds like you, slip on these cute ankle boots. The round, closed toe and cushioned footbed make them way more comfortable than they look.

Target

Women's Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Metallics are perfect for the holiday season — and throughout the rest of winter, for that matter. These are great for the days you have to double up on a day at the office and make it to the holiday party by 7. Plus, at just $30, what more could you ask for?!

Target

Ball Heel Stretch Ankle Boots

Keep it stylish with these glam boots! They heel height is only 2.25 inches, so the soles of your feet won't be under a ton of pressure as you strut through town. You get all the fun of a unique look without all the typical struggle of a unique shoe.

Target

Slip On Mule Flats With Memory Foam Insole

These flats are so gaudy, but we're mesmerized by them. They take studs to the next level — and yes, I'm thinking about Emily in Parisagain. The round closed upper won't crush your precious toes, while the backless feature will make you happy as you pad around Target looking for new things to buy.

Target

Women's Pippa Chunky Heel Ankle Boots

Love the first pair I shared, but wanna commit to the all-metallic vibe? These booties are here for you. At only $40, you'll shine bright like Eve from Life-Size. And with that block heel, you'll definitely be able to shine far while you're at it.

Target

Women's Sage Slide Slippers

You obviously need plenty of shoes to strut your stuff around the town, but you also deserve a little something chic for the house! These stylish slippers are only $15, so you can comfortably make your way from the couch to the tea kettle — and look cute while you do it!

Target

Ivette Tru Comfort Foam Pull On Boots

Normally we'd save a pair of boots like this for apple mazes and pumpkin patches, but there's no rule against wearing them during winter. They're a universal must-have in our book because of how sturdy they are, not to mention their gorgeous brown color!

Target

Junie Tall Boots

We know you'll still be wearing sweater dresses during winter because we will too! They're not complete without a pair of tall boots though. You'll love how versatile these suede pair are and may want to wear them with all of your winter OOTDS.

Target

Fur Mule Loafers

Gucci stole our hearts with their 2015 Re-Edition Women's Princetown mules, but the price tag reminded us of the budgets we've been living on. We're willing to bet you're not interested in spending over $1000 for mules, but now you don't have to! These stylish loafers are only $35 at Target, but hurry because they're selling out!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finally dropped November 7, and after theories were swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?) — we got the answers we'd been waiting for. And unfortunately, not all of them were answers we wanted. Sarah is indeed pregnant but the Pogues finally avenged Terrance, but in the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, we also lost JJ which is something I literally can't believe I'm writing. JJ and Kiara are the one couple fans latched onto (and that the cast and crew never saw coming) and to finally see them in a relationship only to lose JJ 10 episodes later? I'm heartbroken.

Creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke recently revealed Outer Banks season 5 will be "an epic fifth and final season," and there's one theory going around that makes that finale even more emotional. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

Keep Reading For The Latest News On Outer Banks Season 5

  • Outer Banks season 5 will be the last season of the hit Netflix show.
  • The series will follow Kiara and the Pogues getting revenge on Chander Groff for JJ's death.
  • Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say "it will be our best [season] yet."

Is JJ really dead?

@unsiredd#obx#outerbanks#jjmaybank#johnbroutledge#johnb#sarahcameron#obx4#fyp#foryou#fireworks♬ Where'd All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

There are a few theories about how Outer Banks season 5 will handle JJ's death (aside from Kiara's chilling vow to get revenge, of course). Some fans have their fingers crossed the group will use the Blue Crown to wish him back to life, while others are holding onto hope he was simply unconscious. But there's one theory that stands out among the rest to me: JJ is really dead, and this whole time, John B.'s narration has been telling his unborn child about his namesake.

The show teased Sarah and John B. will name their baby JJ, and since Outer Banks is all about family, friendship, and spending time with one another, the reveal that all along, Outer Banks has been the story of the Pogues' adventures would literally be the perfect way to send them off. I'm literally crying just thinking about it.

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah alongside Kiara's revenge. 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Yep, Outer Banks Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character in case you're still processing.