Checks on everything

THERE’S a good reason you’re seeing checks everywhere right now: they work.

Checked trouser suits, coats, skirts, shirts — you name it, it now comes in plaid.

There’s a huge thing for print going on, and plaid is an excellent way to buy into it without risking the more challenging Barbour geometrics. From scarf, £69.95, classic Prince of Wales

harrods.com to graphic window pane and every size of dogtooth in between, checks are an any-age crisp, spring update.

They’re also perennial, so buy wisely and wear for years to come.

There’s a fantastic grey/blue Prince of Wales check blazer at Oasis (£65, oasisstores. that can be bought with matching trousers or a fluted skirt — wear together with a white top and white loafers.

And to nail the ice cream palette and checks in one hit, look no further than Topshop’s excellent pink check Vivian coat (now £45, topshop.com).