A print for weekends, work and in between
The love affair began last September when I spotted the slim-fit checked blazers on the Tibi SS18 catwalk. Then came checks at Gucci, Céline and Gabriela Hearst. All polished, flattering, bold and somehow effortless. By the end of the season I’d decided checks were going to be my thing. Six months on, I’m the proud owner of two checked coats and two checked trouser suits (another trend for spring, and perfect for the office).
For the most part, checks don’t fall in and out of fashion (they were all over the AW18 catwalks, too) although certain types, like gingham, are more commonplace come summer. Windowpane checks (larger squares with fine lines), bright tartan and jagged houndstooth
(so named as they look like dogs’ teeth) are all of the moment. My favourite is Prince of Wales check, as seen at Tibi.
The print (usually two dark and two light stripes crossing over four dark and four light stripes to create a squared pattern) dates back to the early 19th century, when the Countess of Seafield chose it as her Estate check. Edward VII (then the Prince of Wales) regularly shot there, and liked the print so much that he asked to have his clothes made from it, hence the name. His grandson, the Duke of Windsor, was just as keen.
The timeless design makes it a wise purchase, and the high street has lots of good options should you want to get in on the act. Massimo Dutti’s purple and camel plaid blazer (£89.95, massimodutti. com) is a warm option and 30per cent wool, so I can get away with wearing it as a coat over a cashmere polo neck on all but the coldest days. When the sun finally rears its head I’ll wear my houndstooth Zara number (£69.99, zara.com); it’s lighter in colour and weight and has a very subtle grey print – ideal for those who don’t want anything too bold.
Checks are certainly a good option for work, but come the weekend, the key to keeping tailored checks
on the right side of investment banker chic is to add something contrasting – I pair my highwaisted plaid trousers with a printed Ganni T-shirt, white V-cut shoes and gold earrings.
The loose trench style of this lightweight checked jacket from H&M makes for a less formal look, and the brown looks great paired with red and navy. There are matching trousers available (£22.99, hm.com) for smarter occasions. I also plan to wear checked skirts when the weather warms up; Stradivarius and Reserved will be my first ports of call.
If you’re buying one checked piece, I’d recommend a Prince of Wales blazer. Use it to smarten up denim, to offset the floatiness of a chiffon floral dress or as a stylish cover-up for evenings.
Add a pair of matching trousers, and your new suit will check off two trends at once.