Ginnie Chadwyck-healey

Hip to be square

Consider your wardrobe as a series of small investments that will, hopefully, pay dividends well into the future, and you will understand why I’m flying the flag for checks today. I don’t own endless checked items, nor do I wear checks every week, but what I do own is steadfast and smart in equal measure. Not too overt, yet unwavering in its oomph factor when I need to up my game.

That’s not to say checks can’t be worn casually, but my own preference is to wear them via a bold trouser with a simple T-shirt or shirt (the navy one I’m wearing here belonged to my mother, but the timeless cut makes it as perfect for now as when she bought it years ago), or as a highoctane blazer – great with a white T-shirt, cropped jeans and loafers.

For research, I often scan how many garments currently exist on the biggest retail platforms to gauge how a look is performing traction-wise. As I write, Net-a-porter is offering 504 ‘checked’ items, from Burberry scarves to a seersucker dress by Ganni, while Asos boasts 2,700 checked womenswear pieces (if you’re looking for a miniskirt or lumberjack shirt…). Plenty of choice.

Like its cousin, the polka dot, the check is a great vehicle for colour; there’s no end to the possible combinations. These trousers are by Jane (formerly Goat) and fuse caramel, navy and black – which means what? Well, it means I can then wear them with caramel, navy or black shoes, and ivory, navy, black or chestnut on top. There is also a matching jacket, with navy piping, should you wish.

For more casual attire, I love the Scandi brand Munthe, which does a great checked ‘shacket’ (a shirtjacket hybrid), and if you haven’t yet invested in a shirt by With Nothing Underneath, this is the perfect time of year to start peeling off the layers to reveal one of its classic styles.

Perhaps you don’t want any more clothes but a hint of check in an accessory would do the job. Try a fabulous tote like this one from Oroton, for instance.

And finally: if in doubt – and if you’re lucky enough to have it – dig out your old Burberry checked scarf or Mackintosh and wear it! Those iconic pieces retain a vintage appeal that will put the finishing touch to any outfit. Checkmate indeed.

1. Pencil skirt, £199, LK Bennett (lkbennett.com)

2. Cotton-jersey T-shirt, £350, Burberry (net-a-porter.com)

3. Linen cushion cover, £60, Glassette ( glassette.com)

4. Wool-blend shirt jacket, £125, Munthe (munthe.com)

5. Jersey wrap-front swimsuit, £165, Ganni (matchesfashion.com)

6. Blazer, £210, Boden (boden.co.uk)

7. Trousers, £560, Jane ( janeatelier. com). Gold earrings, £110, Otiumberg (otiumberg.com). Gold-vermeil, emerald and topaz necklace, £550, Self Published (selfpublished.co.uk). Velvet pumps, £550, Jimmy Choo ( jimmychoo. com). Shirt and rings, Ginnie’s own.

8. Large tote, £272, Oroton (oroton.com)

9. Double-breasted blazer, £88, La Redoute (laredoute.co.uk)

10. Brushed-cotton shirt, £115, With Nothing Underneath (withnothingunderneath.com)