Check yourself... by

2020-01-19 -

At this time of year, sales shopping allows me to add more daring pieces to my wardrobe, shopping outside my comfort zone without too much financial commitment.

Take checks and plaids. They require careful consideration to integrate them into an outfit, but that’s no reason to swerve them, as chosen wisely they bring personality to the party.

AllSaints has a stellar double-breasted Prince of Wales check coat (£199, reduced from £398) that will give an edge to any jeans and sweater combo (and rise to formal functions). Similarly, River Island has a great fitting, fully-lined, singlebreasted POW blazer (one-button, the way forward) that will look great with a T-shirt, a roll-neck or a shirt, tie and chino ensemble.

Check trousers: a fine line separates stylish from comedic. Opt for a micro puppy-tooth check with a pleat: looks the business with a black roll-neck and a pair of penny loafers. Oliver Brown has a great pair.

You can channel your inner woodsman and opt for a lumberjack check jacket; an age-appropriate way to make a bolder statement. Most denim brands and heritage labels (Woolrich, Filson, Levi’s) have them: my favourite is Lee’s Wool Loco Sherpa. Overshirts and workshirts (casually styled in thicker flannel or heavy wool) are another way to add colour. The high-street is full of them (Zara, H&M, Gap), but you could trade up with Matchesfashion’s Raey in a muted wool check.

Still not convinced?

Dip a toe into the trend with a plaid scarf; Marks & Spencer has a wide selection.

Wool Loco Sherpa jacket,

£75; uk.lee.com

Check scarf,

£10.50; marksand spencer.com

Duchart tweed pleated trousers,

£115; oliverbrown.org.uk

Denim plaid workshirt,

£29.99; gap. co.uk

Raey wool overshirt,

£245; matchesfashion. com