Is this a new season trend I see ahead of me? I think it just might be. Am I throwing myself in to it? Yes, I think I just might be. We’re talking about checks, not the gingham ones from the summer, not the plaid ones from the early 90’s grunge era, although to be fair that was something else I fully got on board with. One minute I was a rave queen in Kickers, dungarees and a bumbag, then I went to see the film Singles, bought a Lemonheads album and was dressing head to toe in khaki and plaid. Happy days. So, not those checks, more of a Prince of Wales grown-up type of check. Not unlike the skirts and ‘slacks’ my Granny used to wear to golf in. If only she knew that one day her style would become all the rage again.
There’s a lot of it about, I touched on the classic check blazer in last weeks post, but I’ve seen loads more things in this check now. Let’s kick off with the blazer…
CHECK BLAZER
Here’s your entry level point to this trend. Get yourself a nice check blazer, throw it over some jeans with a good pair of loafers and you are golden. As we all know by now, a blazer instantly makes you look smart. I would go up a size maybe so you can wear with a nice chunky knit when the weather deems it fit to get out the chunky knitwear once again. Oh, how I love chunky knitwear. Will do a post on that once they come into stock. In the meantime, wear with a crisp white shirt. I like this sort-of-sloan look with the loafers. If you are ever in the market for Gucci loafers, and I can’t recommend highly enough as you know, get the ‘Brixton’ version, as the leather is way softer and they are *slightly* cheaper…
1. M&S Double Breasted Check Blazer
2. Boden Classic White Shirt
3. Gucci Marmont Handbag
4. Gucci Brixton Loafers
5. The Outnet J Brand Boyfriend Jeans
CHECK TROUSERS
If you’ve already got enough blazers, why not try a pair of check trousers? I love the ‘mensy’ style. I still not sure what that means exactly, but it seems to be loose fit trousers with pleats at the waist. I bought some from Topshop last year and they are doing very similar styles for this season again. I know these are not for everyone, so you could try a more fitted pair instead. I’m also loving the Top Shop boots, another pair ‘inspired’ by Givenchy!
1. Top Shop High Waisted Check Trousers
2. The Outnet Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt
3. Top Shop Alfie Buckle Boots
4. & Other Stories Kim Gordon T Shirt
CHECK SKIRT
My granny would always favour a traditional kilt-style box pleated Prince of Wales check skirt. Unfortunately these seem rather elusive. Also, if you are under 85 maybe the pencil skirt would be a more flattering option. Wear with a T‑shirt or fine knit sweater for now, and nice thick tights, a polo neck and a coat come winter-time.
1. Next Check Tie Front Skirt
2. Markus Lupfer Wool Sweater
3. New Look Tiger Embroidered T Shirt
4. Vivienne Westwood Roman 3 Strap Sandals
5. Vivienne Westwood Leather Tartan Bag
CHECK SUIT
If you want to go all-out on this trend then how about a suit? I would dress it down with a crisp white pair of trainers, another look I pushed in the 90’s. Some things don’t stand the test of time, like Buffalo Boots and Bucket Hats, but there’s nothing wrong with trainers and a suit in my eyes. If it’s good enough for Pheobe Philo, then it’s good enough for me thank you very much. Also, how much do I want this Christopher Kane bag? Just because it has a ‘K’ on it.
1. M&S Check Wool Blend Jacket
2. Ganni Hot Dog T Shirt
3. Christopher Kane Leather Handbag
4. M&S Wool Blend Trousers5.
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand Trainers
How are you feeling about this check trend? Let me know if there are other Autumnal items you’d like me to explore.
K x