TREND: Check Mate

Hello my lovelies! In a previous blog post I talked about this season's top trends and how there are endless possibilities when it comes to styling this year. And it is safe to say that Checks are probably the biggest trend of all this A/W. So, instead of just skating over the trends, this time I am going to go into more detail and show you how tartan can be styled for casual looks and that it doesn't just belong on the catwalks.

If you associate tartan with ginger, Scottish people, it's time to rethink the surprisingly versatile and elegant print. Cropping up repeatedly on the AW18 catwalks, including Balenciaga, Michael Kors, and Versace, we were offered multiple ways to wear checks and street style stars have been giving us a masterclass in putting together perfect polka dot ensembles during fashion month, proving the print isn't just for the catwalk but can be incorporated into a casual look too.

A coat is perhaps the easiest way to incorporate the trend into your day-to-day attire, the check coats on offer this season come in a variety of styles and proportions. Double-breasted, calf-skimming, cropped, boxy, oversized, fitted: the choice is yours.

Ah, a classic. The checked blazer has fallen in and out of fashion favour over time, once cast to the bin of identikit work suits made for women in the '00s. Don't think that this piece is only appropriate for landed gentry and older men: the checked blazers of AW18 are perfect over slogan tees and jeans, midi floral dresses, and just about everything in between.

And if you just can't get enough of blazers and checks, go all-out with a check suit. You'll find throwback references from Humphrey Bogart to Bianca Jagger, but you can make this two-piece as retro or contemporary as you wish. Throw on some patent Chelsea boots and don a paisley shirt for Gucci's eccentricity, or get your slogan tee and trainers on for a more minimalist approach.

The check skirt may remind you of your schooldays, but it's all in the details. A thigh split here, a 3D bow there, and you've got yourself an AW18 refresh. For extra points, pair with a mismatched check blazer – skirt suits were everywhere this season.

If you’re not brave enough to go all out with a suit, why not inject the print into your look through your bag? Or you could even clash with another checked piece for the ultimate patterned look.

Surprisingly more versatile than you may think, the check trouser is loose and long this season. We're replacing our racing stripe trousers with these, and wearing with everything from roll-neck knits to plain tees.

So, that's all for today folks! I hope this inspired you to inject a few checks and tartans into your wardrobe. And please let me know in the comments what your favourite trend of this season is. Thanks for popping over and do come and say hey on my Twitter and Instagram.

L x