Good news for Clueless fans—the Autumn/Winter season has finally made it acceptable to dress like a cast member from the movie. (90’s kids, rejoice!) This is all thanks to designers such as Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, and Gucci, who promoted a variety of check prints across their AW18 catwalks. Whether you’re brand new or well-versed in the world of checks, there are a few ways that you can wear them to turn heads for all the right reasons.
Pick a Hero Piece
The easiest way to incorporate checks into your autumn/winter closet is by choosing one key piece and then building the rest of your outfit around it. For instance, a tailored blazer featuring a plaid, Prince of Wales, or tartan print looks effortlessly chic for a smart casual occasion when paired with a solid-hued slip dress and heeled sandals. Alternatively, throw yours on over a graphic t-shirt with skinny jeans and sneakers for a fun, casual aesthetic. Either way checks undoubtedly make the ultimate style statement this season—especially in the form of one powerful hero piece.
Play with Color
When it comes to checks, whoever said that you have to hold firm to traditional colorways, like black and white gingham or red tartan? Instead, play around with various hue combinations to create unique and unconventional looks. A bubblegum pink Prince of Wales check-printed piece, for example, will pop and add interest to any autumn/winter outfit.
Alpha Omega Pleather Motto Jacket
Rock Coordinating Prints
Even though pretty much anything goes in terms of the type of check print you choose to wear, it’s best to stick to the unspoken rule of one type of check per outfit. Why? Well, otherwise, your ensemble might be a little too much. Like to stand out from the crowd? Why not embrace your inner maximalist and opt for co-ordinated checks along the lines of a matching crop top and pants. Co-ords look exceptionally cute when toned down with a plain jacket in a neutral color (like black, white, gray, or beige) and minimal accessories.
Size It Up
If you’re not a fan of co-ords or the matchy-matchy aesthetic, you can still champion more than one check-printed piece in your outfit. How? Well, instead of both check pieces being of the same size, mix up your look with one being larger than the other. Although, if you’re going to commit to this, be sure to stick to the same colored checks and just change up the size in order to avoid a visually-chaotic appearance.
Don’t Forget Your Accessories
If you’re introducing checks into your closet for the first time or you’re a little bit nervous about the trend, why not just dip your toe in the water with a gingham belt or tartan court shoes? Then, as your confidence builds, you can advance to a casual plaid shirt with jeans and sneakers or a Clueless-style mini skirt with a smart black jumper and thigh high boots. Either way, it’s important to experiment with different looks to find out what will work for you according to your personal style and body shape. And always remember: AW19 is the season where it’s hip to be square.
