If you’ve been on Instagram at all this year you’ve probably noticed a certain check print popping up. A very specific check pattern; It’s not plaid, not gingham, and certainly not buffalo check. The difference being that with this specific print there are only two colors, like a racing flag or a chess board or your classic pair of Vans slip-ons. Just take a look at the runways and street-style stars.
Brands like Paloma Wool, KJ Plumb, Kkco, Tyler McGillivary, Gimaguas, Holiday the Label, Lisa Says Gah! and more have embraced the print and added twists to them like warping the squares up for an illusion or distorting them into other shapes.
Plus, the checkerboard effect is so prevalent that it’s gone way beyond fashion. It’s even infiltrated home goods like rugs, coffee mugs, towels, plates, quilts, pillows—you name it. Just feast your eyeballs on this whole dang room!
Checks straight off the runway:
The Dior runway was taken over in XL checkered short suits and modest midi skirts worn with buttoned-up shirts. Gucci’s checked trousers along with knitted sweaters and oversized jackets made a noticeable appearance, while the plaid skirts paired with sparkly tops will be perfect when your desk-to-dinner wardrobe comes back in action. Is it ever a Chanel show without some checks? the mademoiselle circa 2020 prefers playsuits featuring plunging necklines and water color checks lining the inside of her trench coat. Checkmate at Fendi meant checks on checks on checks but in colors from the same family. Missoni’s treatment was flirtier: Think primary colours and floaty silhouettes, tailor-made for patio lunches that will probably be populating your calendar in the weeks ahead. Self-isolation, but make it Balenciaga: We think their monochrome-co-ord are best punctuated with neon accessories for maximum impact. And if it’s a checkered suit you were after, Marc Jacobs’ genderless straight-out-of-the-’40s styles will serve you well for business and pleasure. Pyer Moss’ take was brazen, bold and colour-blocked with cropped jackets and flared trousers. With sequins thrown in for good measure. Think of it as power dressing, but party edition.