No Such Thing as a Bad Check
Just like there's no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. The same goes for checks. There’s no such thing as a bad check pattern, only bad styling choices. Get your checks out, with the cooler weather rolling in it’s time for this pattern to shine. Here are a few tips on how to master this charming pattern effortlessly.
Mesh for Summer, Checks for Fall
As always, checks are making their comeback this FW season. While summer is all about breezy mesh fabrics, fall and winter belong to the cozy square pattern. With such a long history and consistent popularity, this pattern comes in endless variations, often leaving us a bit spoiled for choice.
sacai FW24, Helmut Lang FW24
Balmain FW24, Wales Bonner FW24 ⓒvogue.com
You simply can't resist checks, there's no pattern more omnipresent. From fashion to furniture, interiors, stationery, and even artwork, checks are everywhere. Those grid-patterned tiles in the nearest restroom? Technically they're a kind of check too.
In fashion, checks are more than just a pattern. They're iconic. Punk musicians in the '70s made the tartan pattern part of their rebellious style. Scottish nobility once used argyle as a symbol of status. And we can’t forget Burberry, a brand that’s woven checks into its very identity.
Sex Pistols John Lydon ⓒthefashionisto.com
Lennon Gallagher, son of Liam Gallagher, featured in a Burberry campaign ⓒpinterest
It’s not without reason why moments of checks are constantly found in fashion archives. From Alexander McQueen revitalizing the traditional Scottish kilt in his FW06 collection, to Yohji Yamamoto showcasing the strength and prestige of buffalo checks in his FW20 and Maison Margiela saturating the runway with checks in FW23. The interplay of colors combined in different ways and rules continues to evolve and thrive.
Alexander McQueen FW06
YOHJI YAMAMOTO FW20
Maison Margiela FW23 ⓒvogue.com
Hold on, here’s a fun fact: the pattern we commonly refer to as tartan check is actually called tartan plaid. Unlike checks which refer to a geometrically perfect grid, plaid consists of a more diverse range of colors and square sizes. Tartan falls into the latter category.
As a result, tartan plaid boasts a much richer and more vibrant color palette compared to regular check patterns. It can dramatically combine cool and warm colors as well as complementary hues all within a single design, showcasing its versatility.
Tartan check artisan Vivienne Westwood’s 90s collection.
This is the go-to spot for checks!
What were the check items that made our hearts race in this FW collection? Let’s take a look at our curated list of check hotspots by brand.
Rabanne
Rabanne has truly transformed into a check haven for the 2024 FW collection. Over half of the items in the collection are covered in checks. With an inclusive color palette that ranges from bold hues and pastels to monochromes, there’s no shortage of pieces featuring tartan plaid and gingham checks. From pants and outerwear to shirts, the abundance of checks creates a stunning sense of harmony.
Rabanne FW24 ⓒvogue.com
Dior
Is there any brand as devoted to checks as Dior? This year’s FW collection, along with next year’s RESORT collection, is brimming with checks. While the FW collection emphasizes a powerful and bold image with windowpane checks resembling a grid, the RESORT collection reinterprets the kilt, showcasing classic yet witty outfits.
Dior FW24, Dior RESORT 2024 ⓒvogue.com
CHANEL
This is what a real check setup looks like. CHANEL’s checks filled with dreamy colors are perfect for a coordinated look. While a patterned setup can risk looking clownish, the right matching can create a subtly flowing vibe, as demonstrated beautifully in this collection. Once again, it’s clear that the success of checks starts with the color palette.
CHANEL FW24 ⓒvogue.com
YOHJI YAMAMOTO
It turns out that Yohji Yamamoto really loves checks. His occasional check looks we’ve come to know through his black rubber aesthetic have a captivating power that excites fans, and this season is no different. The striking check patterns seamlessly complement the sculptural designs, creating a memorable impression. By incorporating diverse colors into intricate silhouettes he seems to be enhancing accessibility, making a winning strategy for this season.
YOHJI YAMAMOTO FW24 ⓒvogue.com
VERSACE
Recently, VERSACE has been making various attempts to revitalize the brand. This season they focus on a check pattern featuring red and brown as key colors. Director Donatella Versace references the late iconic musician Prince and the rebellious punk music genre with an incredibly sophisticated result. Of course, traces of the punk spirit from the '70s can still be found woven throughout the checks.
VERSACE FW24 ⓒvogue.com
UNDERCOVER
How can we wear checks without feeling overwhelmed? Perhaps the answer lies with UNDERCOVER. They’ve taken some of the most basic check patterns and styled them in a way that effortlessly straddles the line between formal and casual. The collection beautifully demonstrates the endless possibilities of checks by merging the reassuring stability of classic patterns with a hint of playfulness.
UNDERCOVER FW24 ⓒvogue.com
One well-chosen check item is worth ten others.
Now let’s dive into our top picks for check patterns!
First up, check-patterned outerwear is the perfect choice for those feeling fatigued by the sea of black coats on the streets. Brands like Chloé, continuing the acclaimed "protective chic" from last season, and Acne Studios, leveraging the elegance of brown, offer stunning alternatives. Additionally, Stefan Cooke adopts the gun club check inspired by American hunting club uniforms, providing plenty of clever options to replace those black outerwear pieces.
Chloé, Stefan Cooke
Acne Studios, Tanya Taylor ⓒvogue.com
What about adding some flair to your bottom half with check pants or a skirt? You might hesitate thinking they could be mistaken for pajamas but they can be the saving grace in winter outfits that are increasingly dark and heavy. Many options are offered by brands like BURBERRY with their impressive combination of brown and nude tones, or Vivienne Westwood with this fresh approach using pink tartan plaid. Then there's Collina Strada, whose pieces shine brightly with warm, inviting colors.
BURBERRY, Vivienne Westwood
Collina Strada, Dries Van Noten ⓒvogue.com
Check tops can also be a valuable addition that breathes life into winter outfits that risk becoming dull. Among the countless options available, the most recommended are oversized shirts and argyle knitwear. These two pieces demonstrate just how powerful one well-chosen check item can be. They effortlessly blend into any outfit and prove their versatility in the unpredictable weather of transitional seasons.
R13, Phipps
Y/PROJECT, OUR LEGACY ⓒvogue.com
Do you agree now? There’s no such thing as a bad check. If you find yourself stuck in front of your closet with the sudden drop in temperature outside, it’s time to just relax and embrace the checks. That one check piece just might become your best friend and free you from all your cold-weather outfit dilemmas.