If you haven't already spotted the trend dominating autumn so far, meet the heritage check. Having replaced the perennial denim jacket as our go-to outerwear, the fabric isn't just for blazers and coats; now, heritage check has taken on a life of its own, and can be found on skirts, tops, two-piece suits and trousers.
So how did this classic print become so ubiquitous in our favourite stores and on the back of every street style star? Cast your mind back to Balenciaga's SS17 collection, where creative director Demna Gvasalia showcased deconstructed and oversized proportions in grey checked blazers, coats and skirts.
The following season, check evolved across a number of AW17 catwalks. Bella Hadid donned a cropped box jacket, thigh-split pencil skirt and matching slouch boots at Off-White, Zimmermann gave us loose-fitting checked macs, and Mulberry stayed true to its heritage aesthetic with a Town & Country -esque skirt suit.
But that's the joy of this trend: you don't have to stay smart and formal to wear a Prince of Wales check. Alexander Wang gave the look an edge with black stomping boots and leather sleeves, and Ralph Lauren turned the fabric into a fitted bandeau top and co-ord trousers (topped off with fierce stilettos).
Of course, the fashion set soon followed, with the streets of Copenhagen, New York, London, Paris and Milan awash with a sea of checked-out get-ups. Ahead, we've selected our pick of the women that styled the trend their way, from loose-fitting two-pieces to Clueless -style mini skirts. Click through to find our favourite pieces available now, with tips on how to style them.
The Coat
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.
We love how Caroline Daur has styled hers here at London Fashion Week, with plenty of monochrome and a double dose of yellow to keep it fun.
The dropped shoulders on this double-breasted ASOS number create a masculine silhouette to drape over a chunky knit.
ASOS Maxi Coat in Heritage Check, £85, available at ASOS
Uterqüe's long double-breasted coat should be your investment piece this season. In a flattering cut and neutral check pattern, this is a wearable and classic option with which to update your wardrobe.
Uterqüe Long Checked Coat, £220, available at Uterqüe
Pair this casual style with fresh white trainers and a classic plain tee.
Miss Selfridge Checked Statement Midi Coat, £65, available at Miss Selfridge
The Skirt
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 AW17 refresh. For extra points, pair with a mismatched check blazer – skirt suits were everywhere this fashion month.
This LFW guest kept her look contemporary with a Prada box bag and Matrix -esque sunnies.
The frilled waist on this Topshop piece makes the check more interesting.
Topshop Checked Buckle Peplum Mini Skirt, £36, available at Topshop
Do double ruffles with a frilled blouse and mules.
Isabel Marant Etoile Noora Skirt, £195, available at Net-A-Porter
A new favourite of ours, Side Party brings a fusion of Korean street style and London cool to our wardrobe. This deconstructed mini is dreamy.
Side Party Justine Buckle Wrap Checked Skirt, £79, available at Side Party
The Jacket
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 AW17 are perfect over slogan tees and jeans, midi floral dresses, and just about everything in between.
Here, i-D 's senior fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois pairs her oversized number with a clashing larger check and sock boots.
Avoid the corporate look with this updated twist on a classic check jacket.
H&M Wool-Blend Jacket, £39.99, available at H&M
MSGM's classic curved cut looks just as good styled for the office or paired with boyfriend jeans.
MSGM Mixed Check Wool Jacket, £455, available at 24 Sevres
This Arket jacket will be a sellout. Race you to buy.
Arket Checked Wool Blazer, £150, available at Arket
The Trousers
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, à la Veronika Heilbrunner (who wears her Marc Jacobs trousers with a Nike top).
If you want something a little more contemporary, these high-waisted, straight-legged beauties from Urban Outfitters look good with a hoodie.
Urban Renewal Remnant Prince Of Wales Checked Trousers, £46, available at Urban Outfitters
How do these Off-White trousers look formal and casual at the same time? Genius.
Off-White Tomboy Galles Trousers, £571, available at Matches Fashion
Pair with a co-ord jacket for the ultimate power suit.
Ellery Kool Aid Trousers, £810, available at Matches Fashion
The Dress
Just in time for the cold weather, we're layering our checked dress over balloon-sleeved blouses, black roll-necks, clashing knits and poplin shirts. The trick to steering clear of childlike pinafore territory is the accessories. During New York Fashion Week, Sofie Valkiers paired her Claudia Li dress with the Balenciaga bag of the moment and Yuul Yie shoes.
Can't let go of your cami dress this season? Nab it in check and layer over your favourite knit.
Alexander Wang Checked Woven Mini Dress, £940, available at Net-A-Porter
The perfect workwear dress? Thanks Kitri.
Kitri Natalie Checked Midi Dress, £125, available at Kitri
We're not seeing the back of dipped hems, and we're pleased. This Acne dress lends itself well to autumn layering.
Acne Studios Deala Checked Dress, £650, available at Matches Fashion
The Suit
Really want to invest in the trend? 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.
Stay suited and booted thanks to Zara.
Zara Checked Double-Breasted Jacket, £95.99, and Straight Fit Checked Trousers, £39.99, available at Zara
Who said three-piece suits were for bankers only?
Mango Check Structure Blazer, £59.99, and Tortoiseshell Buckle Check Trousers, £49.99, available at Mango
Arket's oversized suit in a light wool blend offers a more androgynous silhouette to try this season.
Arket Checked Wool Blend Blazer, £135, and Check Wool Trousers, £89, available at Arket
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