Plaid, from the stylish tartan to the minimalistic graph check, is an all-time staple in fashion. Most recently, it’s been enjoying a revival in presenting itself on women’s workwear – creating a confident contrast of masculine print on feminine silhouettes.
As much as denim has never left us, it’s safe to say that these bold and boxy patterns will not be going away anytime soon. Channel your checkmate! attitude with these eight looks that will have everyone convinced you’ve got everything on your checklist.
Pair a boucle-style top with a flared, midi skirt for some new-world charm.
Top, $1,290; and skirt, $860, both from Marni. Manokhi by Toukitsou hat, $390, from Pedder on Scotts. Watch, $599, from Swarovski. Bag, $2,640, from Chloé.
The vintage-print pussy-bow top lets the heritage print stand out with aplomb.
Blazer, blouse and trousers, all from Max Mara. Earrings, $1,035, from Monica Vinader. Shoes, $1,190, from Sergio Rossi.
Steal your other half’s white shirt and pair with a feminine peplum skirt for a look that’s both smart and sexy.
Shirt, $1,455; and earrings, $905, both from Etro. Skirt from Max Mara. Pushbutton trousers, $603, from Net-a-Porter (worn under the skirt). Ring, $1,988, from Carrie K. Bag, $560, from Sandro. Sunglasses, $490, from Oliver Peoples.
Ornate buttons and silverware detailed on bags and shoes take your neutral palette to the next level.
Shirt, $1,455; and blazer, $3,730, both from Etro. Skirt, $690, from 3.1 Phillip Lim. Earrings from Cos. Rings, $340, from Etro; and $470, from Monica Vinader. Watch, $699, from Swarovski. Bag, $4,500, from Roger Vivier. Shoes from Sergio Rossi.
A tartan trench spells effortless style, while print-on-print layering ups your style factor.
Blouse, $1,190, from Dries Van Noten. Golden Goose Deluxe Brand ciat, $2,270, from Pedder on Scotts. Trousers, $159, from H&M studio. Earrings, $498; and pearl necklace, $998, from Carrie K. Bag, $1,360, from Longchamp. Shoes, $1,090, from Sergio Rossi.
Dare to team different checkered pieces together. Rule of thumb: Keep the colour scheme similar, and you’ll be owning the look.
Malene Birger blouse, $430; and Andersson Bell trousers, $530, both from Net-a-Porter. Katerina Makriyianni earrings, $390, from Pedder on Scotts. Barcelona shoulder bag from Loewe.
Soften up masculine checks with a massive bow on a blouse and then add a pop of colour with a statement bucket bag.
Blouse, $1,490, from Marni. Blazer, $209, from H&M studio. Veronica Beard cropped trousers, $510, from Net-a-Porter. Earrings, $199; and watch, $599, both from Swarovski. Bag, $1,870, from Roger Vivier. Boots, $2,345, from Etro.
Keep in line with pinstripes but show your wild side with edgy leather.
Jacket, $1,790, and skirt, $1,060, both from 3.1 Phillip Lim. Dress, $3,030, from Chloé (worn as a blouse). Earrings, $280, from Monica Vinader. Belt, $955, from Etro. Bag, $2,290, from Tod’s. Shoes, $1,085, from Longchamp.
Text: Sifra Vania, additional text: Cherrie Lim
Photos: Zantz Han/Ground Production, assisted by Joel Fong & Nicholas Loo
Styling: Sifra Vania, assisted by Pricilla Chan and Jiayi
Hair: Den Ng/Prep Luxe, using L’Oreal Professionnel & Ghd, assisted by Colin
Makeup: Hongling Lim, using Nars
Model: Ami/Mannequin
Special thanks to Justco
As seen in the February 2020 issue of The Singapore Women’s Weekly.