When I told a friend recently that I would be covering the checkerboard print in this column, she pulled a face. “Not for me,” she said. Then I showed her a picture of myself in this dress. “Ooh,” she remarked, “I like that. Where’s it from?”
That’s the thing about checkerboard. The word has a bad rep in style terms. But it’s not just for F1 fans and skater types in their Vans trainers (which, by the way, are making a style comeback, too). It’s an incredibly versatile print – more so than wintery tartan and summery gingham – that transcends age, occasion, garments and season. It can be bold and attention-grabbing, but it can also be soft and sweet when rendered in pastels or on fuzzy knitwear. It is, as prints go, game for anything. Pun intended.
It’s no wonder, then, that the style set has seized on this trend so eagerly. At London Fashion Week back in February, I saw dozens of checkerboard-clad industry players getting snapped by the photographers who congregate outside shows – definitive proof that it’s hip to be square, and a sure sign that it’s going to be a big deal in the months ahead.
And it is. If you want to dress like a rainbow chess set, you’ll have no problem in doing so. But there are far more stylish ways to wear this print: while it makes a powerful impact when worn head-to-toe, it can add interest to your look in a more subtle way, too. British label Shrimps has used a navy and white micro-checkerboard print on everything from dresses to sun hats, while partywear label Rotate has made it look grown-up and elegant in its white and gold jacquard dress. It’s supersized at Miu Miu, nostalgic at Dodo Bar Or, and preppy at Tory Sport.
Some of my favourite finds are on the high street, though – proof that tapping into this look won’t cost a king’s ransom (or a queen’s or a bishop’s for that matter). So what are you waiting for? It’s your move.
The details to remember
Inject a flash of colour
A monochrome checkerboard print comes alive when teamed with bright block colours, like the neckline on this dress.
Go oversized
With checkered knits, make sure the fit is slightly loose so that the pattern skims rather than clings on to your curves.
Keep accessories to a minimum
When wearing a busy print, keep the silhouette streamlined and accessories low-key.
