Like fall’s auburn leaves and bounty of crisp apples, checks, in all its iterations, kindle a cozy familiarity suggestive of the season. Tartan can lean into its Scottish heritage when styled alongside preppy pieces, like woolly knits and waxed jackets. Plaid achieve edgy nirvana when teamed up with leather; it can be utterly practical with denim, or unexpected when fashioned as an abstract motif.
Vogue’s Favorite Checked Pieces
What sets checks apart is their versatility—there is no single way to wear them. Impactful without overwhelming the print-shy, they can take center stage as a statement piece or be styled in a playful clash of patterns. Designers explored the full spectrum for spring 2025, and this fall sees the check revival continue its reign. Last season, The Row, Bottega Veneta, and Sacai, notably led the charge with country-coded patterns in a variety of materials (the latter, for one, showed it in sequin). The fall collections saw fresh interpretations of the grid. Notably at Miu Miu, diagonally-checked skirts were paired with trim knits festooned with sparkly brooches, and bold-colored boots. Burberry, meanwhile, took a more-is-more approach for the season, creating layered looks that put its iconic check front and center.
Appearing on everything from duster coats to bow blouses to tailored trousers—here’s how to style checks for every occasion.
The Checked Shirt With Wide-Leg Denim and a Minimalist Heel
A refreshing take on plaid comes by way of Róhe’s pink and beige oversized flannel. Keep things light and bright with Banana Republic’s off-white jeans and minimalist kitten-heeled sandals. Top it off with a glint of silver.
Sophie Buhai
reversible silver hoop earrings
Christen
leather ankle-strap sandals
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Kallmeyer
Chloé checked voile shirt
The Checked Skirt With a Fitted Crewneck and Preppy Extras
Miu Miu’s colorful midi skirt proves that checks don’t have to be so serious. For a quirky look that feels straight out of Mrs. Prada’s style book, lean into the bookish Milanese mood of it all by styling it with a fitted crewneck and chunky loafers. Add socks for good measure.
Everlane
cashmere slim crew sweater
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The Checked Duster Coat With High-Waisted Denim and a Wedge Heel
For an elegant ensemble that can go day to night, pair a duster coat with straight-leg denim and complete it with a sculptural heel and rivière necklace.
Liberowe
Agatha checked tweed coat
Rare Carat
diamond graduated riviera necklace
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The Bow Blouse With Bermuda Shorts and Stacked Heels
Saint Laurent puts a feminine spin on workwear-inspired plaid with a sweet bow. Throw on Bermuda shorts and a stacked heel for an easy commute—and if you can’t bring yourself to bare legs anymore, just add tights!
By Pariah
stone trilogy stack rings
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Vince
check short-sleeve crewneck top
The Checked Trousers With a Pop of Red
These Prince of Wales check trousers can seamlessly act as a neutral, when paired with an off-white tee and a cashmere sweater. Take note from the fall 2025 trends and incorporate a burst of red by way of a punchy, lipstick-red ballerina.
Chloé
checked wool flared pants
J.Crew
cashmere high v-neck sweater
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Madewell
high-rise bootcut trouser
The Checked Dress With Mesh Flats and Silver Accents
The asymmetric draping on Proenza Schouler’s midi dress gives the print a feminine, modern spin. Try pairing it with mesh Alaïa mesh flats to bring sporty contrast into the mix. Fold in a touch of silver accent (repeat of accent in the H2) into the mix and wrap a turtleneck around your shoulders to shield you from cooler temperatures.
Proenza Schouler
Hallie ruched checked twill midi dress
Alaïa
criss cross snake ballerina flats
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Polo Ralph Lauren
plaid twill paneled shirtdress
The Checked Blazer with Poplin Shirt and Lace Skirt and Snakeskin Accessories
A timeless wardrobe addition, wear Nili Lotan’s checked blazed with other clean staples and finish off with a snake skin flat.
With Nothing Underneath
the boyfriend exaggerated cuff
Zara
satin effect lace midi skirt
Alaïa
criss cross snake ballerina flats
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The Checked Scarf With a Swing Coat and Leather Boots
Burberry’s heritage wool scarf can go anywhere you do—wrap it around your neck for travel or fashion it as a headscarf on a misty days for warmth. Rain or shine, just throw on a swing coat and lug-sole boots for instant sartorial success.
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Rue de Verneuil
webbing and leather-trimmed checked tote
