Are you wondering how to wear checkered pants in style? Which shoes should you choose to pair them with? How can you accessorise them?
I'll help you out.
As a fashion enthusiast, I often recommend plaid trousers to women looking for an outfit that is simple and chic, yet a bit unique.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll show you why this garment is so versatile and how to pair it with other items in your wardrobe to achieve a look that truly reflects your style!
A checked pair of trousers can be paired with a solid top (crop top, t-shirt, blouse) or even a checked top in the same pattern for a very chic, graphic look. This also applies to coats and jackets that you can wear with checked trousers: a matching print will be quite trendy, but you can also opt for a classic long coat or go bold with a black leather jacket. When it comes to shoes, mix up the materials by teaming your checked trousers with black leather ankle boots, Converse sneakers, or stylish matching sandals!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- How checkered pants became trendy,
- What to wear with them no matter your style,
- Seasonal look suggestions for every occasion,
- Examples of shoes that pair perfectly with checkered pants,
- And ideas for accessories to elevate your outfit!
The Checked Pattern: A Brief History of a Timeless Print
Like polka dots, checks are one of those classic patterns that we've seen worn by our parents and grandparents. Their history actually goes back several centuries! Let’s explore together how check patterns gained the international popularity they enjoy today.
Check or Tartan?
Check patterns are sometimes referred to as tartan, but there is a distinction between these two fabrics, even though the former originates from the latter. Tartan refers to the various types of distinct patterns worn by Scottish clans for many centuries, which helped them recognise one another.
Check patterns date back to the 16th century, when British manufacturers decided to take inspiration from tartan to create similar designs. Writings from 1538 make reference to these prints, which were highly prized by the nobility at the time.
The second half of the 20th century: the rise of plaid patterns as a fashion trend
After being exported to Europe and the United States, tiles gradually became a classic pattern in clothing fabrics. However, the situation changed in the 1970s, and this print underwent a transformation: from a design viewed as traditional and rustic, it became fashionable with a trendy and elegant connotation. It became ubiquitous, notably being worn multiple times by Queen of England Elizabeth II.
In the 1980s, the punk movement reclaimed check patterns by wearing them in a grunge style, often featuring ripped jeans. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s turned check patterns into one of the symbols of grunge fashion culture. It became ubiquitous in the clothing styles of iconic bands from that era, such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Breeders.
Today: When and How to Wear Checkered Pants in the 2020s?
Today, checked patterns are still in vogue and have even made a comeback thanks to the hipster trend, which has brought them back into the spotlight.
Wearing checkered pants instantly adds style to your outfit while maintaining a touch of nonconformity and rebellion that allows you to express your personality. They can be a chic detail in a casual outfit when paired with a relaxed top, or they can look very sophisticated, even high fashion, when worn as a complete ensemble.
What Top to Wear with Checkered Pants?
The top you choose to wear with your checkered pants will define your style: to help you find what suits you best, I’ve put together a quick list of the different options available to you in the following lines.
A crop top
Wearing a crop top with checkered pants will give you a youthful and vibrant look. I recommend pairing it with high-waisted pants to create a nice balance with the cropped style of the top. Heels will also be a great addition to complete this look.
👉 If you have wider hips or thighs and want to draw attention to the upper part of your body with this look, opt for a dark plaid print instead.
A white blouse
This classic piece is practical, as it suits most contexts:
🔸 For a professional look, tuck your shirt into your trousers.
🔸 For a more casual style, you can leave your shirt untucked or unbutton a few buttons to create a neckline.
If you're looking for a more unique and polished look, don't hesitate to pair your blouse with a wide belt, matching it to the colour of your shoes for a cohesive style.
A plain t-shirt
Check patterns are quite striking and can instantly elevate your style. When paired with a plain t-shirt, a checkered pair of trousers will stand out beautifully and become the focal point of your outfit. For a chic look, opt for a neutral colour like black, white, grey, or brown.
👉 The colour of your t-shirt should ideally match one of the tones in your trousers, preferably the more subtle one.
A matching t-shirt
If you love wearing trendy yet slightly bold outfits, don't hesitate to pair your checked trousers with a t-shirt featuring the same pattern. To achieve a stylish look, it’s important that they have the exact same print and aren’t just something similar, as this could lose the high-fashion flair of your outfit.
👉 To avoid the "overalls effect", don't hesitate to break up your outfit with a belt, tuck your top into your pants, or opt for a cropped top.
A Cable Knit Jumper
Fancy a warm and comfy outfit that still looks classy? Pair your checked pants with an oversized, cable-knit jumper. By creating a colour match between your jumper and your pants, and opting for a more fitted style, you'll achieve a delightful and stylish look.
A Plain Cardigan
No matter what you’re wearing, a cardigan is a reliable choice that gives you a look that is both classic and cute, making it suitable for any occasion. It’s also a great option if you need to keep warm while staying free to move: by rolling up the sleeves of your cardigan, you won’t risk getting your outfit dirty or damaging it.
A Graphic T-Shirt
When we talk about a graphic t-shirt, we refer to any t-shirt featuring a design that appears on just a part of the garment and is unique. Otherwise, it would be considered a pattern or print, like checks, polka dots, or floral designs...
Wearing this type of t-shirt with your checkered pants is definitely doable, as long as the t-shirt includes a colour that appears in your pants. The design or message on the t-shirt allows you to express your originality, while still looking stylish and on-trend with the checkered trousers.
What coat or jacket to wear with checked trousers?
Looking to wear checkered pants this winter? Just like picking the right top, choosing a jacket is a crucial step in putting together your outfit. Here are some options that will perfectly complement checkered pants:
- A matching blazer, with a pattern identical to your trousers, for a very chic tailored look,
- A leather jacket, to highlight the grunge aspect of the checked trousers mentioned in the first part of this guide,
- A simple, straight ¾ coat in a neutral colour, for a stylish and elegant look in any situation.
What shoes to wear with checked trousers?
Once you've chosen your outfit, it's time to pick the pair of shoes that will elevate your checked trousers. These trousers are quite easy to match and go well with most styles of shoes, so it's really how you accessorise your footwear that will help define your style:
- with ballet flats for an adorable preppy look,
- with low-top sneakers for a youthful and modern vibe,
- in a grunge style with high-top sneakers like Converse,
- chic and sexy with high-heeled pumps,
- elegant with ankle boots.
🛑 The check pattern looks great when you can see it in full: I recommend, wherever possible, avoiding any tall shoes that cover the pants and hide it (like thigh-high boots or knee-high boots…).
👉 While checkered trousers can be paired with many types of shoes, they tend to clash with bold colours like bright red, yellow, or teal. For a polished look, opt for neutral colours such as black, tan, grey, beige, or white.
What Accessories to Choose to Enhance Your Checked Pants?
Accessories are the final touch to your outfit! They help to highlight the rest of your clothing, so it's important to choose them carefully. When wearing checkered trousers, mixing materials can be a great approach: smooth leather, for instance, will contrast nicely with the patterns of your trousers and add elegance to your look.
For example, you could wear:
- a wide belt,
- a stylish handbag,
- a beret, like this beret,
- some sunglasses…
👉 Consider coordinating your accessories by choosing the same materials (or materials with similar characteristics) or by matching your accessories to the colour of your checked pants, to create a pleasing monochromatic look.
I hope this comprehensive guide on checked trousers has helped you to incorporate this iconic piece into your wardrobe and, more importantly, into your everyday outfits.
If you're on the hunt for stylish and unique clothing to define your look, make sure to check out our online boutique dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we carefully select chic and one-of-a-kind garments, like our collection of tops, where you're sure to find the perfect match to pair with your checked trousers!