How to Style Checked Trousers? [Women's Fashion]

Are you wondering how to wear checkered trousers in style? What kind of shoes should you choose to pair them with? How can you accessorise them?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often recommend checkered trousers to women looking for an outfit that is simple yet stylish, but with a touch of originality.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you why this garment is incredibly versatile and how to pair it with other pieces in your wardrobe to achieve a look that’s uniquely you!

A pair of checked trousers can be teamed with a plain top (crop top, t-shirt, blouse) or even with a checked top in the same pattern for a very high-fashion graphic look. This also applies to coats and jackets that you can wear with checked trousers: a matching print will be very trendy, but you can also keep it classic with a simple long coat or go bold with a black leather jacket. When it comes to footwear, mix up the materials by pairing your checked trousers with black leather ankle boots, Converse, or stylish tone-on-tone sandals!

Would you like to know more? Keep reading to discover:

  • How checked trousers became fashionable,
  • What to wear them with no matter your style,
  • Outfit suggestions suitable for all seasons,
  • Examples of shoes that pair perfectly with checked trousers,
  • And ideas for accessories to elevate your look!

checked women's trousers

The Check Pattern: A Brief History of an Timeless Print

Like polka dots, checks are one of those classic patterns that you might have seen your parents and grandparents wearing. In fact, their history stretches back several centuries! Let’s explore together how check patterns achieved the international popularity they enjoy today.

Checks or Tartan?

Check patterns are sometimes referred to as tartan: however, there is a distinction between these two fabrics, although the former has its origins in the latter. Tartan refers to the various types of distinct patterns worn by Scottish clans for many centuries, which allowed them to recognise one another.

Checked patterns date back to the 16th century, when British manufacturers began to draw inspiration from tartan to create similar designs. Records from 1538 refer to these patterns, which were highly favoured by the nobility at the time.

tartan trousers for women

The Second Half of the 20th Century: The Rise of the Check Pattern as a Fashion Trend

After being exported to Europe and the United States, checked patterns gradually became a classic motif in clothing fabrics. However, things changed in the 1970s, and this print took on a new identity: transforming from a traditional and rustic pattern to one that was stylish and had a trendy, elegant connotation. It became ubiquitous, notably worn by Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions.

In the 1980s, the punk movement reimagined check patterns, sporting them in a grunge style with ripped jeans and the like. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s turned the check pattern into a key symbol of grunge fashion culture. It became ubiquitous in the attire of iconic bands of the era such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Breeders.


Today: When and How to Wear Checkered Trousers in the 2020s?

Today, checked patterns are still worn and have even seen a resurgence in popularity with the hipster trend, bringing them back into the limelight.

Wearing checked trousers instantly adds style to your outfit, while maintaining a touch of nonconformity and rebellion that allows you to express your personality. They can serve as a chic detail in a casual look when paired with a relaxed top, or they can be very elegant, even haute couture, when styled as a complete ensemble.

women's tailored check trousers

What top to wear with checkered trousers?

The choice of top you wear with your checked trousers will define your style: to help you find what suits you best, I’ve put together a short list of the different options available to you in the following lines.

A crop top

Wearing a crop top with checkered trousers will give you a youthful and vibrant look. I recommend pairing it with high-waisted trousers to create balance with the cropped style of the top. Heels would also be a perfect addition to complete this outfit.

👉 If you have wider hips or thighs and want to draw attention to the upper part of your body with this look, it’s better to go for a dark checkered pattern.

A white blouse

This classic piece is practical, as it is suitable for most settings:

🔸 For a professional look, tuck your blouse into your trousers.

🔸 For a more casual look, you can untuck your blouse from your trousers or open a few buttons to create a décolletage.

If you want to achieve a more unique and polished look, consider adding a wide belt to your blouse, matching it to the colour of your shoes, for instance.

top with checked trousers for women

A plain t-shirt

Checks are a striking pattern that can really elevate your style on their own. Worn with a plain t-shirt, checked 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 reflect one of the shades in your trousers, ideally the most subtle one.

A matching t-shirt

If you love wearing trendy outfits that are a bit eye-catching, don’t hesitate to pair your checked trousers with a t-shirt featuring the same pattern. To achieve a stylish look, make sure it’s the exact same print and not just something similar, otherwise you might lose the high-fashion appeal of your outfit.

👉 To avoid the "dungaree effect", don't hesitate to break up your outfit with a belt, tuck your top into your trousers, or go for a cropped top.

A cable-knit jumper

Looking for a warm and comfortable outfit that still looks stylish? Pair your checked trousers with a loose, chunky knit jumper. By creating a matching colour scheme between your jumper and trousers, and opting for a more fitted trouser, you’ll achieve a lovely and sophisticated look.

A Plain Cardigan

No matter what you're wearing, a cardigan is a reliable choice to give you a classic yet charming look, suitable for any occasion. It’s also a great option if you need to stay warm and move freely: by rolling up the sleeves of your cardigan, you won't have to worry about staining your outfit or damaging it.

outfit with women's checkered trousers

A graphic t-shirt

When we talk about a graphic t-shirt, we are referring to any t-shirt with a design on it, which appears only on a portion of the garment and is unique in its style. Otherwise, it refers to a pattern or print, such as checks, polka dots, or floral designs...

You can wear this type of t-shirt with your checked trousers, as long as the t-shirt is in a colour that matches your trousers. The design or message on the t-shirt allows you to showcase your individuality, while still looking stylish and on-trend with the checked trousers.

What coat or jacket to wear with checked trousers?

Are you considering wearing checked trousers this winter? Just like choosing your top, selecting a jacket is also a key part of putting together your outfit. Here are some options that will pair perfectly with checked trousers:

  • A matching blazer with a pattern that matches your trousers, for a very chic tailored look,
  • A leather perfecto, to highlight the grunge aspect of the checkered trousers discussed in the first part of this guide,
  • A simple ¾ length straight coat in a neutral colour, for a stylish and elegant look in any situation.

checked trousers jacket coat

What Shoes to Wear with Checked Trousers?

Once you've picked your clothes, it's time to choose the pair of shoes that will elevate your checked trousers. These trousers are quite easy to match and go well with most types of shoes: it’s really how you style your footwear that will help define your overall look.

  • 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 Converse sneakers,
  • chic and sexy with high-heeled stilettos,
  • elegant with ankle boots.

checked trousers and shoes

🛑 The check pattern looks its best when it can be seen in full: therefore, I recommend avoiding any high shoes that cover the trousers and obscure them (such as thigh-high boots or knee-high boots…).

👉 While checkered trousers can be worn with various types of shoes, they don't pair as easily with bold colours like bright red, yellow, or teal. For a polished look, it's better to opt for neutral colours such as black, tan, grey, beige, or white.

What Accessories to Choose to Enhance Your Checked Trousers?

Accessories are the final touch to your look! They enhance the rest of your outfit and should be chosen carefully. When wearing checkered trousers, mixing materials can be a great solution: smooth leather, for example, will contrast beautifully with the patterns of your trousers and add elegance to your outfit.

You could wear, for example:

  • a wide belt,
  • a stylish handbag,
  • a beret style hat,
  • some sunglasses

👉 Consider matching your accessories with each other by selecting the same materials (or materials with similar characteristics), or by coordinating your accessories to the colour of your checked trousers, to create a pleasing tonal effect that's easy on the eye.

checked trousers accessories

I hope this comprehensive guide to checkered trousers has helped you embrace this iconic piece in your wardrobe and, most importantly, in your everyday outfits.

If you’re on the lookout for trendy and unique clothing to define your style, be sure to check out our online shop dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we curate a selection of stylish and distinctive pieces, such as our collection of tops, where you’re sure to find something that perfectly matches with your checkered trousers!

Looking for inspiration? Discover stylish ways to wear plaid trousers for women. Check Out Our Plaid Trousers Ideas