Are you wondering how to wear checkered trousers in a stylish way? What 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 and chic, yet a bit unique.
In this complete 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 result that suits you perfectly!
A pair of checked pants can be styled with a plain top (such as a crop top, t-shirt, or blouse) or matched with a checked top in the same pattern for a chic, high-fashion look. This also applies to coats and jackets that you can wear with checked pants: a matching print will be very trendy, but you can also keep it classic with a simple long coat or go for an edgy black leather jacket. As for shoes, mix up the materials with your checked pants: try black leather ankle boots, Converse sneakers, or sophisticated ton-sur-ton sandals!
Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:
- How checkered pants became a trend,
- What to wear with them no matter your style,
- Outfit suggestions suitable for all seasons,
- Examples of shoes that will pair perfectly with checkered pants,
- And ideas for accessories to elevate your look!
Check Patterns: A Brief History of a Timeless Print
Like polka dots, checks are part of those classic patterns that we've seen our parents and grandparents wear. Their history actually goes back several centuries! Let's explore together how check patterns have achieved their current international popularity.
Check or Tartan?
Check patterns are sometimes referred to as tartan; however, there is a difference between these two fabrics, even though 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 identify one another.
Checked patterns date back to the 16th century, when British manufacturers decided to take inspiration from tartan to create similar designs. Writings from 1538 refer to these prints, which were highly valued by the nobility at the time.
The second half of the 20th century: the rise of check patterns 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 role: what was once seen as traditional and rustic transformed into a fashionable and stylish design. It then appeared everywhere, notably being worn multiple times by Queen Elizabeth II of England.
In the 1980s, the punk movement reintroduced check patterns, adopting them in a grunge style, often featuring ripped jeans. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s saw check patterns become one of the defining symbols of grunge fashion culture. They 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 checked trousers in the 2020s?
Today, checked patterns are still in style and have even seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the hipster trend, which has brought them back into the limelight.
Wearing checkered pants instantly adds style to your outfit while maintaining a slightly unconventional and rebellious edge that lets you express your personality. They can serve as a chic detail in a casual look if paired with a relaxed top, or they can be very sophisticated, even high fashion, when styled as a complete ensemble.
What top should I wear with checkered trousers?
The choice of top you wear with your checkered pants will define your style: to help you find what suits you best, I’ve put together a brief list of the various options available in the following lines.
A crop top
Wearing a crop top with checkered trousers gives you a youthful and lively appearance. I recommend teaming it with high-waisted trousers to create a balanced look with the cropped style of the top. Heels will also be a great 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, choose a dark checked pattern instead.
A white blouse
This classic piece is versatile as it suits most occasions:
🔸 For a professional look, tuck your blouse into your trousers.
🔸 For a more relaxed style, you can untuck your blouse from your trousers or unbutton a few to create a nice neckline.
If you're looking to achieve a more unique and polished look, consider pairing your blouse with a wide belt that matches the colour of your shoes, for instance.
A plain t-shirt
Checkered patterns are quite distinctive and can elevate your style on their own. Worn with a plain t-shirt, checkered 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 colours in your trousers, preferably the most subtle one.
A matching t-shirt
If you love wearing trendy yet bold outfits, don’t hesitate to pair your plaid trousers with a t-shirt featuring the same pattern. To create a stylish look, both pieces should have the exact same print, rather than something that’s merely similar, to maintain the high-fashion vibe 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 choose a short top, like a crop top.
A Cable Knit Sweater
Feeling like a warm and comfy outfit that still looks stylish? Pair your checkered trousers with an oversized cable knit sweater. By creating a colour coordination between your sweater and trousers, and opting for a more fitted pant, you'll achieve a charming and elegant look.
A Plain Cardigan
No matter what you're wearing, a cardigan is a reliable choice to give your outfit a classic yet cute look, making it 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 risk ruining your outfit or getting it dirty.
A graphic t-shirt
When we talk about a graphic t-shirt, we’re referring to any t-shirt with a design on it, which is only present on a part of the garment and is unique. Otherwise, it’s 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 has a colour that appears in your pants. The design or message on the t-shirt allows you to express your individuality, while still looking stylish and on-trend with the checkered trousers.
What coat or jacket should you wear with checkered trousers?
Thinking about wearing checked trousers this winter? Just like choosing your top, selecting a jacket is a key step in putting together your outfit. Here are some options that will go perfectly with checked trousers:
- A matching blazer, with the same pattern as your trousers, for a very chic tailored look,
- A leather perfecto, to bring out the grunge vibe of the checkered trousers mentioned earlier in this guide,
- A simple ¾ length straight 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 perfect pair of shoes to elevate your checkered trousers. These trousers are quite easy to match and go well with most shoe styles, so the way you style your footwear will help define your overall look:
- paired 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,
- chic and sexy with high-heeled pumps,
- elegant with ankle boots.
🛑 The checked pattern looks great when you can see it in its entirety. So, I recommend avoiding any high shoes that cover up your trousers and hide them (such as knee-high boots or thigh-highs) whenever possible.
👉 While checkered pants can be paired with many types of shoes, they don't always go well with bold-coloured footwear like bright red, yellow, or petrol blue. For a flawless look, it's better to opt for neutral colours such as black, brown leather, grey, beige, or white.
What accessories to choose to enhance your checkered pants?
Accessories are the final touch to your look! They highlight the rest of your outfit and should be chosen with care. When wearing checked trousers, varying the materials can be a great solution: smooth leather, for instance, will contrast beautifully with the patterns of your trousers and add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
For example, you could wear:
- a wide belt,
- an elegant handbag,
- a beret,
- some sunglasses…
👉 Consider matching your accessories by choosing the same materials (or materials with similar characteristics), or by coordinating your accessories with the colour of your checked trousers to create a pleasing tone-on-tone effect.
I hope this comprehensive guide on checkered trousers has helped you to incorporate this iconic piece into your wardrobe and especially, into your everyday outfits.
If you're on the lookout for trendy and unique clothing to express your style, be sure to check out our online store dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we curate stylish and one-of-a-kind pieces, including our collection of tops, where you're sure to find the perfect match for your checked trousers!