How to Wear Check Trousers? [Women's Fashion]

Are you wondering how to wear checked trousers stylishly? What shoes should you choose to pair with them? How can you accessorise them?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often recommend checked trousers to women who are looking for an outfit that is simple yet stylish, while also being a tad unique.

In this comprehensive guide, I invite you to explore why this garment is incredibly versatile and how to pair it with other items in your wardrobe to achieve a look that suits you perfectly!

A pair of patterned trousers can be worn with a plain top (crop top, t-shirt, blouse) or matched with a top featuring the same pattern for a striking haute couture look. This also applies to coats and jackets that you can pair with checked trousers: a matching print will be very trendy, but you can also opt for a classic long coat or be bold with a black leather jacket. When it comes to footwear, mix up the materials by pairing your patterned trousers with: black leather ankle boots, Converse trainers, or chic tonally-matched sandals!

Would you like more details? Keep reading to discover:

• How checked trousers have become fashionable,
• What to wear them with regardless of your style,
• Outfit ideas suitable for all seasons,
• Examples of shoes that will perfectly complement checked trousers,
• And ideas for accessories to elevate your look!

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 dates back several centuries! Let's explore together how check prints have gained the international popularity they enjoy today.

Checks or Tartan?

Checked patterns are sometimes referred to as tartan: however, there is a distinction between these two fabrics, even though the former finds its origins in the latter. Tartan refers to the various types of distinctive 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 began to draw inspiration from tartan to create similar designs. Writings from 1538 refer to these prints, which were highly favoured by the nobility at the time.

The second half of the 20th century: the rise of the checked pattern as a fashion trend

Having been exported to Europe and the United States, checks gradually became a classic pattern in clothing fabrics. However, the landscape changed in the 1970s, and this print took on a new identity: what was once seen as a traditional and rustic motif became fashionable and adopted a trendy and elegant connotation. Suddenly, it was everywhere. Notably, it was worn multiple times by Queen Elizabeth II of England.

In the 1980s, the punk movement reclaimed check patterns, wearing them in a grunge style, often with ripped trousers, for example. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s saw the check pattern become one of the defining symbols of grunge fashion culture. It became ubiquitous in the clothing styles of iconic bands of the time, such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Breeders.

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

Today, check patterns are still worn and have even seen a resurgence in popularity with the hipster trend, which has brought them back into the spotlight.

Wearing checked trousers instantly adds style to your outfit while maintaining a slightly unconventional and rebellious edge that allows you to express your personality. They can serve as a chic detail in a casual outfit when paired with a relaxed top, or they can be very stylish, even high fashion, when worn as a complete ensemble.

What top to wear with checked trousers?

The choice of top you wear with your checked trousers will define your style: to help you find what suits you, 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 checked 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 will also be perfect 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 check pattern.

A white blouse

This classic piece is practical as it is suitable for most contexts:

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

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

If you want to achieve a more original and polished look, don’t hesitate to pair your blouse with a wide belt, matched to the colour of your shoes, for example.

A plain t-shirt

Checks are quite a striking pattern, capable of elevating your style on their own. When paired with a plain t-shirt, checked trousers will be beautifully highlighted and become the focal point of your outfit. For a chic look, opt for a neutral colour such as black, white, grey, or brown.

👉 The colour of your t-shirt should reflect one of the shades in your trousers, preferably the most subtle one.

A matching t-shirt

If you enjoy wearing fashionable yet slightly eye-catching outfits, don't hesitate to pair your checked trousers with a t-shirt featuring the same pattern. To achieve a sophisticated style, the prints should match precisely rather than being merely similar, as this could detract from the high-fashion essence of your look.

👉 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 cropped top instead.

A Cable Knit Sweater

Fancy a warm and comfortable outfit that still looks smart? Wear your checked trousers with a chunky knit jumper. By creating a colour coordination between your jumper and trousers and opting for a more fitted pair of trousers, you'll achieve a lovely and elegant look.

A plain cardigan

Whatever your outfit, a cardigan is a foolproof choice to give it a classic yet cute appearance, allowing you to wear it for any occasion. It’s also a suitable option if you need to stay warm and keep your movements unrestricted: by rolling up the sleeves of your cardigan, you won’t risk staining your outfit or damaging it.

A graphic t-shirt

When we talk about a graphic t-shirt, we refer to any t-shirt with a design on it, which is only present on a part of the garment and appears just once. Otherwise, it would be considered a pattern or print, such as checks, polka dots, or floral designs…

Wearing this type of t-shirt with your checked trousers is certainly possible, provided that the t-shirt is in a colour that appears in your trousers. The design or message on the t-shirt allows you to express your originality, while still looking stylish and on-trend with the checked trousers.

Which coat or jacket should you wear with checked trousers?

Do you want to wear checked trousers in winter? Just like choosing your top, selecting a jacket is also a crucial step in 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 reference the grunge vibe of the checked trousers mentioned 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.

What Shoes to Wear with Check Trousers?

Once you've chosen your clothes, it's time to select the pair of shoes that will enhance your checked trousers. These trousers are quite easy to match and pair well with most styles of shoes. Therefore, it will be the way you style your footwear that will help define your overall look:

• with ballet flats for an adorable preppy look,
• with low-top trainers for a youthful and modern vibe,
• grunge style with high-top sneakers like Converse,
• chic and sexy with high-heeled shoes,
• elegant with ankle boots.

🛑 The checked pattern looks stunning when viewed in its entirety: I recommend, wherever possible, avoiding any high shoes that cover the trousers and obscure the design (thigh-high boots, knee-high boots…).

👉 While checked trousers can be worn with many types of shoes, they tend to clash less with bright coloured footwear such as vivid red, yellow, and petrol blue. For a polished look, it’s better to opt for neutral colours like black, leather brown, grey, beige, or white.

What Accessories to Choose to Enhance Your Checked Trousers?

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

For example, you could wear:

• a wide belt,
• an elegant handbag,
• a beret-style hat,
• sunglasses…

👉 Consider coordinating your accessories by selecting the same materials (or materials with similar characteristics), or matching your accessories to the shade of your checked trousers, to create a pleasant tonal effect that is easy on the eye.

I hope this comprehensive guide on checked trousers has helped you to embrace this iconic garment in your wardrobe and, more importantly, in your everyday outfits.

If you are looking for trendy and unique clothing to define your style, feel free to take a look at our online shop dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we carefully select chic and distinctive clothing, such as our collection of tops, where you are sure to find something perfect to pair with your checkered trousers!

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