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

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

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I often recommend checkered trousers to women who are looking for an outfit that is simple yet stylish, but also a bit 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 truly reflects your style!

A checked pair of trousers can be paired with a plain top (crop top, t-shirt, blouse) or a matching checked top for a highly fashionable graphic look. This also applies to coats and jackets that can be worn with checked trousers: a matching print will be very trendy, but you can also keep it classic with a simple long coat or dare to wear a black leather jacket. When it comes to shoes, mix up the materials by teaming your checked trousers with black leather ankle boots, Converse, or chic sandals in a coordinating colour!

Looking for more details? Keep reading to find out:

• How checkered trousers became trendy,
• What to wear with them regardless of your style,
• Some look suggestions suitable for all seasons,
• Examples of shoes that will pair perfectly with checkered 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 achieved their international success that we see today.

Checks 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, allowing them to recognise one another.

Checks date back to the 16th century, when British manufacturers began to draw inspiration from tartan to create similar patterns. Writings from 1538 reference these prints, which were quite popular among the nobility.

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, check patterns gradually became a classic design in clothing fabrics. However, things changed in the 1970s when this print took on a new identity: transitioning from a pattern considered traditional and rustic to one that became fashionable and bore a trendy and elegant connotation. It started appearing everywhere, notably worn by Queen Elizabeth II on multiple occasions.

In the 1980s, the punk movement reclaimed check patterns, sporting them with a grunge style, such as wearing torn jeans. Continuing this spirit of rebellion, the 1990s saw check patterns become one of the hallmarks of grunge fashion culture. It became ubiquitous in the clothing styles of iconic bands of the era like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Breeders.

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

Today, check patterns are still popular and have even experienced a resurgence in interest thanks to the hipster trend, which has brought them back into the spotlight.

Wearing checkered trousers instantly adds style to your outfit while retaining a slight quirky 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 classy, even haute couture, when styled as a complete look.

What top to wear with checked trousers?

The top you choose to 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 pants to create balance with the cropped length of the top. Heels would also be perfect 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, rather choose a dark checkered print.

A white blouse

This classic piece is versatile, as it is suitable for most occasions:

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

🔸 For a more relaxed style, you can tuck your blouse out of your trousers or unbutton a few buttons to create a bit of a neckline.

If you want to achieve a more unique and polished look, don't hesitate to wear a wide belt with your blouse, matching it to the colour of your shoes, for example.

A plain t-shirt

Checks are a striking pattern that can really elevate your style on their own. When paired with a plain t-shirt, a checkered trouser will stand out beautifully 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 ideally reflect one of the shades in your trousers, preferably the most 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 an elegant style, it’s important that they share the same print, rather than something merely similar, as this could undermine the high-fashion vibe of your look.

👉 To avoid that "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

Feeling like a warm and comfy outfit that still looks classy? Pair your checkered trousers with a loose, chunky knit sweater. By creating a colour connection between your sweater and trousers, and opting for a more fitted trouser style, you'll achieve a lovely and stylish look.

A plain cardigan

No matter what you're wearing, a cardigan is a reliable choice to give your outfit a classic and cute look, allowing you to wear it on 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 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 displayed on a portion of the garment and in a single instance. Otherwise, it is considered to be a pattern or print, such as checks, polka dots, or floral designs...

Wearing this type of t-shirt with your checked trousers is definitely possible, as long as 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 trendy with the checked trousers.

What coat or jacket should you wear with checked trousers?

Want to wear checkered trousers this 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 checkered trousers:

• A matching blazer, featuring the same pattern as your trousers, for a very chic tailored look.
• A leather perfecto, to echo the grunge vibe of the checked trousers mentioned in the first part of this guide.
• A simple, straight-cut 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 select the pair of shoes that will elevate your checkered trousers. These trousers are quite easy to match and go well with most shoe styles: so it will be how you wear them that contributes to defining 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 Converse trainers,
• chic and sexy with high-heeled pumps,
• elegant with ankle boots.

🛑 The checked pattern looks great when you can see it in full. Therefore, I recommend avoiding any high shoes that cover the pants and hide them (such as thigh-high boots or knee-high boots) whenever possible.

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

What accessories should you choose to enhance your checkered trousers?

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

For example, you can wear:

• a wide belt,
• an elegant handbag,
• a beret,
• some sunglasses…

👉 Consider coordinating your accessories by choosing the same materials (or materials that share similar qualities), or by matching your accessories to the shade of your checked trousers, to create a tonal look that is pleasing to the eye.

I hope this comprehensive guide on checked trousers has helped you embrace this iconic piece in your wardrobe, especially in your everyday outfits.

If you’re on the lookout for trendy and unique clothing to express your style, don’t hesitate to check out our online boutique dedicated to bohemian fashion. Throughout the year, we curate a selection of chic and one-of-a-kind garments, like our collection of tops, where you’re sure to find something perfect to pair with your checked trousers!

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