It’s really stating the obvious to inform all you fashionistas that houndstooth was trending last year. You know that already, of course, because you were rocking it then, and it seems that you don’t want to stop. We’re glad to report that it’s still on the streets, which is just how (and where) we want it. But how do we keep it relevant in autumn 2014?
Balmain, Michael Kors and DNKY all previewed houndstooth for pre-fall 2014, and boosted its credentials by flooding its monochrome palette with colours. Stella McCartney, meanwhile, featured the print on a fringed blanket coat of brushed mohair, and messed with scale on oversize jacquard knits.
Patterns range from macro to micro, so this season, mix it up. Contrast a small-checked blazer with the larger repeat of a bag or scarf, or vice versa, and finish with black ankle boots. Combine with arrivistes such as plaid and grids, or dare to oppose with spots and stripes. Denim jeans or black leather pants will tone down the whole.
Brighten black and white outfits with shiny bags and shoes in crimson, royal blue and sunshine yellow. Clad and colour your legs boldly, with scarves and the like following suit, and accent lips and nails with splashes of scarlet. Throw a red coat over a monochrome dress, and top with a dark fedora. Cool down the jagged geometrics with a grey jacket instead, and pull on a pale blue beanie.
There again, black is always a great accessory to monochrome, so go with what you fancy. Over the knee boots are simply stunning! Team a coat with leather leggings, and don’t forget some cool sunglasses. Top a dogstooth pencil skirt with a crop of the same for original glamour, or go for chequered shorts and black tights.
Indulge in retro by grabbing some mod style, or a 1960s mini. If the past is an unknown place to you, update to today by teaming pleats with a houndstooth sweater, or edging a check bomber with faux fur. Wrap yourself in a slouchy large-patterned scarf to ward off winter chills, or plant a neat Peter Pan collar on a print jumper. Add a chunky bead necklace in red, or hot pink, or colonise some bling.
Work houndstooth into your wardrobe, but we advise you to proceed with caution. You may find that it becomes a permanent fixture – but is that really such a bad thing?
The featured photo is of Aimee Song in her Kasper two button houndstooth blazer and skirt form Jaggar
Dogtooth Trend: Janni Deler is wearing a dogtooth dress
It is all about the houndstooth printed blazer from Brooks Brothers Via Mary Orton
Blair Eadie is wearing a houndstooth print cape from TopShop
Olivia Purvis in houndstooth print trousers from TopShop
Kenza Zouiten’s shows us how to wear a houndstooth scarf. This one is from Reserved
Houndstooth Fall 2014: Natalie Suarez is wearing a red and blue houndstooth coat from Miu Miu
Patricia Exner is wearing a houndstooth coat from Marc Cain
Doina Ciobanu in a houndstooth dress and belt designed by herself
Nicoletta Reggio in her houndstooth pattern coat from Persunmall
Nika Huk is wearing a mod style black and red houndstooth dress from Armani Exchange Paris
Mary Orton is wearing a Charley Sweater in houndstooth from J. Crew
Julie Sarinana is wearing a houndstooth pattern jacket
Kenza Zouiten is wearing a houndstooth coat from Vila
Natalie Suarez in her houndstooth shirt from Tommy Hilfiger