Pulse Check: Checkerboard Is Still Fashion's Favorite Print for 2021
Checked print has always been in style, coming to the market in various forms from summer-ready gingham to old-school plaid. Checkerboard may not be a new print, it's been championed by brands like Vans for a long time, but it's certainly taking the fashion scene by storm like never before. In the winter we saw fur coats donned in the print, and now handbags and accessories. It was even a central point in the dressing of Netflix's popular series The Queen's Gambit (well in her case, chessboard) so there was even more reason to add to the hype.
While certain print trends fade as faster as you can get your hands on them, this certainly isn't the case with checkerboard. It's a clean and classic graphic that became popular in interiors in the '60s and '70s, so when you take something that has a historical context and put a fashionable twist on it to make it relevant to today's audience, it's sure to get tons of love. Brands like Paloma Wool, Sandy Liang, and Holiday the Label have turned the print you saw only in retro interiors on a board game into a must-have in your wardrobe with fresh colors, unique textures warped designs. Below, view how we're seeing how fashion girls are styling the print and how you can shop the trend too.
On the Fashion Set:
Don't be afraid to pull out all the stops and pull out all your patterned pieces. We're very accepting of the maximalism style here.
Try out a colored check with pairing it with contrasting colors, like Alyssa did with a cobalt blue and celery green.
A pair of these well-loved pants will make any basic black top look cool.
Same with a checked top. Basically, the print looks good on any clothing item (or accessory.)
Shop the Trend:
The sweatshirt version of the top Imani is wearing above. (Plus, it's on sale!)
A checked item you can get away with wearing in any outfit.
I have yet to stop thinking about the print and colors of this cardigan.
If you're not huge on wearing prints, try it out with your jewelry.
Stand Studio stole our hearts with their coats and now their bags too.
It's a combination of my two favorite trends right now—checkerboard and pearl.
Every colorway of this bag is just as beautiful.
Next, This Is 2021's Most Flattering Trend, Says a Color Expert
-
I Live in Brooklyn—These Are the 5 Current Trends I Never See People Wearing
Buzzier than burgundy and suede.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Katie Holmes, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa Just Wore the Rich-Looking Color Trend French Women Love
Classic and chic.
By Judith Jones
-
Hailey Bieber Wore the Pant Color Trend Fashion People in Europe Are Buying in 2024
It's as useful as black.
By Allyson Payer
-
Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as Classic
Brown *just might* be the new black.
By Copelyn Bengel
-
Sorry, Silver—Sofia Richie Just Wore the Color Trend That'll Dominate in 2025
She's not the only one.
By Eliza Huber
-
The Color Report: Every Shade Worth Remembering From the Spring 2025 Shows
No neutrals here.
By Eliza Huber
-
If You Want to Look On-Trend This Fall, Try These 6 Fresh Color Combos
Enliven your look.
By Judith Jones
-
The Dated Pant Trend That's Making a Roaring Comeback
It's wild.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman