Tartan, Gingham or Houndstooth, checked is in this winter. Exude elegance and look trendy with the various styles and outfits lining the stores this season.

Winter has officially kicked in — there’s an evident nip in the air. But, does that mean you’ll need to ‘hide for cover’? Well, clearly not!  In fact, it’s all about ‘check’ing in with some added panache, this season. Checks have stood the test of time, and are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to get trendy. With loyalists like Sonakshi Sinha, Malaika Arora-Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Alia Bhatt sporting the trend time and again, it comes as little surprise to see it have its major fashion moment. From large and lively Tartan checks and the very much in vogue Houndstooth checks to the timeless gingham, the options are myriad. So, channel that inner diva with panache while being warm, of course!

Sonakshi Sinha

One piece at a time
Restricting checks to just one piece in your ensemble is a good idea, suggests fashion guru Prasad Bidapa. “Mixing two kinds of checks or going all out with checks, gives a very busy and cluttered vibe. Choose to make one piece the star of your ensemble. A well-fitted check blazer worn with a plain white top and skinny jeans makes for a winning combination. Checked trousers are also very in this season. One can see a lot of red and black, green and black check combinations doing the rounds as the Christmassy feeling settles in.” For those who want to give this trend a go, investing in a few staples in checks are best suggested. Designer Manoviraj Khosla adds, “A check suit or a check jacket is very trendy. Checks in blue exude a very classy appeal. A plaid shirt or a checkered shirt are great buys, but they don’t fit formal occasions.”

Fitting in
Cautioning how larger prints don’t really go well with those with bigger frames, Manoviraj adds, “If you’re someone with a bigger frame, ensure you don’t opt for larger prints. The size of the prints needs to be inversely proportional to a person’s body type.”

Layer it like a pro!
For a comfy weekend vibe, sport a plaid shirt with distressed jeans, layered with a simple cardigan. “A chunky knit scarf paired with a plain tee and jeans combo works .Ankle booties and a scarf are great accoutre ments that instantly jazz up an outfit,” explains stylist Tasneem Khan.