Simplified windowpane checks offer a clean-cut, minimalist take on seasonal plaids and traditional tartans that can be worn all year round. Several local designers have explored the print, particularly with fresh, preppy colours such as navy, white and black that are easy to wear when teamed with other wardrobe staples - from white shirts to tailored black jackets.
Depending on the scale of the check, you can opt for the range of magnified squares or diminutive boxes available right now. What's so great about a print that's stark in its design? For starters, its linear design works particularly well on the most basic of shapes from shift dresses, wide-leg pants or blazers. Its simplicity has been popularised by advocates of a clean-cut, preppy look - from Tory Burch to Victoria Beckham, the latter working a waxed cord embroidery over a traditional windowpane houndstooth check for her recent autumn 2016 collection, which looked modern and versatile.
And unlike other linear prints (stripes, for example) a windowpane check creates the illusion of space and order to an outfit that will always, without fail, look polished and put-together. While a printed pant is always a challenge, this medium-sized windowpane check print pant from Staple & Cloth (#1) comes in black and white, easy to wear on and off duty.
Outfits from left:
Gregory dress $329. Colab x Elke Kramer sunglasses, $339, from Good As Gold.
Seed Heritage dress $159.90. Twenty-seven Names blazer $380. Mimco heels $229.
French Connection jumper $159.90. Urban Precinct pleated skirt, $90, from Farmers (available from end of March).
Shanton shirt $50. Staple & Cloth pants $195. Mi Piaci heels $290. Mimco bangle set $129.
Widdess dress $259. Seed Heritage pants $159.90. Harman Grubisa boots $599. Mimco necklace $99.90 and bracelet $90.
Stockists
• Farmers (09) 950 8340
• French Connection (09) 523 3950
• Good As Gold (09) 376 4653
• Gregory
• Harman Grubisa (09) 963 6129
• Mimco (09) 523 2412
• Mi Piaci
• Seed Heritage (09) 376 3850
• Shanton (09) 376 3850
• Staple & Cloth (09) 360 2684
• Twenty-seven Names (09) 360 6127
• Widdess (09) 361 1609