CHECK MATE!
When I think of Heritage Tweed or check I think of the Nineties' power suit (the shoulder pads, the double-breasted jacket, the boxy shape, the wide trousers) Country Bumpkin shooting days or the comfy pjs once the dark days roll in.
It's everywhere for Autumn / Winter from the long lists of shows spanning Calvin Klein, Dries van Noten, Céline, Victoria Beckham, Mulberry, Max Mara, Stella McCartnery right through to the High Street responding. With Vogue Magazine running this Mario Testino campaign with funny man James Corden, you know this trend is going to run and run throughout the season.
I really am on the fence in the terms of investment. I love a Heritage check, I love the Barbour look but is it something that's a classic, that will stay in my wardrobe for years to come or something that you spend a minimal amount but it enhances your wardrobe for that season. Here's my inspiration from Pinterest on how I'd wear it...
A little bit of research later... and I am still on the fence, some of the styles out there are for real trend setters and I am sorry to say I would look a bugger in them, but there are some wonderful pieces that really are wearable..
The oversized coat
This is ERDEMXHM only available on the Look book at the moment but available on 2nd November, Good Luck if you get this!!
This does not look like HM, my coats are generally all oversized but in the muted colours of grey, camel, black (looking for a Navy) but I love the appliqued detail on this. It looks wonderful with dresses and I could really see myself in jeans, white tee, trainers and layered jumpers keeping cosy and walking to the pub. This could be the one to invest in. HM £99.99
Reserved Wool Blend Coat £39.99 Love the buckle and shorter wider arms from new Brand Reserved.
The skirt
Fantastic way to dip your toe in, be careful with this one, worn with heels and the wrong knit you could end up looking old school secretary. Layer up with chunky knit and brogues. Checked Lace Effect skirt £29.99 Zara
Zara had come up trumps again with this one, but again beware. worn with the wrong top and shoes you are going to look more Miss Trunchbull than on trend. Zara Checked skirt with belt £19.99
Boden pencil Skirt £90 This pencil skirt is one of the best on the market. British-milled tweed and contrast grosgrain ribbon, totally love it styled with this jumper. Date night, coffee, there is nowhere that you couldn't go with this.
Reserved Asymmetric skirt £19.99 - great shape with boots and the lace detail its sublime. May be too short?
The Dress
Trousers
Very wearable Topshop Check Belted Wide Leg Trousers £49
An alternative to jeans - Zara Checked, flared trousers with side pockets £29.99
Again from Boden, this is a fantastic Heritage style, 100% wool British tweed trousers, ankle-skimming with a tapered cut. The reviews are not great on sizing though. Boden Tweed 7/8th £98.00
The suit and blazer
Topshop Checked Double Breasted Suit with a relaxed silhouette and partnered with cropped trousers, kitten heels, boots and silk shirt. Or dress it down with jeans.
Zara Check Quilted Jacket £34.99 - this is in the kids section but depending on the size when it comes would look fantastic with t shirt, jeans of tulle midi skirt and boots.
Accessories
Cheating? I know it reminds me of heading to the launderette but I actually love this and I great way to dip your toe in. Topshop MARTY Check Unlined Tote Bag £22
Zara Maxi Check Scarf £25.99 This looks like a hug in a scarf. Just Gorgeous!
Here are my outfit picks:
Reserved
Deichmann Buckle Boots
Radley Cross Body bag
Zara Check
