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STYLING

HOW TO WEAR: CHECKS ON CHECKS

From traditional tartans and minimal windowpane patterns to multicoloured Madras designs  – checks are always an on-point print choice. The latest way to wear them? Checks on checks. The masterfully mismatched plaids showcased by the likes of Marni, Versace and Dries Van Noten at the 2018 shows mean that now more is very much more. Here are three ways to print clash like a pro.
Checked baseball cap

Nice ‘n’ navy

Some haters (and minimalists) will say no to wearing more than one pattern as matter of principle, but we aren’t suggesting you throw your aesthetic into total chaos. If keeping your look clean is a prerequisite, do things the smart way by opting for your checked cuts in a darker, coordinated hue.
Checked cap and outfit

Here, a blue and black checked short-sleeved shirt worn over a white long-sleeved tee is nicely balanced on the bottom with a pair of navy pants in a simpler windowpane check. Add a pair of black perforated Nike Air Max 95 Ultras and a khaki tape belt for a bit of colour, and you're ready to top it off with a tan checked baseball cap.
Colourful checks

Check it out

If monotone minimalism leaves you cold, here’s your opportunity to up the ante. There’s nothing simple about mixing smart and casual styles while you’re also low-key pulling off a three-way check situation, but we didn’t mention anything about this trend being straightforward. Menswear designers have been combining sportswear with tailoring for years (think hoodies under  overcoats) and a shirt under a half-zip track top is the next master stroke.
 
Colourful checked outfit

To do things properly, team a statement piece like this blue and pink plaid half-zip with a lighter shirt that has a smaller, finer check, so the pattern complements the larger design on your top layer without trying to compete with it. Next, complete the full look with a pair of smarter printed joggers, or go for plain pants to pare things back a bit. Finally, pick some retro 90s dad kicks to keep your footwear on point.
Checked bucket hat and sunglasses

Pictures: ASOS

Mix master

Whether you get the Hunter S Thompson reference or not, if your outfit has Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas vibes you're pretty much always onto a winner. This getup somehow makes wearing a bucket hat, sunnies and checks on checks on checks look casual. Here’s how.
Checked bucket hat outfit

Pictures: ASOS

At the core of this tonal beauty is a clever combination of colours and print proportions. This tartan fleece jacket has just enough grey going on to make a pair of fossil-coloured plaid trousers (with a less hectic check) look like a match made in heaven. On foot, all you need is a fresh pair of white sport socks and Reebok Rapide OGs and, up top, it’s over to a club check bucket hat and aviator shades for some 70s-style vintage steez. 

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