I thought that I would talk today about how to introduce checks to your Autumn wardrobe. Checks and plaids started as a trend last Spring and have continued to gather momentum. My best advice if you are a bit reticent about wearing checks is to start small, both in the amount you buy and in the size of the checks you choose. The larger and more prominent the check the more noticeable it will be.
I bought the jacket I am wearing above last May from &otherstories. In my opinion, they continue to offer some of the best check jackets on the high street. This season they have a similar style to mine in a slightly darker check.
If you want to go the whole hog, A very British terminology, you can add matching trousers which I did last May. You can see how here. I believe in buying the best quality I can afford at the time. This allows me to get as much wear as possible from the items I purchase.
Many petite women think that they can’t wear checks. If you want to I believe you can. The scale is important, keep the pattern small and the style of jacket neat and preferably single breasted. Alternatively, add a touch with an accessory
I have teamed my check jacket with my new lightweight sweater from MintVelvet, a brand I only started exploring this season. So far I have found several pieces I really love including my red leopard print top. The star-shaped leopard print jacquard section a the front adds a touch of fun and a subtle nod to the animal print trend.
As you may know, I am a fan of wearing velvet during the day. I no longer believe that this sumptuous fabric needs to be kept of the evening or special occasions. It can also look great worn casually during the day. Brown velvet trousers (US link) from MarksandSpencer
On reflection and reviewing this outfit I feel that this season is all about mixing the unusual and unexpected. This is one of the ways that, as we get older, we can keep up to date and on trend. Just open your wardrobe doors and begin to experiment with mixing pieces that you already own to form unusual and unexpected combinations.
Photographs were taken in Wimbledon village, South West London by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram.
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I love this look! I especially like the pop of animal print on the sweater. You are so good at mixing texture and pattern. I am petite and have only worn check or plaid as a skirt or pant. I would consider a single button blazer in a small pattern.
Hi Susan A single breasted blazer with a small pattern sounds like a very good idea.
You look great in your outfit Josephine, but I would never have thought to wear brown trousers with a grey jacket, maybe I need to be a bit more adventurous with my colour choices.
Thank you Lynn It is a new strategy I am trying to mix neutrals and I am finding it really useful. It stretches my wardrobe.
Hi Lynn
It is the first time that I have experimented mixing neutrals and I am finding it great. It really extends your wardrobe.
I too love Mint Velvet, they often have that twist on fashion such as your great sweater. Your trousers look super comfy too.
Hi Marainne
I am very happy with all my Mint Velvet purchases and will continue to keep an eye on what they have to offer.
A LOVELY COMBO!!!!!!