House of Holland SS17

Small-scale checks are proving to be print and pattern favourites on at least three of the Big Four runways (and who knows what paris will bring?)

Surprisingly versatile, these checks SS17-style, run through the full range of looks starting with Bardot-influenced ginghams for a sexy ingenue edge or a look that underlines the extremely simplicity of a skinny vest dress or Capri pants.

Prada SS17

It’s a pattern statement we find across a wide number of product categories from shirts, crop tops, skirts, dresses (casual day and grand evening or red carpet work just as well as each other).

But cute gingham doesn’t have it all its own way. Slightly larger multicolour-but-tonal checks look strong for casual and career daywear while oversized ginghams and blanket checks are powerful options for outerwear.

Versace SS17

We’re also seeing updates on pre-season’s favourite back and white chequered flag prints with a move away from traditional colours and more mixed checks. Hanging on the coat-tails of the mixed print trend, multi-sizes and colours are worked together, turned on their sides and generally scattered through a print mash-up that also includes florals, stripes, scenic and psychedelic prints.

Peter Jensen SS17

And of course, the importance of checks for the season mean they’re not only appearing on clothes. Shoes are getting a check makeover with chunky heels and flatforms clad in tiny ginghams or giant shadow checks.

It’s all a sign that this often-most-classic and core pattern story is both a trend winner for the season and a far-from-basic basic. 

Pringle of Scotland, Carolina Herrera, Altuzarra, Carolina Herrera SS17

Pringle of Scotland, Pringle of Scotland, Antonio Berardi, Antonio Berardi, Belstaff SS17