THERE'S A HOUNDSTOOTH REVIVAL!
Houndstooth is the wild card of the pattern-mixing master class, edgy yet classical.
It's exciting to see this monochrome check back on trend. Originating in Scotland, houndstooth is a textile pattern made of broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes. In France houndstooth is called pied de poule. That's right, chicken feet.
You can treat houndstooth, polka dots, thin stripes, and checks as solids.
When the Prince of Wales (later, briefly, king Edward VIII) started wearing houndstooth in the 1930s the pattern instantly became a status symbol among the wealthy classes. A favorite of Audrey Hepburn, houndstooth was a 1950s standard used by legendary designers Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and later Sonia Rykiel.
This black-and-white houndstooth scarf is a statement piece. It pairs brilliantly with a bold red jacket but could just as easily add interest to a plain, black coat. If you're feeling particularly daring, plug in your white boots for extra credit.
You can treat houndstooth, polka dots, thin stripes, and checks as solids. Classic repeating patterns work beautifully. Your eye understands them as solid colours — even though they obviously are not! And, when you start thinking about houndstooth as a neutral a whole fashion universe opens for you.
This handsome Soia & Kyo dove grey and ivory houndstooth features fifties design details like the double breast, ¾-length sleeves, and oversized buttons. I love the cozy collar that buttons right up snugly around my face and neck.
HOUNDSTOOTH STYLING TIPS
Wear your favorite houndstooth as if it's a solid neutral.
Pair houndstooth with other patterns as long as they're in the same colour family.
For extra visual pow, layer houndstooth on houndstooth.