• Men’s Fashion Trends

Men’s AW14 Checked Tailoring Trend: How To Wear

Check Yourself

As we all know, trends come and go each season. And although there are certain styles that never fall out of vogue, it’s easier to buy into the look when it’s considered a ‘trend’ as there are suddenly far more options available. This is why we’re so pleased to see check patterns remain popular for AW14, especially across tailoring. Here at FashionBeans we have a preference for timeless sartorial style, which checked suits and separates definitely embody. With this in mind, today we’re taking a look at the presence of checked tailoring on the autumn/winter 2014 runways, before breaking down the key pieces you need to try the look out yourself this year.

On The Runway

As always, the best place to start when it comes to tailoring is with the British heritage brands found on Savile Row. From Richard James to Chester Barrie, checked tailoring made its way into several AW14 collections, coming in the form of elegantly-cut jackets, trousers and outerwear featuring oversized windowpane patterns. Elsewhere, Hackett continued the revival of this time-honoured motif through traditional glen plaid fabrics, while Richard Nicoll also applied windowpane variants to suiting. Naturally, Alexander McQueen took a more rebellious, punk-inspired approach to the trend, showcasing a vibrant double-breasted check suit in pink and black:

Outside of the UK, a wealth of grey checked tailoring was spotted on the AW14 runways at Brioni, Bottega Veneta, Trussardi and Michael Bastian, while sharp tartan separates were also popular at Boglioli and Corneliani:

Now you’ve seen it on the runway, it’s time to find out how you can incorporate checked tailoring into your winter wardrobe. Whether it’s through a full suit or separates, we’ve got it covered…

Ways To Wear: The Full Suit

The most impactful way to approach the trend is undoubtedly through a full suit. From tartan to plaid patterns, upgrade your formal wear this AW14 with a well-cut version in a textured, cold-weather fabric. Whether you opt for navy, charcoal or light grey, a check suit exudes confidence and sophistication. A grey version in a modern lean fit is the perfect choice for the boardroom, paired with a crisp white shirt and navy tie. Finish the look off with a pair of black/brown Oxfords:

• He By Mango Slim-fit Tailored Cotton Shirt
• Reiss Raeburn Check Wool Blend Blazer Charcoal
• Topman Black And White Heritage Checked Blazer
• Ralph Lauren Check Wool And Alpaca-blend Blazer
• River Island Dark Blue Tartan Blazer
• Ted Baker Canne Wool Check Jacket
• Ted Baker Sparjac Wool Check Jacket

Checked Trousers

Another way you can try out the trend (or get even more use out of your suit) this season is by incorporating checked trousers into your outfits. A slim-fit pair in a grey or navy check will look sharp and modern paired with a plain white/sky blue/pink Oxford shirt. Finish off the outfit with an ivy league-inspired sweater or blazer in a neutral hue and a vintage pair of penny loafers. For an edgier approach, go for a pair of tailored trousers in a textured woven fabric that creates an irregular check pattern. Perfect for chilly evenings out with friends, team them with a polo shirt and black biker jacket to channel a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Pieces

• Asos Slim Fit Smart Trousers In Tartan
• Sisley Slim Fit Suit Trousers In Check
• Topman Navy Check Stretch Skinny Chinos
• Topman Grey And Blue Check Skinny Suit Trousers
• Topman Multi Coloured Checked Suit Trousers
• Next Grey Check Slim Fit Suit: Trousers
• River Island Light Brown Check Smart Trousers
• Etro Slim-fit Check Wool Trousers
• Ted Baker Basqatt Debonair Check Trouser

Final Word

Whether you decide to go all out with the checked tailoring trend this autumn/winter in a classic plaid three-piece suit, or take a refined and of-the-moment approach with slim-fit trousers featuring a windowpane pattern, the key is to keep your choice of colour and fabric in mind. Hues like blue and grey will work with pretty much anything in your current wardrobe and are ideal for work, while a textured blazer will help you stay both snug and stylish – whether on- or off-duty – throughout the colder months ahead. That said, this trend wouldn’t be what it is without its key ingredient: the check. From tartan to tattersall, opt for tailoring that features an attractive all-over grid pattern to exude effortless confidence and panache. Yes, it helps that it’s a big AW14 trend, but trust us – checked tailoring will remain in your wardrobe a lifetime. Now you’ve heard from us, it’s over to you. Do you see yourself sporting a suit featuring a plaid or windowpane pattern this autumn? Or will you be keeping it simple by teaming a checked blazer or trousers with plain pieces? Let us know in the comments section below…

Chris Gill