This season, checks are everywhere – and they’ve moved beyond the traditional country blazer. Think oversized shirts, feminine blouses, sweeping skirts and neat jackets, in shades of chocolate, olive, burgundy and navy. Classic? Absolutely. Boring? Not a bit.
Check Mate: 24 Checked Pieces To Fall For This Autumn
Heritage without the heaviness, checks are having another moment this autumn. From neat little blouses to swishy skirts and throw-on jackets, these are the pieces making us very ready indeed for the crisp new season
Few patterns herald autumn quite so as a check. As soon as the first tartans, plaids and windowpanes start appearing, we’re mentally back in boots, reaching for a good knit and wondering whether it’s too early to light the fire.
This season, checks are everywhere – and they’ve moved beyond the traditional country blazer. Think oversized shirts, feminine blouses, sweeping skirts and neat jackets, in shades of chocolate, olive, burgundy and navy. Classic? Absolutely. Boring? Not a bit.
This season, checks are everywhere – and they’ve moved beyond the traditional country blazer. Think oversized shirts, feminine blouses, sweeping skirts and neat jackets, in shades of chocolate, olive, burgundy and navy. Classic? Absolutely. Boring? Not a bit.
FAQs
Are checks in fashion for autumn 2026?
Very much so. Checks are one of AW26’s most wearable trends, appearing across everything from shirts and skirts to dresses and outerwear. The good news is that they’re perennial enough to earn their keep long after this season is over.
What checks are in style for 2026?
Heritage-inspired plaids and tartans are particularly strong, alongside softer oversized checks and traditional gingham. Look for autumnal combinations of chocolate brown, olive, navy, burgundy and rust.
How do you wear checks without looking too preppy?
Keep the rest of the outfit simple. A checked blouse with relaxed denim, a tartan skirt with a plain cashmere knit or an oversized checked shirt over a white T-shirt all feel contemporary rather than overly collegiate.
Can you mix different checks?
Yes – and the catwalks have been doing exactly that. The easiest approach is to choose checks that share at least one colour, and vary the scale of the patterns rather than wearing two near-identical prints together.
Is a checked jacket a good investment?
A good one certainly can be. Unlike more fleeting prints, checks return virtually every autumn, making a beautifully cut checked blazer, overshirt or lightweight jacket one of the safer ways to buy into a seasonal trend.
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Published September 2026
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
