Formerly seen on board games and floor tiles in any retro-style kitchen, the checkerboard pattern has resurfaced on the Summer 2013 runways in its chicest incarnation yet. Whether its continuous neon and white blocks printed on ladylike skirt suits or sheer checks on delicate tees, this classic pattern is a bold endeavor for any summer look. We break down four ways wear this summer fashion trend in our stylish checks and balances trend lesson.


How to wear checks: Beginner
Checkerboard accessories


Summer 2013 runway trend inspiration:
Picnic-perfect gingham scarves at Marc by Marc Jacobs; woven basket-style handbags at Fendi.

How to wear it: Wrap a funky-patterned check scarf (think purple and tangerine) around hair to wear as an
Audrey Hepburn-style headscarf when spending the afternoon outdoors. Or tie around the waist as a colourful swimsuit cover-up.

Pair it with: A checkerboard-printed accessory is your perfect personality piece to add on to any outfit—any occasion this summer. Pack a black-and-white handbag for lying out at the park in your
blue jeans on a Saturday afternoon, and swap in your LBD and heels at night.

Checkmate: Keep you’re chips in order—we’re just getting started!



Summer 2013 trend lesson: 5 ways to STYLE YOUR LBD

How to wear checks: Novice
The 3-D dress
Summer 2013 runway trend inspiration:
Skirt dresses (and matching cropped jackets) that Bridget Bardot would be proud of at Chanel; boxy, holographic print sundresses at Derek Lam.

How to wear it: A bold allover print in a summer dress looks perfectly statement-worthy with a leather ankle strap flat sandal in a neutral tone. Make it your night look by swapping in pair of Kate Middleton-approved nude pumps.

Pair it with: A patterned cropped jacket in a different size check than the dress underneath to play up the contrast. Perfect for slipping on at an
outdoor summer wedding when night falls and the cooler temperature sets.

Checkmate: Black and white and checks all over, now you’re ready to play!


Summer fashion trend lesson: 4 ways to wear BLACK & WHITE

Read on for more ways to try the checks summer fashion trend on the next page…
checks-canvas.jpg
How to wear checks: Novice
The sheer check
Summer 2013 runway trend inspiration:
A tangerine check-on-skin print at Marni; sheer overlay print dresses at Sportmax

How to wear it: For a barely there look, wear a nude bra and let the checks fall where they may. Or add a nude or white camisole for a chic office look, minus the blushing second glances.

Pair it with: A heel that matches the colour of the weave pattern—go for a gunmetal grey stiletto if the dress has silver or studded embellishments. Or try
a sophisticated grunge take and pair a pastel and sheer check T-shirt with a Scottish tartan plaid bottom.

Checkmate: A whispery soft formal look or an edgy and mismatched downtown twist? Your move.


SUMMER DRESSES: 20 pretty and chic finds

How to wear checks: Expert
The skirt suit
Summer 2013 runway trend inspiration:
An oh-so-mod black and white (and lime and lemon) checkerboard-printed suit at Louis Vuitton; matching houndstooth blazer and mini-skirt at Michael Kors.

How to wear it: Offset the boldness of an endless checkered pattern with a delicate bow headpiece as seen at Louis Vuitton. For added punch, don a check handbag in a similar colour palette.

Pair it with: Hands down, the skirt suit is at its sleekest when paired with a pointy toe pump in a metallic shade. Add a
gilded ear cuff or
floral statement necklace to take this look late into the night.

Checkmate: Winner! You’ve played this game before, haven’t you?


Read more:
Summer 2013 fashion essentials: Your top 10 list

8 ankle strap flat sandals to buy this summer
Floral prints: 15 ways to wear this season’s prettiest fashion trend

Fashion trend lesson: 4 ways to wear the mod look