Fall 2009 Fashion Trends: Houndstooth

Sassier than a check, more refined than a plaid.  Houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns, and (partly due to all the menswear-inspired fashions) it’s showing up everywhere for Fall.  

Alexander McQueen’s been all over this trend, and nothing’s gotten more attention than his tote:

I appreciate that he’s trying to break up the repetition, but for me, it doesn’t work.  Houndstooth’s appealing because it looks preppy, controlled, and expensive; this doesn’t hit any of those notes.  If you love it, though, you can have it for $1995.00 at saksfifthavenue.com.  

AQ handbag aside, there are many wallet-friendly ways to incorporate this trend.  But if you’re willing to make a teensy splurge, consider a pencil skirt.  With all the Mad Men influence bouncing around these days, a great pencil skirt looks red hot, but it’s classic enough to guarantee many years of wear.  

(L to R)  Pink Tartan skirt ($295 at Saks), Nanette Lapore Makin’ Whoopee skirt ($278 at Saks and Bloomingdale’s), DKNY skirt ($275 at Saks)

Houndstooth separates are a great way to add some punch to ho-hum workday ensembles.    

(L to R)  Michael by Michael Kors silk peasant blouse ($79.50 at Bloomingdale’s), Talbots jacket ($199 on sale for $99.99), Femme for DKNY tee ($34 at Macy’s)

(L to R) Semantiks Travel Size trousers ($88 on sale for $57.90 at Nordstrom), Madison Ave cropped pants for petites ($30 on sale for $9 at Dillard’s)

Or go for ultimate simplicity with a houndstooth dress.  If you need something office appropriate, consider a tailored sheath with a plain cardigan and tights.  If you like a looser feel, keep an eye out for wilder interpretations of the pattern.    

(L to R)  Alex Marie “Jackie” dress ($119 at Dillard’s), Aqua silk tank dress ($88 on sale for $61.60 at Bloomingdale’s)   

Use accessories and outerwear to effortlessly incorporate this trend.  Have fun!  The Bear Bryant-inspired hat below particularly makes me smile.  

(L to R) Ballet flats by the Gap ($45), Xhilaration fedora at Target ($12.99)

(L to R)  Wrap Star scarf ($36 at Piperlime), Lauren by Ralph Lauren coat ($399 at Nordstrom), Mossimo Supply Co. scarf at Target ($14.99)

Bold fashionistas who are confident about emphasizing their legs should consider houndstooth tights and leggings.  Just be sure to pair them with solid, neutral tops and dresses.  

(L to R)  Hue tights ($28 on sale for $15.90 at Nordstrom), Seventy Two Changes leggings ($88 at Nordstrom)

And if you are really crazy about houndstooth, check out this post on Design Sponge.  It has some awesome decorating ideas, enough to satisfy even houndstooth’s most passionate fans.  

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.