Sassier than a check, more refined than a plaid. ย Houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns, and (partly due to all the menswear-inspired fashions) it’s showing up everywhere for Fall. ย
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. ย Houndstooth’s appealing because it looks preppy, controlled, and expensive; this doesn’t hit any of those notes. ย If you love it, though, you can have it for $1995.00 at saksfifthavenue.com. ย
AQ handbag aside, there are many wallet-friendly ways to incorporate this trend. ย But if you’re willing to make a teensy splurge, consider a pencil skirt. ย 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. ย
(L to R) ย Pink Tartan skirt ($295 at Saks), Nanette Lapore Makin’ Whoopee skirt ($278 at Saks
and Bloomingdale’s), DKNY skirt ($275 at Saks
)
ย
Houndstooth separates are a great way to add some punch to ho-hum workday ensembles. ย ย
(L to R) ย Michael by Michael Kors silk peasant blouse ($79.50 at Bloomingdale’s), Talbots jacket ($199 on sale for $99.99),ย 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
)
ย
Or go for ultimate simplicity with a houndstooth dress. ย If you need something office appropriate, consider a tailored sheath with a plain cardigan and tights. ย If you like a looser feel, keep an eye out for wilder interpretations of the pattern. ย ย
(L to R) ย Alex Marie “Jackie” dress ($119 at Dillard’s), Aqua silk tank dress ($88 on sale for $61.60 at Bloomingdale’s) ย ย
ย
Use accessories and outerwear to effortlessly incorporate this trend. ย Have fun! ย The Bear Bryant-inspired hat below particularly makes me smile. ย
(L to R) Ballet flats by the Gap ($45), Xhilaration fedora at Target ($12.99)
(L to R) ย Wrap Star scarf ($36 at Piperlime), Lauren by Ralph Lauren coat ($399 at Nordstrom), Mossimo Supply Co. scarf at Target ($14.99)
ย
Bold fashionistas who are confident about emphasizing their legs should consider houndstooth tights and leggings. ย Just be sure to pair them with solid, neutral tops and dresses. ย
(L to R) ย Hue tights ($28 on sale for $15.90 at Nordstrom), Seventy Two Changes leggings ($88 at Nordstrom
)
ย
And if you are really crazy about houndstooth, check out this post on Design Sponge. ย It has some awesome decorating ideas, enough to satisfy even houndstooth’s most passionate fans. ย
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Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com. ย
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