Pulse Check: Checkerboard is Still Fashion’s Favorite Print for 2021

Checked print has always been in style, coming to the market in various forms from summer-ready gingham to old-school plaid. Checkerboard may not be a new print, it’s been championed by brands like Vans for a long time, but it’s certainly taking the fashion scene by storm like never before. In the winter we saw fur coats donned in the print, and now handbags and accessories. It was even a central point in the dressing of Netflix’s popular series The Queen’s Gambit (well in her case, chessboard) so there was even more reason to add to the hype. 

While certain print trends fade as faster as you can get your hands on them, this certainly isn’t the case with checkerboard. It’s a clean and classic graphic that became popular in interiors in the ’60s and ’70s, so when you take something that has a historical context and put a fashionable twist on it to make it relevant to today’s audience, it’s sure to get tons of love. Brands like Paloma Wool, Sandy Liang, and Holiday the Label have turned the print you saw only in retro interiors on a board game into a must-have in your wardrobe with fresh colors, unique textures warped designs. Below, view how we’re seeing how fashion girls are styling the print and how you can shop the trend too.

Don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops and pull out all your patterned pieces. We’re very accepting of the maximalism style here.

Try out a colored check with pairing it with contrasting colors, like Alyssa did with a cobalt blue and celery green.

A pair of these well-loved pants will make any basic black top look cool.

Same with a checked top. Basically, the print looks good on any clothing item (or accessory.)

The sweatshirt version of the top Imani is wearing above. (Plus, it’s on sale!)

A checked item you can get away with wearing in any outfit.

Are these not the coolest pair of pajamas you’ve ever seen?

I have yet to stop thinking about the print and colors of this cardigan.

The classic pair of sneakers everyone should own.

I’ve never met a Staud bag I didn’t like.

The perfect pop of color.

Hurry, this one’s selling fast.

If you’re not huge on wearing prints, try it out with your jewelry.

Blue and green never looked so good together.

This is the coolest scarf you’ll own.

I can’t believe this is both on sale and in stock.

Stand Studio stole our hearts with their coats and now their bags too.

This would pair well with your favorite jeans.

Straight off the runway.

It’s a combination of my two favorite trends right now—checkerboard and pearl.

The smiley face on it just does it for me.

The most perfect spring cardigan.

I’m always down for a bucket hat situation.

Every colorway of this bag is just as beautiful. Next, This Is 2021’s Most Flattering Trend, Says a Color Expert