Social media is a fantastic gateway into the most buzz-worthy trends in the zeitgeist. And, if one thing is for certain: The internet loves a checkerboard moment. Whether you follow home decor, beauty, or fashion accounts, one scroll through your feed proves this to be true with everything from throw pillows and rugs to handbags and tank tops drenched in the contrasting pattern gracing your feed.
The great thing about this trend-setting print is there are so many ways to incorporate it into your style. Up ahead, we take a deep dive into the checkerboard trend and share all the ways to rock this style on and offline.
While trends can make things feel new again, the checkerboard print has been around for thousands of years. It’s believed to make its debut in the 6th century when chess was invented and then came on the scene in a more substantial way with a flag design and tile decor in the 1600s. As far as fashion is concerned, this print has been recycled throughout the decades with an appearance in magazines during the 1950s and 1960s before reemerging again in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Today’s trends are reminiscent of the 1990s and early 2000s style with the return of grunge and Y2K trends. So, it’s no surprise that checkerboard print is coming back in a major way, too.
How to Style Checkerboard Clothing Items
Checkerboard print might seem a tad on the loud side but, when paired with the right textile co-stars, it’s no different than floral print or polka dots. The key is to not overdo it and commit to one apparel category and then complete a look with solid textiles to anchor the outfit.
If you love prints and patterns and aren’t afraid to mix and match, you can tie in an additional print with the checkerboard design. The best print to mix with checker is floral as the rounded edges featured in floral print designs are a nice contrast to the rigid checkerboard lines. Additionally, if you’re going for that classic black and white checkerboard print, adding in a floral print is a great way to bring in pops of color.
Whatever styling route you choose to take, there are many options for checkered clothing items. From classic checker print slip-on sneakers to the popular knit checkerboard bags, here are all the ways you can bring this print trend into your wardrobe.
This style — made popular by Vans’ classic designs — is a go-to for many celebrities, influencers, and fashion lovers alike. For this checkered look, you can go for something fully covered in the print and pair the shoes with more simple textiles, or you can take a subtle approach with a sneaker that only features the checker print on a few panels or go for a white-on-white checkerboard print. Either way, checkered shoes are a great first step (no pun intended) into this year’s most loved print trend.
Checkered Tops
Tank tops, blouses, and button-ups are another way to sport the checker print trend. For this approach, you want to keep your top as the busiest part of your outfit and then pair it with solid-colored pants, overalls, shorts, or even a mini skirt. For a more subtle effect, a graphic tee featuring the print is a fun nod to the trend, too.
When wearing a pair of checker print pants, we recommend making that the focal point of the outfit and then pairing the pants with a plain top such as a basic white t-shirt or a plain tank top and cardigan. As for shoes, you can never go wrong with a pair of white sneakers or classic slip-on shoes. And, if the go-to black and white checkerboard print is too loud for you, there are some options that camouflage the print a little more, such as denim or white checker print.
Checkered Dresses
If you’re all in with the checkerboard print style, wearing a dress made of checker print fabric is a fun way to dip into the trend. Since the checkerboard print is so eye-catching, you’ll want to style a checker print dress with items that are simple, such as a pair of plain white sneakers and a denim jacket or a basic cardigan.
An accessible approach to the checkerboard trend is through accessorizing and knit bags are a popular way to rock this style. Like an elevated take on the classic tote bag, these checkered bags are ideal for an everyday look, or even a chic farmer’s market bag. In addition to knit bags, canvas totes and backpacks are another fun way to do the checkerboard pattern.
Checkered Hats
The great thing about a checkered bucket hat is that you can have fun and mix and match prints — such as wearing floral pants with a checkered hat — or keep it simple with a monochromatic look paired with the checkered hat for added flair. And, if bucket hats aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other options, including checkerboard baseball caps, and sun hats.
In addition to wearing a hat, checkerboard hair accessories are another great way to rock this trend — especially if you aren’t keen on wearing patterned clothing. You can wear your hair down and sweep it out of your face with a knotted checkerboard headband, try out another 2000s trend with a checkered claw clip, pin your strands back with a funky checkered barrette, or rock a checkered crochet headscarf.
Checkered Home Decor
If wearing checkerboard print isn’t your thing, you can still capitalize on this trendy pattern by incorporating it into your home decor — and there are tons of great ways to do so without fully committing. Some of our favorite options for decorating a space with the checkerboard pattern are accessories like candles, drinkware such as coffee mugs, picture frames, bath mats, and tea towels. And, if you want something a little more, you can never go wrong with a throw pillow or blanket.
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