As with most years, checks and tartans are big this fall and winter for menswear. It is easy to see why, an easy way to make a bold statement of individuality in an otherwise dreary season. We've seen enviable checks and tartan at Gucci, Dior Homme and Raf Simons, all of which have a classic, vintage-inspired look - as such a timeless pattern as a check often does.
Raf Simons A/W 16 Dior Homme, A/W 16 Bottega Vaneta, A/W 16
If you're not into trends, tartan is also a great choice for it's classic appeal and timelessness, easy to wear on a winter scarf, a blazer or an overcoat for a slight eccentricity added to an outfit. A vintage check piece is a great investment as the checks are unlikely to be made the same again, and what is a check meant to be, if not unique?
1980's Givenchy Blazer, £350
1960's Bill Blass for Neiman Marcus Blazer, £250
1960's Harris & Frank Blazer, £180
Now of course, we can't speak of vintage checks and tartans without mentioning the ultimate British luxury brand in creating fall outerwear, and in particular known for their checks, Burberry. Gone are the days when the Burberry house check was seen as a footballer wives' go-to. Christopher Bailey has done a great job of bringing back the nova check's respectability that it had before the early 2000's - lucky for you lot we've got the perfect 1980's Burberry duffel coat in a grey take on the nova check - still bold but a whole lot more versatile.
