Menswear trends for fall: tartan and checks

Loads of designers went mad for checks for Fall-Winter, playing up both traditional and rebellious connotations of the pattern. Alexander McQueen and Casely-Hayford both referenced the city’s punk heritage, while Agi & Sam went for a mashup of tribal and streetwear influences. The Italians were in on the act too, and Zegna played around with luxe blue and gray checks. There’s nothing wrong with a classic burgundy shade and this Marc by Marc Jacobs tartan coat (€395) will do the trick if you’re trying to impress a fiery Scot this fall.  

So how do you put the look together without looking too Mel Gibson in « Braveheart »? The key is to avoid any overload. Keep the tartan and checks to one key piece and make sure the rest of your outfit is as pared-back and neutral as possible. This AMI t-shirt with a tartan pocket (€85) is a great start, and once you’ve dipped your toes in, you might feel ready for this Beams Plus shirt (¥11,880, approx €85) might have you hooked with its mix of plaids. 

If you’re going for a slightly simpler green-and-blue look with your tartan, this Saint Laurent scarf ($295) will do the trick, and would look great with a simple leather biker jacket.