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.