Check is a pattern that is forever fluctuating. Sometimes it trends closer to the forefront of style conversations, and sometimes it recedes further away. But it never goes away completely because it’s genuinely too utilitarian to abandon. A smartly selected checked dress can do something that solid-color dresses sometimes struggle to: It creates interest without demanding anything else of you. No bold earrings, no statement bag. The pattern does all the talking.
No, this isn’t every checked dress out there. This is every checked dress you will want to wear and, more importantly, care about having in your closet. There’s a clear divide between checks that look crafted with intent versus ones that look like an afterthought, and we’ve been intentional about landing on the right side of that line here.
The selection here is more varied than you may think. There are chillaxed brushed flannel numbers that feel like a fall weekend uniform, the sort of effortlessly cool thing you’d grab on a Saturday morning without giving it too much thought. There are crisp wool blend numbers for work, but in a way that actually works and doesn’t just feel like a compromise. Wool blend, but with carefully considered tailoring that allows you to get away with almost anything. We’ve got_checks for summer too, lighter cotton and linen cuts that skim over your body without clinging (or feeling stiff). And, of course, we’ve got options for when you want to dress up, options with a dash of tailoring that make getting ready for night out feel a whole lot less stressful.
We’ve paid particular attention to scale and color because both play a more significant role in whether a checked piece works than you’d think. An oversized windowpane that’s too broad can overpower you. A miniature houndstooth print in the wrong color way can make you look instantly dated. Each of these pieces were specifically selected because the print itself has something going for it, rather than simply existing on the fabric.
Another fun fact about checked dresses: They photograph really well. We know that sounds like a frivolous reason to purchase a piece of clothing, but it is literally the only reason we have ever purchased a dress. The dress you pack for your vacation will actually look good in every photo you take on your vacation. And that, friends, is not nothing.
You know when you look at something checkered and think to yourself, Yes. This might be the most versatile thing in this room.? Yup, it is.
