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Pinterest Inspired Black and White Fashion for Fall - Houndstooth & Check

Bree's Lifestyle
Sep 6
2 min read

As someone who's a big lover of plaid, it makes perfect sense I'd be attracted to check and houndstooth patterns as well. The classic black and white variety is my ultimate fave with brown and white coming in at a close 2nd. I remember my very first houndstooth item as a pair of stirrup pants, which I always wore under an oversized red sweater and with a pair of black booties for Fall and Winter. On warmer days, I wore them under an oversized hot pink shirt dress cinched at the waist with a wide, low-slung belt. It was the late 80s when stirrup pants first had their foray outside of the equestrian and ski world and into everyday fashion. I was in high school (yes, I was in high school in the late 80s LOLz) and although the pants looked quite strange, my adventurous side decided to give them a go. I never quite got used to the crotch being so low, so after a while I cut the stirrups off and wore them like leggings tucked into my socks and boots. Thus, began my love affair with checks patterns and houndstooth (also known as dog's tooth).

Last year, while browsing on Pinterest, I came across a photo of Zendaya wearing a maxi check skirt paired unexpectedly with a short-sleeved polo shirt and was instantly in love with the look. The juxtaposition between the very feminine skirt with sky-high heels and the very basic sporty top was intriguing to me. It's what I now call Prep Glam. The pretty bob and soft make-up added the finishing touches to dressing up a basic black polo. I was inspired to try out the look in my own way, with pieces already in my closet.

The 2nd look I was inspired by pairs a black turtleneck with a check skirt for a more traditional ensemble, which I included as an alternative. Polo shirts aren't for everybody, but turtlenecks are a classic and goes with everything! Either of these outfits would be appropriate for the office, while showing off your sense of style.