TIMELESS
Actually, it’s one of those patterns that is a classic – fear no taunting if you wear pieces flaunting this pattern each and every fall and winter seasons. Houndstooth is like a classic Chanel suit. I’ve had a pair of houndstooth-patterned shoes for three years now, and I still get compliments each and every outing. I’m especially looking forward to trotting them out fall/winter 2005 as, this season, houndstooth is even more trendy than reading about Nick and Jessica Simpson’s ‘breakup’. (And you thought that wasn’t possible!)
IT'S HOT (EVEN IF IT IS FREEZING OUTSIDE)
Houndstooth is fashionable largely due to the popularity of both the mod look and the current ‘50s influence, specifically on suit styles. Skirts, hats, shoes, suits, and coats are all barking up the houndstooth tree.
HOW TO WEAR IT
Big black and white prints look stunning mixed with more white and black or rich, vibrant solids to create a crisp, fun mod look. Mix warm, textured, neutral pieces with pencil or full skirts in smaller print houndstooth for a subtle and classy ‘50s flavour. Houndstooth coats are all gorgeous in long styles: trench, peacoat, vintage, fitted, and more. Purses and shoes boasting the pattern seem automatically to garner a bit more class and “New York-ness” to any outfit lucky enough to be paired with them.
DON'T GO TOO PATTERN CRAZY
As houndstooth is a pattern, and a somewhat busy and dramatic one as well, I would pair it with clean solids if you want to stay on the safe side of the fashion police. Stick to those smaller houndstooth prints if you’re worried about adding volume to any body-parts – the big prints are fun and bold, but can be unforgiving.
WHERE TO FIND IT
Houndstooth is easy to find, it’s everywhere: Banana Republic, Jeanne Lottie, Target, MaxMara, Le Chateau, Buffalo, and, of course, Stella McCartney. I say “of course, Stella McCartney” as the McCartney coat shown here is a huge fave with all the critics and magazine editors and is quite a ‘must have’ for this season.
Ladies, get down to the shops and release the hounds!… erm… houndstooth, I mean!
