The great thing about checked shirts is that you can find them with long or short sleeves and for whatever season you’re in.
For the colder months, look for a flannel top that is darker and deeper, like reds, blacks, grays, and dark greens. If you need a size you can’t find in the store, look online or consider having an ill-fitting shirt tailored. Keep in mind that it’s easier to tailor a shirt that’s too big rather than one that’s too small.
When going for a casual look, pick a shirt made of a material that doesn’t wrinkle easily, like a blended microfiber shirt.
Consider pairing your dress shirt with a solid-colored tie that complements the colors in the shirt. [6] X Expert Source Kara AllanCelebrity Stylist, Makeup Artist & Personal Brand Consultant Expert Interview. 25 February 2022. It can add a nice pop of color and really bring your entire outfit together nicely.
For a more feminine look, try just tucking in the front of the shirt. Wear a belt with this look for a nice visual addition.
If you wear a scarf, pick one that is a single-tone rather than one that is patterned. If you can, match the color of the scarf to a color in your shirt; or, pick something that is more muted, like gray, tan, black, or navy.
You could even roll up the sleeves on a short-sleeved shirt to expose your upper arms and shoulders.
Because checked shirts tend to look a little more casual from the get-go, you just need to be a little more intentional when picking out the rest of your outfit.
Keep your accessories to a minimum with this look. Add a watch or a scarf, but avoid adding too many pieces of jewelry so you don’t look too flashy. [13] X Expert Source Kara AllanCelebrity Stylist, Makeup Artist & Personal Brand Consultant Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
Leave the T-shirt and the checked shirt untucked to maintain your casual vibe. Make your outfit look more intentional by matching a color in your checked shirt to a part of your T-shirt’s design, or create a more casual look by not matching the colors.
If your blazer or jacket is bulky and doesn’t fit quite right, take it to a tailor to have it adjusted. This will make you look much neater.
Cropped jean jackets look great overtop of longer checked shirts and provide a really nice visual contrast. If you’re wearing jeans, try to pick a jean jacket that isn’t the same wash as the jeans.
A checked shirt underneath a sweater will provide a nice pop of color to your ensemble. For a more casual look, choose a baggy sweater. For a classic, preppy style, pick a sweater that is more form fitting.
You can zip the vest up for some extra warmth, or leave it undone to show off your shirt underneath.
You can pair this look with jeans, black leggings, or shorts.
Wear a tank top, T-shirt, or long-sleeved shirt underneath your checked shirt, just depending on the sleeve length and what feels most comfortable to you.
