A whole lot of history….
Houndstooth has an interesting origin. In fact, the pattern itself goes back to the 19th century in Scotland. Where the Houndstooth pattern we wear today has a more contemporary history, we can see how the beginnings of it formed into the design we know and love today. To begin, initially, the use of houndstooth was adopted by the upper class as a status symbol for wealth.
Where the much loved original Houndstooth consists of two colours: black and white, the classic pattern has, over the years, went through reinvention with new shades and combinations. Yet it remains the same pattern that we all know and love.
Different types of houndstooth
As mentioned, houndstooth primarily focused on two colours: black and white. However, over the years, different colour palettes have infused themselves into designers' wardrobes. From stunning emerald Houndstooth skirts to a green co-ord boucle tailored blazer and from an NA-KD x Rianne Meijer Collab High Neck Jumper to a Clueless-inspired flat pocket pelmet skirt. The colour combinations really are unlimited.
Where to wear houndstooth?
Just like a lot of our favourite patterns, you can wear Houndstooth pretty much anywhere and at any time. You can simply wear a houndstooth skirt to the office and then when you get home slip into these adorable houndstooth pyjamas. Here we’re going to go through a few of our favourite houndstooth designs, including our own as well as others, and how you can get your hands on them!
Houndstooth dresses with Sleeves
At present, we stock 3 gorgeous houndstooth dresses. These include the Braemar, the Nadia Stretch Perro and the Lindy Stretch Perro dress. Each has a different design and offers its own unique shape.
Lindy Pencil Dress
Our Lindy Stretch Perro dress features the much-loved houndstooth pattern on the top half, with a full black skirt to finish. Made using our stretch Perro and bi-stretch fabric, we adore its knitted jacquard design and the contrasting look of the printed houndstooth top half. It's the perfect dress for keeping the look classic if you're not yet feeling ready to opt for the full-houndstooth-dress look.
Braemar Pencil Dress
Our chic Braemar dress consists of our super stretch fabric with an empire line tie waistband, full houndstooth pattern, three-quarter length sleeves, a round neckline and a concealed zip.
Nadia Perro ¾ Sleeved Dress
The Nadia Perro three-quarter sleeved dress is made using stretch Perro jersey jacquard and bi-stretch fabric. Being in knitted style, with a jacquard design, it styles perfectly as a pencil dress. The dress has an empire waistline which allows the design to be layered and further accentuates the waist. What's more, the dress also features pleating across the front for a flattering fit and a round neckline with slit detail.
Alternative Houndstooth
If you’re looking to invest in a statement Houndstooth piece then look no further than this Heritage Embellished Check Knitted Swing Dress from Karen Milan. Priced at an impressive £78, down from £155, this chic high neck dress pairs perfectly with the boots pictured or you could even opt to wear it with high top Converse.
If, however, you're looking for a bit more bang for your buck then we found this cute Dorothy Perkins number that is currently on sale, down to £32. With its low V-neck and puffed sleeve style, it's easy to wear and effortlessly chic.
Houndstooth long sleeve tops
Whether you’d like to match your houndstooth print top with a solid-block trouser, or a contrasting print, is completely up to you. The benefit of choosing the houndstooth design for your top is that you’re free to use minimal accessories. Here we go through a few of our favourite houndstooth long sleeve tops and where you can get them too!
Tamar Top at Diva Catwalk
Our Tamar top consists of Stretch Perro Jersey Jacquard material, with a turtle high neck and long-sleeved. Perfectly paired with our Pebble Stretch Perro Skirt or, alternatively, you could go with a block colour like our SEED Elixir skirt or Rhodes Pencil Skirt. Both are available in over 10 shades!
Alternative Houndstooth Tops
If you're looking for a houndstooth wrap top and fall into the categories of either tall, curved or petite, then Dorothy Perkins has you covered this Spring. The houndstooth printed shirred cuff wrap top features a low V-neck design and unlike other wrap tops it is not longline, so could be paired with trousers and skirts alike.
Houndstooth skirts
Wearing a skirt can be perfect all year round. Whether it is to the office or out for a meal, comfort is essential and that’s why our Stretch Perro Skirt with Houndstooth pattern is made using Perro Jersey jacquard fabric. Comfort and style. With a concealed zip at the back, this knee-length skirt goes perfect with the matching top or a colour block blouse like our SEED Hambledon top or our Pacific top. With seven shades to choose from you’re sorted for every day of the week!
Alternative Houndstooth Skirts
Skirts in this type of pattern are always popular, so it’s no surprise that we found quite a few favourites to add to our ever-growing shopping list.
To begin, we found this rather expensive (but oh-so-cute) Tommy Hilfiger mini skirt that, just like the shacket below, is made from recycled wool jacquard. Whilst being a mini skirt in length it is also a regular fit. If you’d prefer something a little bit longer, say for the office, then we have our eye on this long line multi-coloured knit midi skirt from River Island. And when we say we love the colour… know we LOVE the colour!
Houndstooth Coats
Now, just because the winter season is (slowly) leaving us it doesn't mean that jackets do too! Opting for cooling blazers or lightweight coats is perfect for when you never know if you'll need them! One of our newly spotted favourites is this Mango Meghan Houndstooth Check Blazer, available at John Lewis.
One option, for when you’re shopping for a cover-up between February and September, is a shacket. A combination of shirt/jacket works brilliantly at keeping away a breeze but won’t have you melt under the sun. A couple of our favourites include this Houndstooth Shacket from Dorothy Perkins (£50, down to £40) and this Recycled Wool Flannel Houndstooth Shacket from Tommy Hilfiger (£210, down to £147) available in sizes UK4 to UK18.
An even lighter option is a cardigan. We found two readily available for Spring. One, from New Look at ASOS.com, £27.99 and the second, on sale for £77 at thekemist.com.
Houndstooth Bags
And finally, last but by no means least, is the houndstooth accessory. The bag. Whether you’re wearing houndstooth or opting to contrast your patterns, we all need a houndstooth print in our closets!
A few of our favourites include this Houndstooth Backpack from River Island – great for those student essentials or parent duty! Alternatively, we've also found this super cute small shoulder bag from HM (currently down to £12 from £17!). Not only does it have two handles and a detachable shoulder strap but it has a zipped inner compartment too. What more could you want from a mini bag?
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