The Print That’s Poised to Take Over for Leopard in 2020

Let’s get one thing straight: There is no pattern on Earth that will ever  — and I mean EVER — truly replace leopard in my heart. For me, leopard is a neutral whose reign knows no end: a way of life if you will. Still, there’s no denying the fact that another bold pattern is making its presence known in a big way for 2020. With both Priyanka Chopra and fashion goddess Jamie Chung making it their outerwear of choice in recent days and Duchess Kate Middleton herself rocking it on the streets of Bradford, England, just last month, even this animal print devotee couldn’t help but take note.

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to houndstooth: The large, checked pattern that’s not only threatening to dethrone leopard as *the* biggest motif of the year, it’s admittedly winning me over, one tooth-shaped pattern at a time.

The History of Houndstooth Clothing

As is the case with most trends, houndstooth clothing is nothing we haven’t seen before. Case in point? Long before Kate was putting her own elegant spin on the look, Princess Di was photographed sporting mismatched red and black houndstooth of her own back in the ‘90s.

The pattern’s roots go back even further, with a rich history as the outerwear of choice for Scottish shepards in the 1800s, who often referred to it as “shepard’s check” or “dogtooth.”

Its crossover into high fashion reportedly came in 1948, when one Christian Dior (*bowing down*) introduced it to the rich and famous on a jacket that was included in his spring haute couture show. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Armani followed suit, cementing houndstooth clothing as a stylish staple the world over.

The pattern has lived a hundred lives since, all but taking over at NYFW in the 2000s courtesy of Alexander McQueen and Moschino. By fall 2019, it had evolved yet again, popping up on coats, blazers, skirts, dresses, boots, and more, on the runways at Chanel and Area NYC.

With 2020 poised to be its biggest year yet, I’ve decided to pay homage to the born-a-million-times-over print with a slew of houndstooth clothing you can shop to your heart’s content — including that oh-so-smart (and surprisingly affordable!) shirt and skirt combo Pri donned back in December. Read on for my top picks!

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River Island Blazer With Contrast Collar ($113): Despite my boyfriend’s endless ribbing, I’ve definitely been on board the blazer train lately, and this unique topper looks like just the type I’d love to add to my collection. Not only does the print lend plenty of intrigue to what might otherwise be a boring office staple, the devil’s in the details, with a contrasting solid collar and an oversized notched lapel. *Swoon*

Storets Anna Houndstooth Shift Dress ($88.90): Contrary to popular belief, houndstooth isn’t limited to black and white, and this Kermit-green shift dress from Storets is picture proof. Wear this fringe-trimmed find loose and mod, à la 60s style goddess Edie Sedgwick, or belt it for a more fitted look.

Lulus Luetta Houndstooth Stilettos ($14) : These 4-inch stiletto stunners, which feature a cushioned insole for comfort, look far pricier than their $14 price tag. In fact, maybe just scroll on by these until I’ve snagged a pair for myself, k? Thanks.

ASOS Design Houndstooth Skinny Pants ($8.50): For the fashion risk-takers among us, it doesn’t get more daring than these red jacquard skinny pants from ASOS Design. They have a high-rise waist that will go perfectly with your favorite crop top (you know, if you’re into that sort of thing — hard pass) and a stretchy fit that keeps them comfortable.

ASOS Design Wrap-Front Midi Dress ($60): Patterns can be notoriously tricky to wear, as they have a tendency to make you look bigger than you actually are, but this breezy office-friendly pick has a universally-flattering wrap cut that makes it extremely wearable. A sexy thigh slit and a button-hole back add to its allure.

H&M Jacquard-Weave Shirt ($50) and Skirt ($49.99): Priyanka Chopra’s personal style may not always bowl me over, but I can definitely get on board with the two-piece shirt and skirt set she wore with a pair of shiny Charles and Keith ankle boots and a black L’Agence turtleneck while traipsing around New York in December — particularly since each one happens to be just $50 right now at H&M. The shirt features an oversized fit and chest-flap pockets, while the skirt has a removable tie belt and a flared fit.

Ann Taylor Coatigan ($80.30): For those days you just can’t seem to warm up (aka today), there’s this houndstooth coatigan from Ann Taylor, which pairs the relaxed fit of your favorite long cardi with a slightly thicker acryclic blend fabric. It’s also machine washable, which makes it far less of a pain in the ass than your typical fancy-pants sweater.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Fringe-Trimmed Houndstooth Dress ($138): For a more classic take on the houndstooth fad, you can’t go wrong with a mini dress from late Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld. It’s got fringed edges for an added bit of flair and two prim front-button pockets (because who doesn’t love pockets on a dress?).

ELLEME Madeleine Houndstooth Bucket Bag ($311.50): For a houndstooth piece that will last well beyond the current season, you’d do well to invest in this elegant bag from ELLEME. Between its eye-catching pattern, its rolled top leather handles, and its rich, luxe microfiber lining, it practically screams “timeless elegance.” Plus, it’s made it Italy, so you know it’s going to be legit.

VIV Collection Houndstooth Leggings (From $11.90): Everyone loves a good pair of leggings, and this houndstooth pair will look far more stylish under a long black tee or an oversized sweater with a pair of matching pumps than your go-to solid pair, making them worth ever penny of their shockingly low $12 price tag.

Isotoner Touchscreen Gloves ($33): It’s hard to find a pair of gloves that’s not only stylish, but warm, but these fleece finds from Isotoner check all the boxes. They’re equipped with “smartDRI” technology that repels moisture and invisible “smarTouch” capability that makes them compatible with your mobile device. Don’t you just love technology?

Topshop Houndstooth Sweater ($85): Leave it to Topshop to create a piece that lets you march to the beat of your own drummer (my fashion m.o!), while still following the trends. Rather than the traditional black-and-white houndstooth design, the European fashion brand offers up a rose hue in the form of this cozy little cowl neck sweater. Better yet, it’s machine-washable, meaning trips to the dry cleaner won’t be required.

SHEIN Houndstooth Hooded Pocket Coat ($37): Incorporating houndstooth into your wardrobe doesn’t get much easier than this. SHEIN’s hooded tweed pocket coat has an oversized fit and goes with just about everything, so all you’ll need to do is throw it on and go.

Storets Houndstooth Beret ($24.90): If you’re not up for head-to-toe houndstooth, why not dip your toe into the trend pool with this chic little Parisan beret? It’s black-and-white color scheme can be worn with just about any color outerwear, and a leather-look tie at the back makes for a snug fit.

Are you a houndstooth fan? Let me know in the comments below! 

Xo, Nicole