Plaids & Houndstooth: Graphic Prints, Big or Small, for Work

Sophisticated and appropriate in a conservative or creative office, this modern fitting dress from Pink Tartan is a timeless investment. This silhouette will always be stylish and appropriate. A tight, even pattern like this small houndstooth is very flattering, regardless of your size – especially with the princess seaming to create a slimming curve. Plus, it has a stretch lining to help smooth. Add a belt if you want to break up the dress – a little trick that helps camouflage any hip or belly lumps.

This silk, lined a-line dress from Ali Ro really caught our eye with it's long-sleeve and crewneck, making it a great work option. The contemporary style would also look great with a belt to accentuate your waist and add some definition. Even though the dress is ground in ivory, don't be afraid to wear black tights and boots once the weather gets cool. The mod contrast will look fresh, and still work appropriate.

Modern and graphic, add this easy fitting Lafayette 148 New York longer jacket to your basic blacks with a simple tank underneath (we’ve always sworn by this one) and your outfit is all of sudden well thought out and complete. Whether you’re attending the meeting or running it, you will look professional and in-charge.

This modern fitting DKNY collarless jacket has style and sophistication. Instead of a traditional button front, this has an asymmetrical zip front. And we love that juxtaposition with the traditional tweed plaid fabric - making it a great option for many work places. We love the way it's styled in this picture, with a turtleneck and classic wide leg trousers.

A feminine take from a clearly masculine inspiration. It almost has a hint of a ‘70’s feel in its lean line and glenplaid wool. This looks great with all black – like this slim sleeveless turtleneck and skinny pants. Or take a different approach with a pair of dark flared jeans and a crisp white button-down shirt.

The relaxed modern fit of this exploded houndstooth blouse is a subtle, yet striking, work option. The colors in the pattern are neutral, but do have a small pop of deep pink, which only helps the print subtly come to life. It hits just around the hip, so you can leave it untucked with your favorite black or camel slim trousers. The short sleeve is longer, which makes it not only flattering, but more versatile to easily wear through fall. It’s also beautiful in the long-sleeve version. 

A graphic windowpane pattern is simple, and looks great under a classic suit or with a long black tailored cardigan for the office. And, of course, it’s fabulous on it’s own, since the fabric has a soft drape to it. Black and white patterns always work with black coordinates, but don’t forget they are a great option for a solid color, too. Don’t feel like you have to tie it back to black – that’s just the easiest option! Have some fun with jewel tones or other neutrals – navy is a sophisticated pairing, as is camel or red.

Need a great layer under a black jacket? This Vince Camuto top in a crisp houndstooth is your answer. While the weather is still warm, this is beautiful on its own with trousers or a skirt - the ruching at the hip is very slimming. In a large array of sizes (and other prints), it’s wonderfully priced. And that’s what makes the surplice styling and soft, stretchy fabric even better, doesn’t it? This style should lie across your chest so that you don’t need to add a cami underneath, but you certainly can add one, if you feel nervous.

Free People did a plaid pencil skirt last fall that couldn’t stay in stock, and this year’s update is sure to do the same, so don’t wait on this one. It comes in fashionable red, which we love paired with black or navy, but it the black and grey combo that really catches our eye. This coloring is timeless, working with black and white and everything in between. The fabric has nice weight, and a bit of stretch to it. The hemline is a little longer in the back, perfect for fall with your tights and boots.

As we’ve been talking about, prints work for all sizes, and Eileen Fisher exemplifies that with their easy fitting plaid wool skirt. The subtle color combination of charcoal and black is endlessly flattering and versatile. We would stick with a pair of black tights and a body skimming black sweater for a look that’s great for a more casual day at the office and a relaxing dinner later.

We are always careful to pick prints for slim pant silhouettes that will, well, make sure a “slim silhouette” is the end result. This Nanette Lepore is definitely one of those good ones. The easier fit and thicker waistband creates a lean, contemporary look. The pattern, grounded in black, with an even – not busy – windowpane pattern does not add any visual bulk and looks polished and graphic with a white or black top you probably already own. The men’s inspired fabric gives you the option to wear these pants with an oxford or tailored loafer. But the feminine style also works effortlessly with a classic pump.

Maybe you’re doing an all black outfit…this scarf gives just the stylish, yet conservative, pop you need complete it. In 100% silk and a clean Tattersall design, it is nice and long so just wrap it around your neck a couple times and let the ends hang in front.

Stuart Weitzman has outdone himself with this d’orsay flat. Take a close look (click through the “shop it” button) and you’ll see the subtle detail of this gentle plaid on suede. These look great with trousers and jeans, but work with skirts too, since they have a light, feminine shape and small heel – they won’t look heavy at all. We love this grey combination, but it comes in a rich brown/black combination too, so choose the one that works best with your wardrobe.