The Down Lowe: Checks vs Stripes

Photo / Katherine Lowe

Opinion

If I were to think of two classic patterns that would stand the test of time, they would be stripes and check. Polka dots would maybe be thrown into the mix but this season our focus is on the first two.

Over the last few weeks I've definitely been seeing quite a few Breton shirts around the place. But it's not only that black/white and navy/white horizontal stripe combo that I've spotted - there have been interesting stripes - check out the mulitcoloured knitted sweater on Bronwyn, a fine blue pyjama stripe on Anna and the horizontal stripes on Kylie.

Checks have been the same. I always associate a check with winter (the check flannel shirt will always be a staple), hence it's unsurprising to see variations of the criss-cross pattern swathing the bodies of humans around Auckland.

It'll be interesting to see what people will be wearing around the city through the remaining cooler months. I'm predicting a lot more check, a lot of beanies, long coats and double denim. Until then, have a squizz at the checks and stripes I've seen on the street this month.

Check

Anna: spotted on Canada Street in Newton.
What's the last thing you bought? The bag I'm carrying.

James: spotted on Canada Street in Newton.
What's the last thing you bought? Fried rice.

Leilani: spotted in Ponsonby Central.
What's a trend you hate? Those silly pants those guys wear that are like baggy round the bum and then go tight just above the ankles! I don't know what they're called...

Oscar: spotted on New North Road.
What's your occupation? Musician.

Stripes

Anna: spotted on Victoria Street West.
What are you wearing today? New Zealand designer, Georgia Alice.

Sally-Ann: spotted at an event on Victoria Street.
What's your occupation? Fashion editor for FQ.

Bronwyn: spotted on Scotland Street.
What's your occupation? I'm a fashion and beauty writer.

Kylie: spotted at an event on Victoria Street.
What's your occupation? Stylist.

Sacha: spotted on Scotland Street.
What's a trend you hate? Hate is a strong word but I extremely hate floral headbands.

Rachael: spotted at an event on Victoria Street.
What's the last thing you bought? PJs for my 2-year-old son Remi from Nature Baby.

- www.nzherald.co.nz