Just as fruit prints & tropical patterns are signature to summer, houndstooth is a symbol of fall as fashion transitions from the lightweight to the heavier layers. In fact, wearing houndstooth is one of my favorite ways to greet the fall, no matter the color combination, although black & white is the more traditional route. I love a modern take on houndstooth with varying sizes, styles, & colors; particularly, the new Check It Out collection @New York & Company. The black houndstooth that we all love to wear with more subdued solids is brightened with more than white as we see bright yellows, kelly green, & even magenta to experiment with this fashion forward menswear-inspired print. I’ve selected a few tops, bottoms, & shoes that are my favorites to recommend anyone who dares to be bold with this striking pattern.

First, I love the combination of houndstooth on these tops with the details over a trimmed neckline, neck-tie bow, & solid collar, which are perfect to match with a pencil skirt & pumps, joggers & ankle boots, or jeans & ballet flats.

SHOP: houndstooth v-neck sweater in morningside yellow (on sale: $41.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), puff-sleeve tie-neck sweater in fuchsia purple (on sale: $41.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), & houndstooth collared blouse in black/white (on sale: $45.46, available in sizes XS-XXL).

Next, houndstooth certainly makes a style statement on the lower half, especially when coordinating with a pullover sweater & layered necklaces, classic tee & statement necklace, or pleated cami & tailored blazer.

SHOP: houndstooth pencil skirt in green fields (on sale: $48.96, available in sizes XS-XXL), pull-on houndstooth bootcut ponte pant in black/white (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes XS-XXL, shop petite here, shop tall here), & petite houndstooth button-waist straight-leg ankle pant in fuchsia purple (on sale: $55.96, available in sizes 00-18).

Playing up houndstooth in your footwear evokes confidence & tons of personality, especially when adding that wow factor to a pinstripe suit & button-down shirt or sweater dress & choker.

SHOP: houndstooth colorblock Madison pump in yellow (on sale: $39.00, available in sizes 6-11) & houndstooth Layla heel in black/white (on sale: $62.96, available in sizes 6-11).

Do you like to incorporate houndstooth into your wardrobe? What pieces do you like houndstooth on best? What are your favorite fall fashion items? Where are you shopping for the latest trends? For more shopping posts, check out: summer-to-fall dress & cardigan ideas from Time & Tru @Walmart, my top picks from J. Crew Factory’s clearance sale, stackable jewelry organizers, & how to recreate Anne Hathaway’s easy breezy gauzy outfit! Happy Styling!