Checks Are THE Trend For AW13: Here Are 12 Ways You Can Nail It

The AW13 runways were full of checks - coats, dresses and accessories galore. Here are some of the best street style looks we've spotted to give you inspiration for the season ahead.

1. Checks can be ladylike Alexa Chung demonstrates how to wear checks in a ladylike and demure way. A below-the-knee skirt and super chic black courts work perfectly with a prim shirt and Mulberry mini. An easy way to make this key trend work for the office.

2. It's important to get your accessories right Here, we've got two trends in one: oversized and checks. Because the coat is so big it works perfectly with the cropped top. Bold, yellow shoes are super-cute and add a very feminine touch.

3. Keep it simple This Prada dress oozes glamour - so simple yet effective. Clean lines and minimal accessories let the dress do the talking.

4. Go grunge If you loved Saint Laurent's grunge-esque show then this is the way for you to wear plaid; tie a shirt around your waist - beyond simple! Team with the shortest of shorts and, boom, you're ready.

5. Checks and pleats go hand-in-hand Look for stiff cottons and velvets as they tend to keep their shape better than their floatier contemporaries. And metallic and monochrome accessories keep the look young and fresh - it's not about resembling Miss Marple (although she did rock a check very well).

6. Use accessories to update your look If full-on checks don't seem like your thing, look for accessories to update your look. Stella McCartney hits the nail on the head with this check clutch. Uber statement diamonds and manicure optional! Team with bold colours and classic shapes such a simple blouse and blazer combo.

7. Don't be afraid to mix and match checks On the flip side, if check is totally your thing, throw together different checks and tartans, à la Dries Van Noten, to make a chic check statement (sunglasses essential).

8. It's the perfect weekend print This is the coolest way to way wear checks at the weekend. Dungarees + Nike boots = perfection.

9. Prada, Prada, Prada The Prada coat, the shoes, the belt, the hair - we don't have wardrobe envy at all.

10. Go for a traditional take on check... With a tartan trouser suit. To keep it super-flattering, make sure your trousers flash your ankles.

11. Checks can be tough, too. Casually fling a bike jacket over your shoulders to add a bit of edge to your look. Keep it sexy, though, with red lips and nails (Mac Rouge is one of our absolute favourite red lipsticks).

12. Ever thought about a quilted check? A traditional quilted check teamed with leather pants and the most coverted breaktrough trainer style, the skate shoe. The fact that this look is all thrown on, and the shirt is possibly her boyfriend's, all add to the general fabulousness of the ensemble.

If this doesn't inspire you to wear checks, then quite frankly nothing will...