Keeping plaid fresh is a seasonal challenge for men’s style. Mark Grischke edits the collections with an eye for subtlety – a touch of check goes a long way - unearthing pieces ranging from covetable backpacks to classic cotton shirts...
Brunello Cucinelli trousers
Brunello Cucinelli understands that plaid trousers don’t have to be boring. This sporty wool and cashmere pair have cargo pockets and an easy fit.
$1,225, brunellocucinelli.com
Selected Homme shirt
Selected Homme is part of Danish group Bestseller and its pared-down Scandinavian aesthetic makes it great for basics like this cotton shirt.
Alexander Olch tie
Alexander Olch has a penchant for plaid. This striking Italian wool tie, from a collection called Festive, is handmade in New York.
$150, olch.com
Michael Kors backpack
Michael Kors is known for luxurious riffs on classics and his leather Harrison backpack features a plaid-like brushed grid pattern.
$498, michaelkors.com
Christian Louboutin shoes
When it comes to covetable footwear, Christian Louboutin has no peer. This lace-up combines gray suede, a Prince of Wales wool plaid, black leather cap toe, and a rubber lug sole in CL red.
$1,125, christianlouboutin.com
Blake Kuwahara sunglasses
Eyewear designer Blake Kuwahara first deconstructs plaid, then laminates it inside a bold acetate frame. The result? Sunglasses that are also wearable works of art.
$675, blakekuwahara.com
Pendleton cap
Pendleton is a uniquely American company known, since 1863, for finely milled woolens. Today, it still makes iconic blankets, but also offers items (like this wool cap) infused with archetypical style.
$60, pendleton-usa.com
Tommy Hilfiger sweater
No one does Americana like Tommy Hilfiger, whose collections favour sportswear in a palette of red, white and blue. High-end “Edition” pieces, like this mohair sweater, combine similar patriotic enthusiasm with extra refinement.