If you need a foolproof wardrobe formula this season, adopt the square route for some simple fashion mathematics.

Checks come in every guise for autumn/winter 13, from loud tartans to subtle tweeds and brand new grid prints.

No other print screams winter quite like the check family, and you don’t need Scottish blood running through your veins to go all out with the trend – just find your check mate and style it your way.

So give circles the boot. This season, it’s hip to be square.

British tweed blazer, £149; Bistro crop trousers, £89; Everyday button back jumper, £49; all Boden (0844 873 0000/www.boden.co.uk)
British tweed blazer, £149; Bistro crop trousers, £89; Everyday button back jumper, £49; all Boden (0844 873 0000/www.boden.co.uk)

TWEED WEAVES

No longer reserved for country hunts and twin sets, classic tweed has undergone an urban makeover.

Mix in cool textures like slick leather to create contrast, or use an unexpected pop of colour. A super-bright or neon knit will instantly modernise a heritage fabric skirt or jacket.

Avoid any accessories that remind you of the Queen – leave the pearls, Barbour jacket and riding boots for real countryside pursuits!

WEAR THIS SQUARE: To embrace your inner traditionalist.

Missguided Ruka dogtooth oversize knitted top, £16.99 (www.missguided.co.uk)
Missguided Ruka dogtooth oversize knitted top, £16.99 (www.missguided.co.uk)

HOUNDSTOOTH

You’d have to be barking mad to miss out on this season’s dogstooth trend. Coinciding with monochrome mania, the high street is a sea of mini black and white weaves.

It’s a check trend that’s always translated well to sharp suiting but this season you can find chic separates like shirts and tops for casualwear or glam evening dresses for after dark.

The smaller the check, the more flattering the look, but a super-sized dogstooth is a great modern day twist if you like to be noticed.

WEAR THIS SQUARE: To rock monochrome.

From left: Lilia checked coat, £300; Zoe colour block skirt, £120; Alyssa animal jumper, £110; Billie checked skirt, £120; all Fenn Wright Manson (www.fennwrightmanson.com)
From left: Lilia checked coat, £300; Zoe colour block skirt, £120; Alyssa animal jumper, £110; Billie checked skirt, £120; all Fenn Wright Manson (www.fennwrightmanson.com)

TARTAN CHECK

Great Scot! Tartan is the instant way to add personality to your outfit. Bold red is the classic way to don checks but you can also opt for more muted and wearable forest green or deep navy.

Play on tartan irony with this season’s vast selection of on-trend kilts, styled as wrap skirts – some even come complete with safety pin detail.

WEAR THIS SQUARE: To get noticed.

Window pane check top, £28; check midi skirt, £30; both Dorothy Perkins (www.dorothyperkins.com)
Window pane check top, £28; check midi skirt, £30; both Dorothy Perkins (www.dorothyperkins.com)

WINDOW PANE

It’s one of the newest checks on the block and you might find style inspiration watching Grand Designs rather than catwalks...

Window pane checks are entirely symmetrical and contained, with bold, single line squares.

These oversized checks are best worn in a stripped-back monochrome colour palette, so look for black or cream or navy and white to maintain the minimalist chic.

WEAR THIS SQUARE: To keep it simple.

Blazer, £45; check t-shirt, £15; check kilt, £28; clutch, £20; socks, £8; boots, £40; all Next (0844 844 8939/www.next.co.uk)
Blazer, £45; check t-shirt, £15; check kilt, £28; clutch, £20; socks, £8; boots, £40; all Next (0844 844 8939/www.next.co.uk)

LAUNDRY  BAG

Not since the Levi’s 501 advert have launderettes been this cool. Look to run-of-the-mill washing bags for the surprise square print of the season, inspired by design house Celine.

Laundry bag checks are wide blanket weaves, with bold white, red and blue being the predominant colour palette.

Wear these checks slightly oversized – nobody ever has a tiny laundry bag so keep the dimensions the same for your wardrobe.

WEAR THIS SQUARE: To look fashion-forward.

Marks & Spencer Autograph checked biker coat, £139 (www.marksandspencer.com)
Marks & Spencer Autograph checked biker coat, £139 (www.marksandspencer.com)