Houndstooth is a print that doesn’t disappear, nor does it necessarily ever suddenly re-appear. Or at least, it arrived centuries ago in the Scottish Lowlands, and hasn’t truly left since. Houndstooth is one of those things that just is. This broken check pattern is universally recognizable. Everyone wears it. From your favorite royals– Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and the Queen– to your favorite popstars, houndstooth takes many different forms. Traditionally mixed with wool, recent iterations of the houndstooth print have shown a real jump from this fabric. Even workout attire is moving towards houndstooth! (Think of houndstooth as the next gingham. It’s going to be everywhere, all the time, always. An inescapable reality, so you might as well buy something in the print before Fall comes around.)

What’s so great about buying houndstooth now is that a lot of sweet items are on sale from last year. (What did I tell you? It never leaves.) If you’re looking for a higher end, long term investment, or some fast fashion, the pre-Fall sales won’t disappoint. However, if there’s nothing that tickles your fancy quite yet, just wait a couple more weeks until Fall collections launch. There will be plenty of houndstooth to look forward to this coming season, and in the years to come! Few styles have transcended time so much as the houndstooth print. 

For well-versed bargain shoppers, buying out of season isn’t much of a surprise tip. Just the same, sometimes everyone needs a little nudge. Think about all the times you’ve purchased overpriced Holiday decorations. Don’t you wish you’d just hit up stores on December 26th in preparation for the year ahead twelve months earlier? The same can be said for your purchase of houndstooth.  

From left to right, these luxury items are on sale (but will still cost you a pretty penny!):

(Gucci $990, Alexander Wang $640, Monrow $95, Alice + Olivia $298, Armani $795, Alice + Olivia $255, Michael Kors $595, Red Valentino $238, Pauw $196, Body Language $49, Rachel Zoe $105, TY-LR $127, Michael Kors $66, Aqua $38, Sandro $387, Michael Kors Collection $2,695, Akris Punto $1200, MSGM $815, 3.1 Philip Lim $595)

For some faster fashion, check out these cuties!