Check mate: The pre fall trend you need to know about

If ever there was an indication that we should be shifting to pre fall, this is it. As Diane Kruger stepped out last week, in New York, wearing a Michael Kors Collection pre fall plaid vest and cuffed trousers, looking sensational, she served as a beacon of light for the season to come. Putting a seventies spin on her look by teaming the coordinating set with a floral bell-sleeve blouse, also Michael Kors Collection, and an Isabel Marant satchel bag she was all the inspiration we needed to close the book on summer fashion, for now, anyway. Here we take a look at the designers and street style stars championing checks.

Plaid is the pattern that just keeps giving. From pre school checks, punk kilts and pristine suiting, it is the autumn winter alternative to gingham. This season designers presented new versions of our old favourite. At Coach and Calvin Klein it was classic matching sets in shades of grey, while at Burberry and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi clashing prints and colours were impactful in a different way. Brock Collection opted for paler hues and pretty peplums on dresses and skirts, as did Michael Kors. Both Prabal Gurung and Proenza Schouler used checks on dresses layered over trousers.

Off the catwalk, the trend has already taken hold. On the streets of Fashion Week, the style set had taken their cues and were working plaid with aplomb. In some cases the most eye-catching looks were top-to-toe, in others it served as a more subtle print to layer over, or under. It can be preppy, sophisticated or just high fashion - there are no rules. We've honed in on the best looks.