How Celebrities Style Burberry’s Iconic Check Print
Steeped in ’90s and early-aughts nostalgia, the heritage print endures today as a symbol of British cool.
Few prints are as recognizable as the Burberry check. Quintessentially British and steeped in heritage, the print dates back to the 1920s, when the brand first used it to line its cotton gabardine trench coats.
It wasn’t until 1967, however, that a Burberry buyer thought to wrap umbrellas and luggage in check lining. The house code went from discreet signature to full-fledged status symbol. From that moment, the check became more than just a lining—the print took various forms, applied to tops and bottoms, scarves, bags, and hats. Over the decades, the Burberry check has been embraced by fashion insiders, supermodels, and celebrities, absorbing the attitude of each era along the way.
Some of the most memorable pop cultural moments belong to the ’90s and early aughts. Victoria Beckham made the scarf feel impossibly posh when worn as a headscarf, while Beyoncé wore the iconic checked bikini in her “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” music video with Jay-Z. Liam Gallagher turned Burberry’s checked luggage into a Britpop travel flex. The print feels preppy, aspirational, and rebellious all at once.
As fashion continues to mine the archives for fresh perspective, the Burberry check remains a constant source of inspiration. The print is reinterpreted anew each season in a myriad of options with fresh energy. Most recently, Burberry’s collaboration with Hunza G brought the check back to the beach, proving that a true house code can evolve over time without ever losing its charm.
Below, a look at how celebrities wore the Burberry check then—and how to bring the iconic print into your own wardrobe today.
Reimagined season after season in mini, midi, maxi, and pleated silhouettes, the checked skirt has proven that it can move through decades with ease. In 1994, supermodel Christy Turlington styled hers with a crewneck sweater and black hosiery—a formula that still feels relevant today. For warmer weather, we suggest skipping the tights and simply pairing with pointed flats or loafers.
The bucket hat was one of the defining accessories of the early aughts—adopted by hip-hop legends and the Britpop scene alike—with Burberry’s check version one of the most recognizable toppers out there. Actress Garcelle Beauvais wore hers with wide-leg trousers and a fitted white turtleneck for a relaxed take on tailoring. We love the idea of styling it now with a trench coat, easy denim, and a white tee for a laid-back off-duty moment.
Liam Gallagher has always known that the secret to a great airport look is partly the clothes you show up in, and partly the suitcase you pack them in. Here, the Oasis frontman was photographed wheeling his Burberry weekender and checked luggage in the brand’s signature sand color. Today’s versions remain a forever investment.
Burberry’s check bikini is as iconic as the roster of women who’ve worn it. Kate Moss fronted one of the brand’s swimwear campaigns in the ’90s, while Beyoncé made the printed two-piece unforgettable in her “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” video with Jay-Z. The swimsuit endures today as a cult favorite amongst Hollywood and fashion insiders, including Rebecca Romijn, who styled hers in the most 2000s way imaginable: with a leather skirt, peeking out from an open shirt. Bring yours to the beach with a sarong and flip-flops.
Victoria Beckham, in peak Posh Spice mode, cemented the Burberry silk square as true early-aughts signature. Today, it’s one of the easiest ways to add the Burberry check into your wardrobe. Tie is around your head à la Beckham, knot it around your neck, or loop it around a bag handle—it’s a small yet mighty accessory.
Introduced in the 1970s, Burberry’s cashmere scarf has become one of the house’s most storied accessories. Katherine Heigl was photographed wearing a fringe-trim one in 2002, and its appeal has only deepened with time. It’s a timeless winter staple that can be worn over wool coats and trench coats alike; it also happens to be one of those rare gifts that’s universally appreciated.
A corset top—as seen in 2001 on Ali Larter—puts an edgy spin on the heritage print. While this exact top may not be available today, Burberry offers an array of button-downs and tanks with the print for a similar vibe.
Burberry’s printed tote is an excellent daily carryall—as proven here by Mandy Moore, who wore hers in 2001 with blue jeans and a black tank. It’s a classic accessory (and outfit!) that you style as boldly or as simply as you like.
