Gentlemen's agreement For the 50th anniversary of the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy prize, the Italian house created a double-breasted suit with a micro-houndstooth pattern that combines the hallmarks of classic tailoring with modern shapes. Double-breasted jacket (HK$25,600); trousers (HK$9,900).

Mixed media You can introduce a new pattern to a full-on houndstooth get-up by keeping the colours monochromatic, much like they did at Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers, where they layered a suit with a check-pattern sweater. The tone-on-tone combination makes for a streamlined effect. Jacket (Price on request); trousers (HK$4,500); V-neck sweater (HK$7,950).

Ivy LeagueTommy Hilfiger channelled the look of Harvard and Yale students for autumn 2013 but, to prevent it from looking too literal, he piled on varying sizes of the houndstooth pattern - from the most obvious as seen on the trousers to the edging on a varsity striped scarf; from the plaid blazer that incorporates a houndstooth pattern to the soles of the leather lace-up shoes (Price on request).

Abstract thinking It's not obvious at first glance, but look closely and you will see that the quilted pattern on the Calvin Klein collection sweater actually mimics that of the houndstooth (Price on request).

Double takeIs it plaid or a houndstooth pattern? In the case of this Fendi shirt, it is a plaid pattern made from houndstooth, a sort of abstracted glen plaid (Price on request).

Sartorial elegance Inspired by the heritage of men’s estate dressing, Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s meticulously crafted three-piece suit is cut from plush cashmere and wool. An authentic Harris Tweed coat in camel with a houndstooth pattern is accented beautifully by a wide paisley tie for a sexy monochromatic look (Price on request).