Gingham Is (Still) The ‘It’ Print Of Summer, So Here Are The Very Best Pieces To Buy

If you are officially A Grown Up, normally we would advise you steer clear of wearing anything you did when your age was still in single digits. There is, however, an exception: gingham.

For many of us – even those who are fully signed up members of ‘responsible adulthood’ – gingham is as much of asartorial indicator of summer as florals, broderie anglaise and sandals. And this season proves no exception.

The easiest jumping off point for gingham is with a dress. & Other Stories and Monki have both had sell-out successes with their gingham styles already this summer. Those dresses have long gone (sob!) but Topshop and Monsoon also have excellent versions on the high street. The fashion pack love gingham on Sleeper and Khaite’s off the shoulder styles. Just add a basket bag and tousled hair – très Brigitte Bardot. Consider it for after-dark dresses too (Emilia Wickstead served up a masterclass this season).

There’s no need to limit gingham to dresses, however. It’s perfect on blouses, and an easy way to give all-year denim warm-weather charm. A men’s shirt gives it a tomboyish appeal. And if you simply want to dip your toe in then consider gingham swimwear, like Veronica Beard’s bandeau top and big-briefed bikinis.

As for the colour combinations? Blue and white will always be a crisp pairing for the print, just steer clear of it on anything too girly, which can veer into school uniform or Dorothy territory. Pastels are also always a winner, but if you find that too saccharine, then opt for zingier shades. A shot of neon gives the classic print a hint of rave-y rebellion. Another way to amp it up then turn up the volume. Oversized checks make an unexpectedly graphic statement.

If you find gingham too twee for your tastes, then seek out sharper silhouettes and neutral colours. The opening look of Victoria Beckham’s SS20 show featured a slick, black and white gingham trouser suit worn with a roll neck and a double-breasted coat shrugged over the shoulders. The effect was sophisticated and grown up rather than sweet and girlish. Side note: black and white gingham is the perfect partner to vibrant blocks of colour, a move shown not just at Victoria Beckham but Emilia Wickstead as well.

Speaking of black and white gingham, it also made an appearance on the AW20 catwalks, at Christian Dior, Lanvin and Ami. Proof, then, that gingham is for life – not just for summer.

SHOP: Check Out The Best Gingham Pieces To Buy Now