Check yourself: 13 ways to work gingham into your summer outfits

The patterned print is a longtime fashion fave - and it's having a moment

The enduring popularity of gingham is no boxticking exercise

Inspiration:

What do The Wizard of Oz, Bridget Bardot and Comme des Garçons have in common? Elevating a humble fabric to cult status - gingham. 

Whether Dorothy Gale’s iconic pinafore, Bardot’s pink wedding dress or Rei Kawakubo’s spring/summer `97 ‘Lumps and Bumps’ collection - each had a part to play in establishing the pretty checkerboard print as a perennial expectation rather than a passing trend. 

This season, prepare for a mix of traditional, contemporary, and unconventional renditions of an old favourite. Looking for inspiration? Check out these 13 failsafe ways to box clever.

Get the Look:

‘Honey’ gingham blouse, €85; ‘Buzz’ gingham tweed trousers, €98, Sister Jane

1. ‘Honey’ gingham blouse, €85; ‘Buzz’ gingham tweed trousers, €98, Sister Jane 

MSGM gingham cropped trousers, Farfetch, were €344; now €241

2. MSGM gingham cropped trousers, Farfetch, were €344; now €241 

Self-Portrait gingham check-print cropped blouse, Farfetch, was €275; now €206

3. Self-Portrait gingham check-print cropped blouse, Farfetch, was €275; now €206 

Camper ‘Meda’ gingham sandals, Farfetch, were €110; now €88

4. Camper ‘Meda’ gingham sandals, Farfetch, were €110; now €88 

ERL embroidered gingham cotton Oxford shirt, Net-a-Porter, €171.38

5. ERL embroidered gingham cotton Oxford shirt, Net-a-Porter, €171.38 

‘Ellie’ gingham dress, Stine Goya, €290

6. ‘Ellie’ gingham dress, Stine Goya, €290 

Faithfull The Brand ‘Romilla’ cutout gingham cotton midi-dress, Net-a-Porter, €329

7. Faithfull The Brand ‘Romilla’ cutout gingham cotton midi-dress, Net-a-Porter, €329 

Gingham short sleeve seersucker jumpsuit, Monki, €40

8. Gingham short sleeve seersucker jumpsuit, Monki, €40 

Pure cotton gingham puff sleeve longline blouse, M&S €42

9. Pure cotton gingham puff sleeve longline blouse, M&S €42 

M&S Collection pure cotton gingham square neck midi dress, M&S, €47.50

10. M&S Collection pure cotton gingham square neck midi dress, M&S, €47.50 

M&S Collection pure linen checked bucket hat, M&S, €20

11. M&S Collection pure linen checked bucket hat, M&S, €20 

‘Montenegro’ seersucker puff sleeve midi-dress, Rixo, €351

12. ‘Montenegro’ seersucker puff sleeve midi-dress, Rixo, €351 

Gingham check round natural brown crossbody bag, Oliver Bonas, €51

13. Gingham check round natural brown crossbody bag, Oliver Bonas, €51

Style Notes:

• OPPOSITES ATTRACT: Look to typically masculine styles and proportions like ERL’s Oxford shirt for a fresh take on the trend.
• PUT IT IN NEUTRAL: Counter the print’s whimsy with a grounded colour like earthen brown.
• THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Opt for a reimagined iteration like Stine Goya’s geometric spin on gingham.
• DO DETAIL: Prefer a low-key approach? Introduce gingham with thoughtful details like Oliver Bonas’ scarf handle wicker bag.