Embrace the picnic-perfect trend with these dresses, tops, bikinis and scrunchies.
As far as summer prints go, few are more perennial than gingham, which made its resurgence last summer as part of the cottagecore trend that swept fashion into a flurry.
For spring/summer 2020, designers elevated gingham and made it a grown-up offering, revised from its usual child-like sensibility and given a fashion-forward twist. Michael Kors Collection, Fendi, Emilia Wickstead, Burberry and Victoria Beckham all embraced the print, and this year gingham looks set to rule the roost once more.
In its recent summer loungewear launch, Rixo endorsed checks in the form of sunny-hued co-ords and dresses, while Ganni’s ubiquitous seersucker checkered dress continues to be reimagined in a sea of clashing colour combinations for this summer. Although the fashion schedule was thrown into disarray by the tumult of the pandemic, a clutch of brands similarly threw their weight behind gingham in their spring/summer 2021 collections. At Paris Fashion Week, Ami played juxtaposing gingham prints against each other, while Altuzarra imagined it in a sea of jumpsuits and checkered separates. It was gingham galore.
The colours have had a change-up too. No longer just the reds and blues synonymous with our childhoods, gingham this summer is about embracing pretty purples, zesty greens, bold oranges and, if you’re brave enough, clashing them against each other all at once in a defiant embrace of more is more. It’s joyful dressing done properly.
Think Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, but make it fashion. These are our top-10 gingham picks to shop now.
Kitri Carmilla blue gingham shirred top
Kitri Carmilla blue gingham shirred top
Rixo Kendall citrus gingham dress
Rixo Kendall citrus gingham dress Even your holiday wardrobe is embracing the summer print. Rixo’s sunny yellow gingham dress will have you feeling like you’re floating on the French Riviera.
Asos Design curve high waist bikini in mono gingham print
Asos Design curve high waist bikini in mono gingham print Even bikinis are getting the gingham memo: this Asos Design curve monochrome number is as picture-perfect as it is practical
Shop Asos Design curve high waist bikini in mono gingham print, £40
Anthropologie set of 4 gingham scrunchies
Anthropologie set of 4 gingham scrunchies Even minimalist wardrobes can get on board with gingham by adopting a checkered scrunchie. A simple, everyday way to embrace the trend.
Nimiiny Ruby bodice in cherry gingham
Nimiiny Ruby bodice in cherry gingham Slow fashion label Nimiiny’s Ruby bodice is serving some serious tablecloth-but-make-it-fashion vibes. Pair with acid wash denim for optimal appeal.
Asime blue gingham jacket
Asime blue gingham jacket If you’re not entirely ready to fully commit to the gingham trend, then dip your toes in with a jacket that you can just throw over your shoulders. We’re loving this blue gingham offering from social enterprise Asime.
LannyxStudio neon check bag
LannyxStudio neon check bag Conscious brand LannyxStudio crafts its fluorescent gingham bag by hand in the UK in limited quantities, meaning once they’re gone – they’re gone!
Ganni seersucker check mini shorts
Ganni seersucker check mini shorts Ganni’s short and sweet seersucker shorts have got a little bit of Dirty Dancing about them. For an easy take on summer tailoring, team yours with an oversized white shirt and simple sandals.
Ganni gingham organza blouse
Ganni gingham organza blouse Organza’s big news this year, and so is gingham, so this Ganni blouse is killing two sartorial birds with one stone. Perfect for an occasion, finish off this look with flared trousers and a micro mule.
Asos Design high waisted flare trouser in lime green check
Asos Design high waisted flare trouser in lime green check Lime green is having a huge moment, so why not embrace both the zesty hue and gingham with these retro-inspired flares?
Shop Asos Design high waisted flare trouser in lime green check, £28
Images: courtesy of brands