Originally written for Liberty Belle (May 2014), read it here.
I have always been obsessed with all things girly. Frilly socks, pink dresses, tights with animals on – if you wore it when you were six I’m definitely wearing it now. This summer the most primary-schoolgirl trend of them all, the lovely gingham print, is returning and I can’t wait to welcome back to my wardrobe. If you’re not nearly as enthused by girly fashion as I am, don’t worry! Gingham has grown up for 2014, and it’s actually a lot more versatile than you think.
The colours have changed: pillar box reds and bottle greens of school uniform pinafores are nowhere to be seen and instead sugary sweet pastels are the shades of choice. Choose pink or blue to keep it casual, or go for lilac or sunshine yellow if you’re a fan of summer brights. Monochrome is also a great option, with tailored, skinny trousers, leggings and shorts in black and white check print being the most effortless way to nod to the trend.
This trend takes a lot of influence from prairie girls and Americana so red, blue and white are everywhere. Frilled crop tops paired with denim are a classic take on this look, with gingham scrunchies, headbands and socks all adorable possible accessories. There are lots of gingham shorts on the market too, so this style can be switched up however you choose.
A lot of brands are mixing up the sizes of the checks and big, zoomed in squares are the most popular. Find these on smock dresses and loose-fitting tops to keep the look completely fresh and out of the schoolyard. If you’re into graphic patterns, blocks of different sized checks and patterns such as hearts or cartoon flowers are ideal for making a bold, less saccharine statement.
Gingham print is the ideal print for beach days and warm nights, it’s cute without being overly twee and fun without being too silly. I have two gingham pieces in my wardrobe already (skinny red trousers and a lilac smock dress) and my mouse is currently hovering over the “place order” button of another.
Gingham is well and truly here for the summer!
