11 Ways to Style Gingham Print, the Spring Staple You Can Actually Wear All Year

Even the most seasoned fashion girlies tend to forget that gingham, for all intents and purposes, is a plaid. As a member of the checked family, I automatically find gingham one of the easiest prints to style—right up there with polka dots and leopard print. Don’t believe me? Keep reading, because it would be my honor to prove you wrong.

Despite its Easter Sunday or country club associations, gingham’s checker-like pattern gives it an intrinsically edgy vibe that’s just waiting to be brought to life—all it takes is a good graphic tee, a statement necklace, and a pair of lug-sole boots. That being said, you can’t go wrong with paying tribute to its yuppie roots. Lean into the Taylor Swift of it all (she’s a big supporter of the gingham mini dress) by introducing preppier elements, like trench coats and pleated skirts (two more Swift favorites).

Like its grid-style siblings tartan, buffalo checks, and Glen plaid, gingham is best paired with prints from the same family. You can also style it with the aforementioned polka dots and leopard spots, as well as zebra print, florals, and beyond. Ahead, read up on how all the cool girls style gingham for virtually every season.

Elevated Menswear

I’ve spent most of my life trying to convince my friends to shop in the men’s department and today is no exception. Pull from your partner, borrow from your dad, or pillage your local Goodwill for their best checked items. The oversized fit of a men’s shirt will give the girly-girl motif the androgynous vibes it so desperately needs.

Academic Undertones

WWTSD? (What would Taylor Swift do?) She’d reach for a pleated skirt and a boxy blazer. Gingham is beloved by waspy private school kids across the nation and, as such, looks right at home next to other academic staples. Schoolgirl skirts, suit jackets, and bold tights all look great when accompanied by a classic gingham check.

Luxe Leather

Embrace gingham’s edgier undertones by utilizing your best leather staples. A long-line jacket and angular boots will make the feminine print feel fresh and so cool in two seconds flat.

With Zebra Print

In addition to classic patterns like polka dots and leopard, gingham checks also pair shockingly well with wilder motifs—like zebra stripes, for example. Pack on the prints, then finish with luxe leather accessories for an elevated, but decidedly edgy, take on the traditional look.

Gingham Co-Ords

The first rule of styling gingham? Add more gingham. It’s a concept you’ll see implemented throughout this story in varying forms. For now, let’s start with the basics. A two-piece set washed in the same checkered print will always feel stylish and put together. In terms of styling, you don’t have to do much—just pop on a white tee and minimal accessories for an effortlessly cool aesthetic.

Scandi Layers

Gingham is one of the core tenets of the Scandi girl aesthetic (along with quilted jackets, striped boxer shorts, and oversized scrunchies). So next time you’re looking to level-up your check collection, I recommend leaning into that theme. Do as the Dutch by layering your best gingham dress over cropped jeans and topping it with a lightweight coat in a trending pastel hue.

Plaid and Gingham

When I (bravely) made my previous claims that gingham is actually an edgy girl staple, it’s likely that you, dear reader, did not believe me. And that’s okay! Because this punky outfit is all the evidence I need to support that theory. Mix and match the two, then add on fishnets and a little bit of moto inspiration—whether that’s a jacket or striped boots.

Color-Blocked Gingham

Stacking gingham is always a good idea, as I’ve well established. But don’t confine yourself to like colors only. Channel an edgy mismatched look with contrasting hues or print sizes—or both at once.

Jumbo Checks

If you’re an early adopter of the gingham trend, you might be feeling a bit “been there done that.” But I’m confident that a pair of pants (or a dress or jacket) with an outsize gingham print will renew your interest in the checkered pattern.

Gingham and a Trench Coat

Preppy culture dictates that the print must be worn, at some point, with khaki—and not to do so would be sacrilegious. And given that trench coats are fashion’s highest-ranking trend of the moment, that automatically makes them a top contender. Go classic with a white button-down and loafers or embrace a more eclectic vibe, by adding funky cowboy boots and a chaotic (complimentary) neck stack.

A Classic Gingham Suit

Gingham is a springtime favorite, to be sure. But it looks just as good during the other three seasons, too. Winterize the motif with a dramatic, checked pantsuit, complete with faux fur accessories.

Read the original article on InStyle