It was just a few weeks ago that I sent out this dress edit and proclaimed that I am not that interested in florals this season, so lucky for me that in the place of florals this year we are being inundated with gingham.
And when I say inundated, I mean it. It’s everywhere…
To be honest, I started writing this longer ago than I’d like to admit, but it kept getting pushed aside for posts I finished sooner. And then
sent out a newsletter about gingham, and it was excellent. It also reminded me that I am, in fact, intrigued by it’s prevalence, but at the same time, I started to wonder how much chatter about gingham was too much, and maybe it was better if I just let my draft fall by the wayside.Flash forward not even 24 hours later and I couldn’t believe my eyes walking through Fort Greene park on Memorial Day. Perhaps its because it was on my mind so I was more inclined to notice it, or perhaps it was just everywhere. But I was blown away by how much the trend had made its way into every day life in Brooklyn.
Now listen, it’s unlikely that I, myself, will commit to this trend. I’m not one for prints and patterns, generally, and I also prefer to stay away from anything too trendy. I do not have space in my wardrobe, bank account, nor brain to lean into everything that trends, and I haven’t yet decided if gingham is a summer fad or here for the long-ish run.
But I will always love scouting the best trendy finds, because a) it’s fun, b) I find it soothing (don’t judge me), and c) it actually is kind of part of my job.
So without further ado, a rather large gingham edit because there actually is so much good gingham out there (and don’t worry, I do actually include my picks and how I’d wear it, because a gal can dream, too, you know?)
As a dress
Ok this might be the most obvious way to wear it of the bunch, but that’s also because it’s the easiest (and, dare I say, most boring?). The trick here is to make the dress just interesting or unique enough that you do not look like a picnic blanket, because we can get into dangerous territory easily there (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, go for it). I love the idea of sexing it up a little with a low back or cutout here, but you can always lean into the tradwife aesthetic (as long as you don’t go full trad on me here) with a feminine bow or cap sleeve.
As separates
I love the idea of breaking up a print, and that’s where separates come in. It’s also a more accessible way to add a trendy color or print to your wardrobe, without committing too much. Think of it as a pop of color when styling, and pair back with your favorite basics or denim. To be clear, there are a lot of good options out there in this world right now, so it’s really a choose your own adventure type of play here.
As an accessory…
Even less of a commitment than a top? An accessory. Also less likely to feel out of style, even when the trend starts to move on. A gingham shoe or tote will last a lot longer in your wardrobe than a summer dress in the same print, so if you’re interested more in longevity and cost per wear, this might be your way to go. (And if you missed the Donni taffeta pant presale, you can still snag that bow)
…or to the park….
Ok obviously I would be remiss if I didn’t include at least one picnic blanket and/or picnic related item here - gingham is the OG of picnic style, right?
…or to bed
This was actually my favorite category to research, because holy cow are there extra pajamas out there. And I am here for it!! I did not realize how boring my pajama collection was until now!!!
My picks, and how I’d wear it
I’m not going full gingham, but I do love the idea of wearing it as a little pop. In fact, doing this styling exercise and thinking about how it could fit into my life is making me want to dabble even more. Might I go for those Gap High Sport dupe pants? Or perhaps invest in a gingham blazer, because I know it will live in my closet long after the trend wanes? We’ll see…
Want more? Click here for my full running list of all the great gingham I’m finding out there, including these pants that I couldn’t find a home for in the collages but are living rent free in my head.
See you Friday!
xx
jen
I’ll just add to the accessories list, there are so many great gingham scrunchies to be had should you so desire: https://shop.mango.com/us/en/p/women/more-accessories/hair-accessories/set-of-2-printed-hair-ties_87057691
Ever since Lindsay’s post I feel like I’m seeing gingham EVERYWHERE!! I appreciate your take on the styling too. Your line about looking like a picnic blanket made me *giggle*