A case study in Gingham… 

For me, going back to basics is the action of doing something that elicits feelings of warmth, security, and familiarity.  And like everything else in my life, it all begins with fashion, so gingham is a fabric that really transports me.

First of all, a little about gingham….Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarn.  It was made popular in the 60’s and was often associated with indie music and the “mod” crowd whose influence in fashion is felt even today.

For me, the gingham pattern reminds me of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island (loved her), and Bridget Bardot’s famous gingham wedding dress which caused such a run on the fabric that it created a shortage in France.  Simple, yet stylish, gingham’s checked pattern brings back memories of childhood and simpler times.

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of how to wear it!  Today I chose to keep it classic by wearing high waisted wide-legged gingham pants, but with a modern twist by adding a cropped top and long cardi. But the possibilities are endless with this versatile pattern.

Styling options…

• Preppy: Pair a gingham skirt with a classic polo shirt (tennis anyone?)

• Rocker: Mix a wide leg gingham trouser with a distressed tee and leather moto jacket

• Fashion Forward: Try mixing print on print, since gingham is a check, it works nicely with dots or florals as long as you keep the colors with the same tonal family

• Glam: Layer a metallic to any print for an instant glamorous twist

So let’s live it up and dress outside of our comfort zone!  Comment below what’s you favorite way to wear a print?

What I wore;

Top, Pants- Zara

Necklace- Brinker & Eliza