When I think of summer clothing, the first thing that comes to mind is gingham. The pattern has a long history that has made it an icon in its own right—from Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz to Katharine Hepburn in The Night Before the Wedding to Margot Robbie in the latest blockbuster Barbie. The image that first comes to mind is probably Samantha’s iconic gingham two-piece set from season 3 of Sex and the City. One thing has been proven time and time again: nothing screams “summer” like gingham.
While gingham may have that traditional farmhouse feel for some, its street style revival is getting stronger by the hour. If you’re wondering, “Is gingham still in style in 2024?”, the answer is a resounding yes. The seasonal staple offers the rare benefits of being both fashionable and simple, youthful yet sophisticated. I believe this checkered combo will reign supreme this season because it can simultaneously elevate a neutral lover’s minimalist wardrobe while serving as the ideal base for a pop of color for a trendsetter. This summer, designers have reinterpreted this understated pattern in some of the season’s hottest silhouettes: capris, boxer shorts, drop-waist dresses—you name it.
Get inspired on how to style this beloved summer favorite and shop some of our favorite gingham picks of the season.
How to Style Gingham for Summer 2024
Carrie-coded
Is Miss Bradshaw in the room with us? These gingham capris paired with a fitted top and classic heels are so reminiscent of our early 2000s style icon. This minimalist look feels effortless and simple, while the check pattern adds interest and draws our attention.
Accessorize with intent
The typical red and white gingham combo gets a fresh twist with this relaxed and modernized look. Rather than competing with the red base of the pants, the red bag highlights the check pattern in a fresh way. The chunky woven texture of the bag combined with the smooth texture of the beads adds depth to this otherwise casual look.
Accessorize with unexpectedness
I’m obsessed with this cool take on the classic design. That’s exactly what I love about gingham this season: In the heyday of street style creators, we’re seeing a revival of vintage themes with an edgy twist. This is a textbook example of the rule of opposites when it comes to style. Instead of a breezy sandal with this categorically summery pattern, try a chunky statement loafer and a fun sock. And as for jewelry, instead of a pearl or shell, try layering different metals.
Head-to-toe gingham
Head-to-toe gingham—yes, please. The small-scale pattern can be worn in a variety of ways, but my favorite may be mixing gingham with other color combinations. The reason this works is because the accessories and layering pieces are the same color as the base of the top, which creates uniformity. If you experiment with shoes or bags in a different color, this maximalist style idea may not be as effective.
