Gingham has officially outgrown its picnic blanket reputation. Once associated with vintage tablecloths and retro summer dresses, the timeless checkered print has become one of the season’s most polished wardrobe staples, showing up on everything from tailored skirts and breezy button-downs to effortless matching sets and chic dresses.
“The key to making gingham feel modern is treating it like a classic rather than a statement print,” celebrity stylist Erin Walsh says. “I love it in more tailored or relaxed silhouettes—think a chic skirt, an easy button-down, or breezy pants. Styled this way, it feels timeless, effortless, and endlessly versatile.”
That’s exactly why the print is having such a strong fashion moment.
Whether you gravitate toward classic black-and-white checks or fresh shades like butter yellow, chocolate brown, navy, and sage green, gingham feels surprisingly easy to wear when paired with elevated basics like crisp white separates, denim, and neutral accessories.
Ahead, Walsh, who styles Anne Hathway and Selena Gomez shares her favorite styling tricks for making the nostalgic print look sophisticated, the colors she’s loving this season, and where to shop affordable gingham pieces that feel fresh, not fussy.