Gingham is taking over our wardrobes with a summer makeover

Checkered patterns (aka Gingham) have always been around, but paired with this summer twist it's quickly become a wardrobe staple

Alyssa Cordes is seen wearing white shorts Levis, blue gingham checkered top Envii, Adidas sneaker, Prada bag in blue, sunglasses Mango on June 14, 2021 in Berlin, Germany.
(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Is Gingham the way to go? If you're in need of a wardrobe refresh this summer look to fashion influencers who have been spotted in Gingham—but with a twist—that would make a chic addition to almost any capsule wardrobe.

Yes, Gingham has always been around, but this year it's been given a 2021 makeover. Rather than the classic black and white style we've come to know and love, this year the style set has deemed pastel Gingham to be the it thing to own. Pastels were prominent at the SS21 shows with everyone from Kenzo to Acne Studios and Max Mara to Chanel sending variations of delicate, sorbet-like colors—think lovely lilacs, canary yellows, blush pinks, and sea foam greens—down the catwalks. So it's no surprise that pastels really are everywhere and have even gotten the Gingham treatment.   

A selection of pastel looks from the spring summer 2021 catwalk from alberta ferretti to chanel

A selection of pastel looks from the Spring/Summer 2021 shows: (From left to right) Kenzo, Chloe, Max Mara, Acne Studios, Chanel, Alberta Ferretti, Salvatore Ferragamo)

(Image credit: Getty Images / Contributor)

A super versatile trend, whether you step out in one of your best summer dresses or pair the pattern with the best huggie earrings, it's not too hard to make a bold or subtle statement with Gingham.

There are countless ways to style and pair it, but if you're stuck on how to get started take the lead from fashion influencers who are incorporating pastels into their looks.

Pastel Gingham skirts

Maxi, midi, mini, tight, or flowy skirts all work for this trend—nothing is off-limits. To make this trend work though, you need to make sure that your outfit features the pattern in a soft color. It's huge 'florals for Spring, groundbreaking energy' but for summertime, pastels really come into their own. 

You can go bold by mixing patterns for a pleasant discord of keep things simple by pairing the skirt with well-cut basics, as is expertly demonstrated by Ella Emhoff who teamed a pastel green gingham skirt with white T-shirt adding an open denim vest to make the look unique. 

WDIRARA Women's Plaid Skirt | $9.99 - $21.99
$9.99 at Amazon US

WDIRARA Women's Plaid Skirt | $9.99 - $21.99

This skirt gives us ultimate Clueless vibes and it comes in multiple colors to match to your personal style.

Zara Gingham Knit Skirt | $39.90/£27.99
$39.90 at zara.com

Zara Gingham Knit Skirt | $39.90/£27.99

For added texture in your closet consider a knit fabric for added comfort and softness.

Zara Tiered Plaid Skirt | $49.90/£29.99
$49.90 at zara.com

Zara Tiered Plaid Skirt | $49.90/£29.99

Nothing says young Donna Summers from Mamma Mia than a long-tiered skirt (great for running through a field barefoot).



Pastel Gingham Matching Sets

If you want a quick and simple outfit that looks effortless and elegant, then definitely add a matching set to your cart. It's one of the easiest ways to pair an outfit without having to put a lot of effort or thought into it. One influencer even went as far as sporting a matching set that used multiple patterns. 

Monki Gingham Set | $43/£35
$43 at asos.com

Monki Gingham Set | $43/£35

Keep it simple with a button-down top and matching shorts, perfect for meeting up with friends or just lounging around the house.

Love Triangle Sleeveless Blazer and Mini Tennis Skirt Set | $117/£73
$117 at asos.com

Love Triangle Sleeveless Blazer and Mini Tennis Skirt Set | $117/£73

This blazer and mini tennis skirt just scream preppy and put-together.

Pastel Gingham Dresses & Rompers

For a soft delicate look put the pastel checkered look on a flowy dress—especially if you mix it with the cottagecore trend. For a more casual or street style look though, then switch your one-piece look from a chic dress to a romper. Fashion influencer Zeena Shah sported both styles on the gram to show the versatility of each look depending on what your preference is.

Gilli Tie Waist Romper | $55 $38 (save $17)
$38 at asos.com

Gilli Tie Waist Romper | $55 $38 (save $17)

Need a more relaxed look? This romper comes packed with a tie front design and relaxed style perfect for a casual laidback look.

Miss Selfridge Gingham Tie Front Romper | $40 $28 (save $12)/£25 £8.75 (save £16.25)
$28 at asos.com

Miss Selfridge Gingham Tie Front Romper | $40 $28 (save $12)/£25 £8.75 (save £16.25)

For those hot summer days sport this romper which features a trendy tie-front detail for added style.

Sugar Lips Women's Little Gingham Midi Dress | 	$36.59/£28.73
$36.59 at Amazon US

Sugar Lips Women's Little Gingham Midi Dress | $36.59/£28.73

This midi dress just screams picnic in the park with its ruffled edges and flowy skirt.


ZAFUL Women's Mini Dress | $25.99 - $34.99
$25.99 at Amazon US

ZAFUL Women's Mini Dress | $25.99 - $34.99

Whether you pair over a plain white tee or wear it alone, it'll be hard not to make a statement in this dress.

Prepare to see this fashion influencer-approved pattern everywhere this summer and make sure to stock up on the style for a fun and flirty look.

Rylee Johnston

Rylee is a U.S. news writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life who primarily covers lifestyle, celebrity, and fashion news. At times, she also reports on beauty, royals, entertainment, health, and travel. The latest fashion and beauty trends, along with any quirky travel destinations are her favorite topics to write about. 

Before coming to woman&home and My Imperfect Life, Rylee originally studied journalism at Hofstra University where she explored her interests in world politics and magazine writing. From there, she dabbled in freelance writing covering fashion and beauty e-commerce for outlets such as the TODAY show, American Spa Magazine, First for Women, and Woman’s World.

When she’s not writing articles, you can find her testing out one of the many restaurants New York City has to offer and planning her next travel destination. Her other hobbies also include hiking, ballet, yoga, and reading practically any book TikTok recommends.