Key Takeaways
- Modern Gingham: Gingham has evolved from a picnic blanket print to a sophisticated wardrobe staple.
- Styling Tips: Celebrity stylist Erin Walsh recommends pairing gingham with tailored or relaxed silhouettes for a timeless look.
- Color Options: Gingham is available in classic black-and-white as well as trendy colors like butter yellow and sage green.
- Versatile Pairings: The print pairs well with elevated basics such as crisp white separates and denim.
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 Hathaway 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.
