The gingham top has quietly emerged as the defining trend for summer 2025, borrowing inspiration from the checkered tablecloths of Italian trattorias and infusing wardrobes with charm and sophistication. This season, the checkerboard pattern has reasserted itself with understated elegance, becoming a favored choice for those seeking a timeless yet modern summer look. It evokes the essence of long picnics in sun-drenched parks, leisurely alfresco lunches, and the nostalgic feeling of wandering through prairie fields with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
Morgane Sézalory, founder of the quintessentially Parisian label Sézane, describes gingham as a blend of nostalgia and freshness. She suggests its return comes after a period dominated by bold, graphic prints, with people now gravitating toward patterns that feel softer yet still statement-making. According to her, gingham feels familiar but is rejuvenated in new color palettes and silhouettes. Its appeal lies in its ability to uplift the mood and exude joyful simplicity.
Historically, gingham has long held an enduring place in fashion. Its iconic status was cemented through Dorothy Gale’s blue and white dress in The Wizard of Oz, a look later revisited by Harry Styles in a Gucci version during his 2021 Halloween performance. Since the 1940s, gingham has been a staple of the gamine wardrobe, most notably worn by Audrey Hepburn, who was often spotted in gingham capri pants while filming War and Peace in Rome.
Today, the gingham top is favored by those with a discerning fashion sense who wish to inject an element of ease and effortlessness into their summer ensembles. In 2023, Margot Robbie helped reignite the trend with her pink and white Prada set during the early Barbie press tour. The look nodded to the brand’s spring/summer menswear collection, and although Prada did not revisit gingham until much later, Miu Miu has taken the reins with its autumn/winter 2025 collection featuring gingham trench coats and pastel skirts.
Where designer Miuccia Prada leads, the rest of the fashion world often follows. This was evidenced when Alexa Chung appeared in a gingham windbreaker, reminiscent of her earlier twee-era style. Despite its rich fashion history, gingham has not always enjoyed widespread appeal. Often tied to cottagecore aesthetics, it was previously seen as overly nostalgic or costume-like. However, brands like Dôen and Mode Mischief have reimagined the print, pulling it away from provincial associations and making it relevant for contemporary city fashion.
This shift is also seen in more architectural and refined interpretations of gingham, such as the Maison Margiela set worn by Cynthia Erivo in New York. Even Ariana Grande incorporated gingham into her promotional wardrobe for Wicked, giving the pattern a pop-culture boost. While some may still hesitate to embrace gingham, Sézalory believes its adaptability should inspire confidence.
She asserts that gingham transcends seasons and styles, and as a pattern often linked to French fashion, it naturally carries an air of sophistication. Gingham, she notes, offers just the right mix of femininity and playfulness without appearing exaggerated. It provides an easy and understated way to introduce pattern and color into any wardrobe while preserving the joy of getting dressed.
Her advice for wearing gingham includes mixing it with other prints like florals and stripes to highlight its versatility. She suggests beginners opt for classic cuts, such as a square neckline, which offers simplicity and flattery. For a relaxed yet polished option, she recommends a tie-front gingham shirt—a piece that balances charm with structure, perfect for an effortless summer day. Labels like Reformation, Posse, and Nobody’s Child have similarly succeeded in striking this balance with their gingham offerings.
Sézalory notes that gingham is not limited to high-street collections or runway designs; it is also a staple seen across Paris. It feels timely and yet completely enduring, embodying what makes a trend truly timeless. For those ready to embrace the allure of this French-girl favorite, gingham tops are now available in a range of styles, offering plenty of inspiration for a chic, sun-soaked season.
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