When the fictional editor-in-chief of Runway, Miranda Priestly, said “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking…” it was immediately clear that she was in the market for the equally delectable, less overdone sunny weather print that is gingham for the next seasonal issue of the magazine.
Also referred to as Vichy check, gingham fabrics usually use a medium to lightweight cotton blend woven to include tartan, striped, check or duotone colours. Practically made for warm weather, gingham enthusiasts can often be spotted frolicking through fields and dining al fresco while clad in the airy, feminine and flirtatious print from spring all the way through to high summer.
Certain individuals who refuse to see the joyful chicness of a classic red and white Vichy may attempt to sway your appreciation for the très français style by comparing it to a classic, old-school tablecloth design. To that, we say check yourself and watch your (duo)tone before raining on the gingham parade, for you’ll find that the style is more en vogue today than ever before.
While gingham has had extended periods of popularity since its invention in France in the 17th century, and its later adaptation by the English and Dutch in the 19th century, Scandinavian fashion house Ganni can be credited with bringing the flowing, colourful fabric back into the sartorial spotlight.
In 2020, Ganni’s original gingham seersucker maxi became the dress of the summer. You’d be hard-pressed to find an it-girl without their very own version in one of the many colourways the brand released. Endlessly flattering and accompanied by supportive smocking, Ganni’s OG design may no longer be on the market, but the brand certainly hasn’t put away its ginghams for good.
We’ve curated a selection of the best gingham dresses for spring and summer for an effortlessly Scandi silhouette. Keep scrolling for a round-up of playful designs.
Black Gingham Tie Detail Bertie Midi Dress
With its pin-tucked yet flowy silhouette, this puff-sleeved gingham dress by Nobody’s Child reminds us of a Disney Princess. Inspired by vintage styles, the milkmaid midi is made with organic cotton blended with recycled materials for a silky-smooth softness.
Buy now £75.00, Nobody’s Child
Pia Midi Dress
The Pia bandeau dress from Damson Madder is a lesson in sartorial versatility that we’ve not seen since the film Aquamarine was released in 2006. The ultra-flattering, seersucker design features multi-way ties which form a pretty bow at the front or back of the dress. Alternatively, it can be worn as a criss-cross halter neck.
Buy now £90.00, Damson Madder
Stella Nova Checked Cotton-Seersucker Mini Dress
Characterised by a true Scandi silhouette, this cotton seersucker mini dress from Stella Nova features a classic oxford collar bordered by oversized scalloped edges and a cheeky peek-a-boo cut-out. Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton, this is the kind of dress that you’ll want to spend all summer in.
Buy now £182.00, Coggles
o.p.t Erva Plaid Check Dress
Summer wedding ensemble? Check. With its classic, vintage Dior-esque silhouette, this glorious bandeau gingham dress will have you twirling the night away like Audrey Hepburn at an Oscar’s afterparty.
Buy now £153.00, John Lewis
Seersucker Check Mini Layer Dress
Arguably the orchestrators of the recent re-interest in gingham dresses, Ganni’s mini seersucker dress in black and white check is a summertime staple. Layer with a turtleneck and some colourful tights in the winter for a year-round capsule wardrobe hero.
Buy now £235.00, Ganni
Eliza Faulkner Tessa Checks Dress
Your new go-to dress no matter the season, this beautiful ribbon-adorned piece has a peplum, Basque-style bodice with a flared, circle skirt bottom. Whether worn with a layering tee or not, we’d pair it with some feminine ballet flats.
Buy now £398.00, Free People
Cotton Gingham Seersucker Dress
With its loose-fitting, V-neckline and voluminous skirt, this cotton gingham dress from Toast is a brilliant throw-on-and-go piece for those summer days when it’s too hot to decide what to wear. Made in India from 100 per cent cotton, it offers a flattering, luxurious and airy silhouette for sunny holidays abroad and at-home heatwaves.
Buy now £185.00, Toast
Gingham Sleeveless Midi Dress
Sleeveless and asymmetrical, this chic gingham dress from NA-KD will take you from the office to outdoor drinks in the evening with ease. Some slip-on kitten heels and a slicked-back bun are the only accessories you’ll need.
Buy now £64.95, NA-KD
Petite Yellow Gingham Sleeveless Starlight Mini Dress
In case you haven’t heard, butter yellow is the colour of the season, and this cinched button-up gingham dress is calling out for a trip to Santorini.
Buy now £69.00, Nobody’s Child
The Cindy Frill Dress
An ultra-mini, seersucker festival dress with built-in matching pants? It’s an immediate add-to-basket moment. We simply adore the drop-waist silhouette and oh-so 80s colour palette.
Buy now £155.00, Peachy Den
Contrasting Print Dress
With its sorbet hues and lightweight composition, this strappy dress from Mango makes for the perfect summertime beach cover-up.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Grace Hopper Dress Raspberry Gingham with Valentine Hand Smocking
Named after the pioneering mathematician and computer scientist, this hand-smocked valentine-hued dress by Smock London features handy pockets and an elasticated bodice that offers support in all the right places.
Buy now £225.00, Smock London
