Gingham is a print that resurfaces with the Spring/Summer trends year after year. As a child, its arrival signified that the six-week holidays were nearly within our grasp, and, each year since, it’s continued to mark the arrival of warmer days and lighter evenings—no matter our age.
But while this year is no different when it comes to gingham’s somewhat hostile takeover of our wardrobes, for 2025 the playground-inspired print has had a full-on rebrand. Shedding its twee, picnic-print persona, this year’s best gingham buys have instead found their way into all the cool girls’ summer wardrobes—quickly cementing the check as not only a staple summer print but a stylish one, too.
So, what caused this transformation? Well, the gingham trend owes its newfound aesthetic to a few stylish sources. First up, it taps into the Euro summer vibe that’s currently taking over our feeds, but it also slots perfectly into the Western and trad wife aesthetics that are showing no signs of slowing.
It’s unsurprising to see, then, that rather than leaning into a sole mode of styling this season, gingham has taken on a more varied feel this season. Think gingham paired with classic accessories for the minimalists, the addition of cowboy boots and Western-inspired sun hats for all the wannabe cowgirls out there, or check printed pieces worn alongside primary brights and charm belts for a playful take on Euro summer style. No longer is the gingham print limited to cottagecore alone— now, it’s a something that anyone can put their stamp on (and definitely should).
If you need further proof of the growing gingham trend, just look to the celebs who have been leading the way in a host of grown-up iterations this year. Take Hailey Bieber, who took to her Instagram earlier this year to share a never-before-seen selfie from her pregnancy, in which she wore a red gingham dress from insider-favourite brand Realisation Par.
And, because where Hailey leads all undoubtedly follow, there’s been a marked uptick in gingham sightings of late. Most recently, at this year’s Wimbledon tournament, singer Olivia Rodrigo opted to wear a red-and-white check midi dress, while actress Daisy Ridley was spotted in a black gingham dress from celebrity favourite brand, Doen just last month. Each paired the print with cult trending accessories such as east-west bags, flip flops and, in Hailey’s case, her Rhode phone case, giving gingham their own personal style spin.
(Image credit: Hunza G)
It’s not just the celebrities who are making a case for gingham this season, either. Fashion editor- and influencer-favourite swimwear brand Hunza G has gone big on the print for 2025 with a collection of shirred swimwear, matching cover-ups and accessories featuring the print front and centre. All manner of labels have embraced the trend, too, whether their signature aesthetic is already ultra-feminine—like If Only If and Self-Portrait—or more high-fashion edgy, as at Ami Paris and Shushu/Tong. Naturally, the high-street has also hopped on the all-gingham-everything train.
So, we’ve established that gingham is definitely having a moment right now, and it’s cooler than ever. But one important question remains: how do you wear it, without looking like you’re fresh off the playground? To help, I’ve curated an edit of five key gingham pieces that deserve space in your wardrobe this summer, with ideas for how to style them.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
From smock-style minis that lean into the trad wife aesthetic (whether ironically or not is up to you) and cheeky little hotpants that have hot girl summer written all over them, to playful swimwear style for those who only dare dip their toe into the trend—this is how to wear in gingham in 2025, the cool-girl way.
5 Ways to Wear Gingham
1. A Gingham Mini Dress
The gingham mini dress is a summertime classic, but this season it’s had a pared-back makeover that makes it feel that much more suitable for adults. A simple linen shift will become your new everyday go-to, while for something a little more statement, look to styles with added details like bubble hems and embellishment. As ever, the accessories you choose will make all the difference when it comes to channeling your preferred aesthetic.
KITRI
Angelica Gingham Linen Blend Mini Dress
Realisation Par
Hazel Dress
This is a shorter version of Hailey’s gingham dress, that’s a little more on the sexy side. We love.
Self-Portrait
Gingham Taffeta Minidress
Self-Portrait’s gingham mini features a puffball skirt for guaranteed fun.
If Only If
Brigitte Chocolate Gingham Dress
Rock with a matching headscarf and pretty pumps for full-on Nara Smith vibes, or add a little edge with white ankle socks, leather loafers and statement jewels.
2. A Gingham Top
For an easy entry point into gingham, add a check top or blouse into your daily outfit rotation. Here, Raquel Costa Gomes gives the playful print a cooler edge take by pairing it with rich indigo blue denim jorts and this season’s must-have ballet sneakers. Her look takes gingham away from its previously twee connotations and adds a fresh spin that’s got 2025 written all over it.
GANNI
Bow-Detailed Gingham Crinkled-Taffeta Peplum Blouse
As ever, Ganni gives the classic print an offbeat spin with puff sleeves, a peplum hem and adjustable bows. Tone down the girlishness by styling with off-white Bermuda shorts and minimal black sandals.
Posse
Aurelia Gingham Strapless Cotton Top
Wear buttoned or unbuttoned, depending on your style.
Miu Miu
Logo Gingham Cotton Shirt
The oversize, boxy cut of this shirt makes it all the cooler—as does the logo, of course.
3. Gingham Swimwear
I already mentioned Hunza G’s latest gingham drop, however that’s not the only swimwear brand embracing the print this summer. From Fruity Booty’s gingham bikini (as seen on Kendall Jenner, FYI) to Damson Madder’s influencer-favourite gingham swimsuit, take this as further proof the check print needn’t be limited to your everyday wardrobe.
Hunza G
Peggy Gingham Bikini
Damson Madder
Betty Swimsuit
Fruity Booty
Gingham Bikini Top
Fruity Booty
Gingham Bikini Bottom
4. A Gingham Midi Dress
While mini styles are a great way to go, when it comes to this season’s best gingham dresses, all lengths get their moment. If you’re opting for a midi or maxi length style, keep things cool by with cut-outs or unique shapes. Then, finish with plenty of accessories like oval sunglasses and stacked jewellery.
Acne Studios
Gingham-Print Halterneck Dress
This gingham dress will look great worn day to day, or for summer social events.
Rosie Assoulin
Off-The-Shoulder Gingham Midi Dress
Just look at those sleeves! This is one you’ll be able to easily dress up or down just using accessories.
LA LIGNE
Gingham Silk Midi Dress
The fundamentally colour-averse can embrace the gingham trend too by opting for more subtle black-and-white checks, as seen on this silk La Ligne beauty.
5. Gingham Shorts
Gingham shorts have been trending for a few years now, especially in menswear-inspired boxer-short shapes. While they’re still a great choice in 2025, why not break the mould and give them a cheeky twist with micro shorts styles? Simply pair with more casual tops, like Adenorah has here, to balance out the look—or rock with a bikini top and bare feet for the ultimate summer vibes.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boxer
Rohé
Gingham Seersucker Shorts
Speltham
Gingham Boxer Shorts
