This Printed Dress Will Always Be a Timeless Summer Staple
Much like polka dots, Breton stripes and floral prints, gingham is one of the most distinguishable and dateless textile designs. I've observed the cyclical comings and goings of gingham dresses, and I've come to realise that gingham on midi lengths is an unmatched pairing. Come summer, there's always a place for gingham in my dress collection. Often printed onto puckered cotton or linen, the chequered print lends its wear to summer climates. Fashion brands release variations of the gingham-print dress every year amongst their seasonal updates.
Gingham is a style indicative of warm weather, childhood nostalgia, and country living with a nod to the cottagecore aesthetic that has dominated over the past couple of summers. There's something about the print that evokes the candour of summer. When the clocks go back, gingham dresses come out to play. There's a gingham dress for every occasion, whether it's a smarter style like the Flora Sardalos Milo dress or a trapeze dress in the style of Mango's check number.
Dresses with shirred busts and quadrate necklines are still going strong while styles incorporating trend-led cut-outs have modernised the traditional print. There's a strong French influence at play, too. I can't think of button-down and wrap-style dresses without envisaging low-lit dinners in Paris.
Carry on scrolling for some beautiful gingham-print midi dresses. It's the charming print we love every single summer.
Shop My Edit of Gingham Midi Dresses
Halterneck shirring is a fresh update on the typical square-neck gingham styles.
The lace-up waist detailing brings a whimsical element to this dress.
Whether you're on the red carpet or in your favourite park, Molly Goddard's designs never disappoint.
Cottagecore is still in my heart, and this style alludes to that frolicking fantasy.
Flora Sardalos is a new designer to know in 2022.
Silk is an uncharacteristic material for gingham, but I'm certainly not complaining.
A special piece with considered detailing from collar to blouson sleeves. Wear with slip-on loafers for a hint of androgyny.
The pyjama loungewear hybrid is apt for sleepy mornings and late lunches.
Muted colourways complement feminine styles even further as seen with the baby-blue hues.
Never underestimate the power of small details. The ruffled sleeves take this style up a notch.
When it comes to gingham, I often lean towards muted colourways like yellow and beige.
It may be too early to start thinking about A/W 2022 just yet, but I think this would translate to those seasons with brown boots!
The Franks London x Michelle Driscoll collaboration features some swoon-worthy pieces. As seen here, blue and gingham are an undefeated pairing.
Typically, gingham dresses are easy-wearing styles like this one. Made of a generous amount of light cotton, this dress invites ample movements like exaggerated spins or cradling a baby bump.
Sleeves and pockets. Dreamy!
I'm enamoured with Jigsaw dresses this year. The sleeves, neckline and large checked print make this style feel grown-up.
This would make a great country wedding guest dress. Pair it with bold earrings.
I think everyone could benefit from having a piece like this in their wardrobe.
This gingham wrap is classically Parisian. All that's missing is a red lip and slingbacks. Oh, and a basket bag!
Ruching and cut-outs? We're well and truly spoilt on the trend front.
Next Up: I'm a Dress Person, and These Are the 8 New Dresses I Adore
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.
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