From French Women to Royalty, This Classic Print Is Having a Moment Right Now

Perhaps it's the picture perfect picnic weather, or the fact that Kate Middleton wore the trend on a recent outing sparking a Google surge for the term but, either way, the gingham fashion trend is big news right now. One of those forever patterns that returns almost every summer, gingham is synonymous with blazing sun-clad days as well as being largely considered an integral part of the French-girl uniform—it does loan itself to Gallic styling, after all. So timeless is the print that it often passes under the radar, cropping up from time to time in a cottagecore moment, basket bag in tow, but often sitting in the background as an old reliable style that has been overlooked. And for summer 2023 gingham has had a rebrand of sorts and been pushed to centre stage again. Personally, I'm here for it. 

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(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Looking back to the runway shows for this season, it was clear from last autumn that gingham was reclaiming its sartorial presence. From ACNE to Chanel to Coach, designers have taken this classic pattern to new heights with varied colours and compositions, allowing it to garner pride of place this season. As always happens, the trend has infiltrated from high-end designers all the way down to our favourite high-street stores. The best part of all is that gingham comes in so many variations. You can make like Middleton and opt for a pop of print through a gingham blazer, or tease a peek of gingham bikini under your favourite beach cover-up. For those devoted to tailoring, there's plenty of options too with wide-leg gingham trousers aplenty, and of course you'll spot the pattern in its natural habitat of floaty summer dresses. 

If you're ready to embrace the gingham fashion trend once more, keep scrolling.

HOW FRENCH WOMEN WEAR THE GINGHAM FASHION TREND

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

French women are all about easy (but chic!) outfit solutions, so this gingham co-ord makes complete sense. 

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

The gingham fashion trend has also infiltrated the French swimwear scene. 

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

A gingham blouse will look just as chic with mini skirts as it will tailored trousers or jeans. 

SHOP THE GINGHAM FASHION TREND

Up next: Ready, Steady, Beach! 9 Swimwear Trends You'll Love to Wear This Summer

Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.